Arturia - Keystep 37 - Creative MIDI Controller, Sequencer, Arpeggiator and Chord Generator - 37-Note Slimkey Keyboard, Assignable MIDI CC Controls, Scale Mode, Versatile Connectivity

Product Information

Your sequenced notes are shown on the colourful LED strip above the keyboard - sequencing has never been this easy.

As far as I can see there are very few compact, three octave MIDI controllers around, and most smaller controllers have those silly tiny keys whereas this has somewhere a little larger which makes playing much nicer. All the other controls carry over from the 32, including the Sequencer/Arp slider switch and eight‑way selector knobs which have a satisfyingly old‑school synth feel. Integration is key for any MIDI-Controller, and the KeyStep Range all have MIDI connectivity over USB, as well as MIDI x1 Input/x1 Output (x2 MIDI Outputs on the KeyStep Pro).It doesn’t have CV outs or a sequencer but instead goes to town with real-time MIDI control knobs/pads for detailed control of DAW plug-ins.

That, I’ve googled, and it seems the consensus is, it’s a bit of a hit and miss depending on how the controller is set up, if it can be a host or not, that kind of stuff. Is the 37 offering a considerate amount of inspiring tools more, in the arp / seq / chords depertment, that’s worth the upgrade? Main differences are more CV outputs (useless if you don’t have modular gear), more sequencer tracks (mostly useful if you have multiple hardware synths), drum sequencer (could be useful even for sequencing DAW since it has a nice workflow with setting each lane to different lengths, but you’ll have some DAW equivalent and of course your Syntakt…).

KeyStep 37 also features a handy scale mode, which quantizes played notes to the nearest note in a specified scale or key, minimizing accidentals when undesirable and keeping the music flowing. Four new knobs with an LED screen can be found in the centre of the KeyStep 37's control panel giving you hands-on, instant access to great new tools. Assignable 16 MIDI CC parameters can be used across four switchable banks to really get the most out of your MIDI hardware and software while the four new controls give you excellent realtime control for truly dynamic performances. WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct heat sources, such as radiators, fires and direct sunlight.