On the rear panel, you’ve got pitch, gate and mod connections. You’ve got MIDI out, which allows straightforward communication with most synthesizers nowadays, but it’s the CV connections that really open up the possibilities. Any modular, semi-modular or desktop synth for that matter. Leading on from our previous point, yes – the KeyStep does Eurorack.
#Vi control arturia portable
Despite its unassuming size and simple layout, the KeyStep can very easily become a pivotal part of any rig – Eurorack, home recording studio, portable synth setup – the lot. This means you can use the KeyStep to control your DAW, your MIDI compatible devices and your analog gear – no matter how old it is. This information can then be transmitted in 1 of 3 ways: USB, MIDI and CV (controlled voltage).
As mentioned in the features above, these sequences can be saved to the onboard memory, with info like gate length and swing also saved digitally. Once connected, you can play individual notes, set it to arpeggiation mode for free-flowing arpeggios, or switch to sequencer mode for you know what. Like most controllers, the KeyStep can be connected to your computer and integrated with your DAW of choice. Here are our reasons, in full, why we think the Arturia KeyStep is an awesome MIDI controller. If you’re still not convinced, keep reading.
But as with a lot of musical gear in this day and age, there’s plenty of competition. Like we said – it’s compact, subtle in its design and it’s surprisingly affordable. In 2016, Arturia released the KeyStep a nifty device that combines MIDI controller with polyphonic step sequencer that can sync with just about anything. But nestled in amongst their intimidating line up is a relatively unassuming little MIDI controller that you’d be forgiven for glancing over in a music shop. Known for their gnarly Brute synth range and all-encompassing controllers, they produce some of the most popular music tech gear on the market. French manufacturers Arturia are no strangers to innovation.