Arturia KeyStep 37 mk2

The controller for the DAW, MIDI synths and the modular system

With the KeyStep 37 mk2, Arturia presents the second generation of the popular USB / MIDI / CV/Gate keyboard controller. At first glance, the KeyStep 37 mk2 attracts attention with more controls, a color OLED display and a new graphic layout above the play buttons. What has remained is the easy-to-play slimkey keyboard with 37 keys, Velocity and aftertouch, the two ribbon controllers for Pitchbend and modulation, four freely assignable encoders and the transport buttons for the internal sequencer and the DAW.

The KeyStep 37 mk2 is recommended for anyone looking for a compact USB keyboard for their DAW, a master keyboard with an extensive arpeggiator for their MIDI expander and for anyone looking for a link with a USB keyboard and MIDI at CV/Gate control voltages for their Eurorack modular system; even all at once. The four encoders with control buttons uand the MIDI-CC button with four banks are a big plus for anyone who needs even more hands-on control.

Most of the new features of the second Generation have been incorporated into the sequencer and the Arpeggiator. The sequencer now stores an impressive 64 patterns, which can have a length of up to 64 steps. The sequencer is basically polyphonic, monophonic note progressions are also processed. In addition, rest, tie and Legato can be programmed for each step. This adds a little 303 flair to the pattern, especially with monophonic sequences. New in the KeyStep 37 mk2 is the Mutate function, with which a pattern can be further developed and varied almost as if by magic. A song mode is not available, but pattern chaining is offered, i.e. the linking of different patterns. The fully editable arpeggiator now boasts 16 modes, half of which have been newly developed and have a few surprises in store compared to the familiar playback patterns. The chord mode is as simple as it is ingenious to use: hold down the chord button, press two or more notes and you're done. Now you can play complex chord structures with just one finger!

The KeyStep 37 mk2 comes with Ableton Live Lite and Analog Lab Intro, so you can get started right away on your own computer without having to plan for initial studio equipment.