Often copied but never equaled, the KeyStep has taken over the setups of all keyboard players with tabletop or modular synths. At electronic music fairs, it’s becoming hard to find a booth without a KeyStep. The reason? It’s the smartest keyboard with an integrated sequencer available at an unbeatable price.
What an incredible keyboard this KeyStep is! Originally designed to be the reference portable keyboard, today you see it on all Eurorack modular systems, on stages to control a module, and in many recording studios.
An ultra-compact keyboard without compromise.
Generally, portable keyboards mean sacrificing buttons, functions, and connectivity. That’s why, when you discover the small dimensions of the KeyStep, you can’t imagine it has Midi inputs and outputs, CV-gate, and even analog sync. But why analog sync? We saved the best for last: the KeyStep also includes a sequencer.
A master keyboard with impeccable keys.
Arturia designed a keyboard specifically for the KeyStep. The result? On a portable keyboard, you get slim keys (halfway between full-size and mini keys) that are pleasant to play and respond precisely to your playing and sensitivity. But Arturia went even further: the KeyStep’s keyboard also responds to velocity and even aftertouch.
USB, Midi, CV, and sync: open to both analog and digital worlds.
If you see so many KeySteps at fairs, festivals, or even in studios, it’s because it can connect to any environment: USB to control a computer, CV-gate to control analog instruments or modules, and finally Midi to work with digital synthesizers or expanders. Regarding sync, know that the KeyStep handles all different digital and analog standards: it can synchronize just as well with your PC software as with Korg Volca or an Arturia MatrixBrute.
Polyphonic sequencer and arpeggiator.
The KeyStep also offers an 8-memory polyphonic sequencer. This is complemented by an arpeggiator with 8 playing patterns. This sequencer is ideal for controlling a Eurorack modular system, but why not synchronize it with a chain of Korg Volca? Your KeyStep then transforms into a musical hub and becomes the nerve center of your environment, no matter how complete it is.
The KeyStep is a portable instrument combining the features of a controller keyboard with, in addition, a polyphonic step sequencer and the ability to control analog and digital devices. The KeyStep keyboard benefits from a special design, balancing the characteristics of the best compact mini keys and the comfort of normal-sized keys. The size, velocity, and aftertouch of this new design offer the freedom of portability without sacrificing playability. The polyphonic step sequencer has 8 programmable memories that you can recall with a rotary encoder. You can instantly choose gate times and swing parameters and change the interpretation of your sequence on the fly. You can also record, overdub, and transpose sequences in real-time while continuing to play the keyboard live. These features alone would already make the KeyStep the best portable controller keyboard, but it also contains a multitude of options and connectivity: USB Midi, standard Midi I/O, Clock Sync, DIN sync jacks, and CV/gate outputs, plus an assignable CV modulation output—which can be used with the modulation wheel, velocity, or aftertouch. Whatever your setup, the KeyStep fits perfectly into your production workflow. With the KeyStep and its multitude of connections, you have control and creativity.