REDEFINING THE PORTABLE KEYBOARD EXPERIENCE
KeyStep is a new breed of portable musical tool combining the functionalities of a keyboard controller with a polyphonic step sequencer to control both analog and digital devices.
You need a portable USB MIDI controller but also want a keyboard that provides a musical playing experience? You have some MIDI modules you want to connect as well but don’t want the footprint of a large keyboard? You have modular and analog gear you want to control via CV/GATEs? You want a step sequencer with polyphonic capability that can sync to your favorite modern and vintage gear? If only a single piece of gear could do all of this…
Main Features
- Arturia’s own Slimkey keybed with velocity and aftertouch
- Arpeggiator mode:
- Up, down, inclusive, exclusive, random, note order, double up, double down modes
- Sequencer mode:
- 8 polyphonic step-sequences with Rest, Tie, and Legato note entry
- Rate control and tap tempo:
- REC, PLAY, and STOP buttons for performance control over the sequencer and arpeggiator
- Sustain HOLD button
- Sustain pedal jack
- Chord play mode
- SHIFT button selection:
- MIDI channel selection, GATE time, SWING values
- DC jack for standalone operation
- USB MIDI connects to computers and our MCC editor
- MIDI in/out ports
- Sync i/o ports:
- Supports 1 pulse per step, 2 PPQ (Korg Volca), 24 PPQ DIN sync, 48 PPQ DIN sync
- Sync select switches:
- Internal, USB, MIDI, Clock
- CV/GATE outputs:
- CV supports 1Volt per octave, Volt>Hz modes, Gate output 5V or 12V for modern or vintage gear support
- CV Velo/Aftertouch/Modwheel output
- Capacitive-touch pitch bend and mod wheels
- Each sequence can have 64 steps, each step can have up to 8 notes
- Low power; can be powered by Apple iPad® (camera connection kit required)
All the controls you need
Careful thought went into the layout of the front panel and the selection of the rear panel connections. Here’s a brief description of each section:
1-Slimkey Keybed
32-note keyboard, designed by Arturia with velocity and aftertouch.
2-Sequencer / Arpeggiator
Polyphonic step-sequencer with 8 memories or Arpeggiator mode with 8 pattern styles.
3-HOLD button
Top panel HOLD button allows for sustain pedal operation.
4-Chord Play mode
Set chords and then play them back with a single note. Can also be used in Arpeggiator mode for chord arpeggiations.
5-Performance controls
Capacitive-touch pitch bend and modulation strips.
6-Octave shift buttons
Transposes the keyboard up or down multiple octaves.
7-SHIFT button
Allows for setting MIDI channel and the Gate and Swing times of the arpeggiator and sequencer.
8-Transport buttons
Enable and disable the arpeggiator or sequencer. Use the REC button to record sequences in step-time or do real-time overdubs.
9-Tap button
Tap the tempo or use it to enter rests and note ties in sequencer mode.
10-USB
The USB port allows for standard class-compliant bus-powered operation. Connect an optional USB power adaptor to use KeyStep in a standalone situation.
11-CV/GATEs
1 volt per octave CV/GATE outputs. A separate MOD output allows you even more possibilities.
12-Sustain pedal input
Input connector for adding a sustain pedal.
13-Sync
Clock input and output can work with standard square wave clocks. Using our DIN adaptor cable, you can set the KeyStep to send or receive DIN sync with stop/start messages.
14-MIDI in/out
Connect and sync KeyStep to any DAW or hardware MIDI equipment.
15-Sync mode selectors
Allow you to select the clock source: Internal, USB, MIDI or Sync input.