Keystep Pro: My favorite hardware sequencer? 🎹 // Arturia Keystep Pro vs. original Keystep

[@bistrobmusic]

A couple of months ago I was walking through a Guitar Center in decay, and came across a stack of Keystep Pros on clearance for 50% off. Without even needing a new keyboard, I knew I had to make the purchase on a whim. It’s great!

[@finonomastropiero4261]

Wholesome

[@Stadsjaap]

Great score!

[@rdean150]

Dope, that's easily worth it. Especially if it was the black model.

[@timmturner]

For 250 I would have been in for two.

[@Itaketoomanypics]

Same bro I bought that faster than I could blink

[@chitlun]

Top tip - Pressing shift while using the control knobs will affect every note in the sequence. This is particularly useful on the Probability function as every pass is different, which is cool for generative type stuff.

[@suntzu6122]

Thanks!!

[@TheSound0fThunder]

I don't really know anything about synthesizers and this sort of thing, but this is so fun to watch regardless. Great presentation!

[@wungabunga]

Me neither. It's like music theory, very interesting - now let me get back to that sandwich.

[@free2muse]

This is exactly the kind of hands on tutorial I've been looking for. Connecting a bunch of synths and then seeing how it all works. Thanks!!

[@24nikita]

Best video on sequencers I`ve seen. Easy to understand for a beginner.

[@jamiesingleton5558]

This was a really helpful review, I love how you speak in plain English and explain technical terms. Many other channels don't do this. I learned a lot watching this. Thank you

[@bahutu802]

I have gone for the Keystep 37. It is so amazing how Arturia managed to put so much functionality into such a small device, while at the same time keeping the user interface so crystal clear, and every function at most 2 or 3 button clicks away (as opposed to endless menu diving or the neccessity to enter stuff via cryptic numbers which you type in through the keys or so). And from a classical piano player's point of view, given its size, I find the keybed to be very 'musical' regarding its responsiveness, key travel distance etc. So after getting used to it, one can actually play musical phrases live with it, instead of just being able to enter single notes into sequencers, as it is the case with most other mini-key keyboards.

[@24x7arts]

This is a great overview of the KSP. Thank you. One BIG PROBLEM for potential buyers to be aware of is that the keys are terrible when it comes to velocity sensitivity. If you want to use the KSP to play velocity sensitive instruments (for example, a piano over MIDI), it's not going to work well. The black keys, especially, can end up sending out really high velocity values you didn't intend and it's pretty much impossible to get consistent values while playing the keyboard live.

[@goldenstarmusic1689]

I assume this applies to the original Keystep as well, in which case thank you for the heads up. I'm fortunate enough to have good MIDI keyboards for that purpose, and want to get the Keystep specifically for the CV capability.

[@brianhintze6440]

Best video I've seen on the Keystep thus far....now I understand it all and am very interested.

[@arlosquare]

This video made me understand more about how we can think when building a sequence or idea. Much appreciated! This is GOLD!

[@2112jonr]

Really good summary of its capabilities, and some good mini demo's in there too. Thumbs up. I love the simplicity of the KSP, combined with how powerful it is, I feel like I've only scratched the surface of what it can do. And agree, the sequencer is a lot of fun to use. Only the 3x more expensive Polyend Seq is easier to use. Worthy of waxing poetic about.

[@etbonz3499]

All this time I was copying a pattern by copying each note separately when I could have just hit copy pattern button! Thank you for this knowledge! Thought they were crazy for not having this feature but it was there all along!

[@albvs_sovnds]

I've been wanting to tap into the modular world but have been hindered by cost, thank you for introducing this controller to me!

[@johngilbert184]

Excellent overview. KSP is an outstanding midi controller - simple to use and endlessly versatile. I use two, thus 8 tracks available.

[@julioerit]

Excellent video! I own and love the original KS which I use for controlling my Model D and Blue Marvin analog synths, but seeing this vid I finally understood the possibilities of the Pro version, thanks!!

[@joegrant413]

Thank you! Just got mine yesterday and your manner of explaining things really clicks with me.

[@tobiasderuwe]

Mate… I’m just gonna say it, this video is awesome! Great job on pace, buildup and the creative use-cases you came up with. I’ve been producing on and off for the last 14 years but always with software synths in a daw. Now I just bought my first synth and I’m already so hyped to start exploring the rest of this wonderful analogue and physical world. This controller will be part of it I’m sure 🍻

[@into.cassette]

Madd respect on knowing your gear ✊ seems like kind of a steep workflow at first but probably is super gratifying when eventually you're in the zone and not even thinking about it anymore - def would like to have a better DAWless setup in the future and this may be the way to go 👍

[@petercane6376]

That was an excellent tutorial so well and slowly explained. I just have the basic keystep at the moment but I can see me getting the pro pretty soon. I am not a keyboard player but a musician and I can clearly see how to dial in the steps. I like your musicality and it makes a change from just pressing any old buttons which miraculously also works, I also like the fact that you have a small work space just like me and you use the side walls left and right to stack your gear. Brilliant idea and thank you so much. You taught me a lot.

[@JohnNoirSmith]

Wow! Thank you for this video! Really made me see how simple it is to make a full song with Keystep Pro! I often feel like when there's too many buttons and functions, it just becomes difficult for me, but you really managed to make this seem like it will rather be easier than more difficult with the Pro over the regular Keystep

[@Kneichion]

1982 no sequencer, I used to pull and plug the CV cables manually lol

[@alexanderlane]

Really great video. I already own a KSP but don't use it as much any more. This has inspired me to use it more, as it really is a magnificent device, which I really just never put in the effort to get comfortable with. So, thank you! Btw, around 10:30 something weird happens and the audio cuts out (at least for me). Just FYI!

[@alitna]

This is a superb video that booth showcases the key step and gives a tutorial! I kinda wish you did a tutorial on the original key step as well. But I’m gonna try reading the manual first!

[@ikonhero]

thanks for teaching a lot about this device. As I'm planning on going partly dawless this will may prove to be invaluable

[@Yosser70]

I bought the Keystep 37 recently and then the Beatstep pro a few weeks later. The combo is probably more versatile than the Keystep pro but like how compact it is.

[@SusumoKakinotane]

Hi, I am looking at this setup to use with a few synths, Can you explain the "more versatile" than the keystep pro itself? what features are better? I imagine you use the keystep 37 only as a keyboard and then the beatstep pro as the sequencer?

[@Yosser70]

@@SusumoKakinotane Think it's more versatile because you've got more midi channels to play with (I think), and between them, they've got more pads and knobs, for more control.

[@lynchseanm]

This is great! I have the non-pro version and never really knew the difference. But I've thought about trying some DAW-less composing in the future and will definitely pick up one of these if I do. Great video!

[@randommcranderson5155]

guitar center had them for ~$200 for a little while, I'm almost expecting sequel.

[@gary.solexa]

A great tutorial on some lovely hardware. Your demo tunes are very nice pieces of music in their own right. Your channel will be a great resource for me as I reassemble my studio after a long break and begin to explore the world of modular. Thank you.

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

GREAT job on the video/tutorial of the KSP. I absolutely love mine which I have yet to fully maximize (or learn) its potential.

[@SapphosSails]

Fun fact but this is the first video (and maybe hardware) that really made sequencing intuitive to me! Thanks muchly for that!

[@Bikewithlove]

Thank you for this review - you generously answered some questions that pointed me to MIDI options I may already have with my Mackie audio interface & Ableton, so I can begin my approach to sequencing my MonoPoly at $10 vs. hundreds ☕️

[@thepostapocalyptictrio4762]

Had for years. Use it with my Moog Grandmother and DFAM. Love it when it works right.

[@dontnormally]

I appreciate the way you organize your thoughts - thanks for this video!

[@macronencer]

I've barely got started with my KSP as I've been busy setting up my gear after moving house. I now have it on my "desktop synths" table so that I can wire it up to CV inputs, but also I use MOTU MIDI Express XT to route MIDI, so if I need to access my full-size synths on my keyboard stand I can set up a routing that way. I'm looking forward to seeing how much time I spend with this device, vs how much time I'm going to spend with my DAW. Should be interesting! I'm used to DAW because I've been working with orchestral music for years, but my roots are really in my 1970s Gary Numan fandom, and if I'm honest, I love the knobs and flashing lights :D

[@SLATER_M]

Thats a great overview of the Keystep Pro. I just own the original Keystep and now thinking about buying a pro. What a great seqencing tool.

[@h2o1969]

Thanks David. Just got one, and this vid is really helping me get a handle on the basics.

[@rockon856]

Hey David , this was really informative ! I'm learning as we go, and your video really made things logical. Love your content! Cheers

[@CentaurusRelax314]

What a fantastic presentation. Thank you.

[@gautierreynes9237]

The piece you made is sick as hell

[@jeffhammel4305]

Thanks. I have been debating getting the Keystep Pro for my master controller (eurorack + a bunch of hardware synths...very polyglot + polyphonic). This has pretty much confirmed that this is probably the master sequencer I need

[@drcentertainment4756]

I'm ole school when it comes to making music. Hardware, hardware, hardware is where it is. And i pretty much stayed away from controllers for the reason that you had to have a DAW to use them (in most cases). Change is good, and change can bring your music production to new heights. I accept this change by purchasing the Artuia Keystep Pro, the hybrid between Hardware use and software. And I'm glad i did. Thanks for the video.

[@touchclarity]

My Keystep Pro was gathering dust....... after watching this vid...I gonna drag it out and make more use of it! .... Thanks David...

[@alexanderlane]

Same here! I love it but for some reason I rarely use it. This is making me really want to again. GAS for gear you already own is a really great feeling!

[@ThatSockmonkey]

I have a BSP, and have been saving for a KSP to go with it since. I find the way they work perfect for live performance. I dont use them much for recording, or driving software alone, but for driving some of my hardware and a couple of soft synths together, its just fun and simple to learn. If youre looking dor delicate midi capture of performances, this isn't the thing you want, probably. Get a nice big weighted piano controller for that. Also, the free basic arturia software is everything you'd pay $800, minus the animated gui for old synths and less factory presets. Basically all the controls are there, just in a generic interface.

[@jean_mollycutpurse_winchester]

Your knowledge is astonishing

[@magicalpencil]

I have been using a Roland Groovebox, Jupiter X and EP133 for attempting to sequence my stuff, this looks like the answer to all my problems! Well apart from the DAFM needing 6 midi channels . . . 😭 Thanks for the great review!

Thank you for this video,. Very good explanation of all the functions.

[@ilearncode7365]

@7:00 "there is a bad note right here. Lets edit that out" and its literally the only good part about that loop lol

[@FfortheT]

Ha, I thought the same. The note is slightly off, with a little tweaking it could have become the signature note :) Each their own, though.

[@meilstone]

I like the built-in metronome, it's a life saver when starting a live recording.

[@brobocop8293]

they need to make a full size keys version of this ... like stat.

[@onedayheroyt8021]

I love my Keystep Pro. The only MAJOR downside is that it cannot send midi program changes. For each project I've created I need to load my patches on my connected hardware synth first :(

[@artao5]

Also, not being able to record pitch bend, mod-wheel, and aftertouch. PART of the fault for not being able to send program change is that it's not a MIDI CC value. Bank change is tho, which seems odd to me.

[@romanyel]

Thank you! I had my ksp for a while & still love it. My only 2 problems are that it doesn't hold enough projects and i dont like the software for backing up. I even doubled my projects by using half the patterns for one and the other half for other projects. I was hoping the Korg SQ-64 would be the answer and while its very good there are quarks including that their software doesnt work on my M2 Macbook Pro.

[@AvantHarde]

I was so excited when they announced it back in the day but I fell for the SL mk3 in the end because I needed a master keyboard controller with all the hands-on controls for Ableton Live. Since then I have been still longing for this for my live jams :/ I could swap the SL for this but then I'd miss all the knobs and faders.

[@BounceChord]

You should definitely get an affiliate link on this because if I end up buying this thing, it's 100% because of this video. I've watched a dozen other demos of this and never found it necessary until now.

[@ncmartinez_his]

I bought the Chase Bliss Habit after watching this channel.

[@mistral-unizion-music]

Very interesting. For hardware synth fans it's great for sure. I am tempted to buy the Microfreak since a while too... But I have to say it is way more complex and costly than just using say, a soft Synth like U-He Hive2's recordable sequencer. It has similar functions in this regards as to record the notes, one by one to create the sequence and then adding the slide, octaves or notes change afterward. For an even more detailed sequencer and with more steps (32 if I recall correctly), there is U-He Repro-1 that does a very very good job too. Impressive soft synth! But you give us a nice idea of how it's done the hard (ware) way. 🙂 Great video David.

[@stegophonic4393]

Nice review - thanks! I have an original Keystep - it's such a versatile and awesome thing - the fact that you can stuff it in a bag and it runs offf just USB power is great - just need a macbook and a set of phones! I also use it in my hardware rig as it's so simple to use. I had a BSP for a while, but anyone looking for a very capable sequencer for hardware that does MIDI and CV (and a whole lot more) check out the Squarp Pyramid. I have a very old demo of one on my channel if you are interested.

[@Hakucho64]

It's a great sequencer indeed, but I also have the Elektron Digitakt, which has no keybed but does have its own 64-step sequencer of up to eight MIDI devices. I still haven't figured out the best way to use them together. Any ideas or tips?

[@muralist_]

Very good tutorial on these control keyboards!

[@jasonmxx]

"what are you doing, keystep pro?"

[@BTB88]

I love mine. Got it on release. Cool video!

[@tomfoolery4077]

I found a good deal on the KSP and am very excited to have my hands on it. Going to be using all Software sounds, so not Daw-less, YET!!, looking at you Behringer Pro800, anyways, thanks for this video, lots of great info and tips and tricks

[@Mrjononotbono]

Wow, this Keystep Pro looks so amazing. I think this video is forcing me to buy one! I've just bought a Behringher Deepmind 12D, Neutron and Model D. So I'm thinking this Keystep Pro would be perfect to use with the synths :)

[@yassine-sa]

Are you sure this isn't sponsored, cuz you really nailed the review !👏

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Thanks! My approach to doing videos like this is to only talk about devices I already really like :)

[@cannadineboxill-harris2983]

Hi There this is Mr C. T. Boxill-Harris, I was wondering if they need to do the exact same version of Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime, why don’t they just Replace the Synthesiser String Sound to an Musette Accordion sound, and also Replace the Xylophone Sound to an 4 Times More Deeper Chime Bell or Even a 5 Times More Deeper Still Drum Sound, Because it is Still my Very Very Very Very Very Very Very Favourite Song Ever Since I was about 11 Years of Age Thank You 😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏😉👍😉👏👏

[@aravartanian7578]

My trouble with using the Arturias in this way is just that on things like the Volcas, there are all these nice motion sequencing effects that you lose if you use an external sequencer.

[@nathanallen9291]

Can we not just run the motion sequence? without notes being played by the volcas?

[@Synfluence101]

That’s an awesome video. I’m sold!

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Loved the video, great demo. Thanks and God bless 😊🙏🏼❤️

[@brainbox9219]

This thing seems pretty sweet, want one more and more

[@opwave79]

After all these years I might finally pull the trigger on a Keystep Pro. I have a 0-Coast that would pair perfectly with it.

[@tareqshammout9658]

Very useful video that explains a lot, thanks for the nice efforts 👌

[@SynergistN7]

I'm sold. Just a little worried there will be a new version with strum mode and a bunch of other stuff right after I buy it since it's about 4 years old already.

[@Jonas_Mikkelsen]

I have a Keystep 37, and I'm trying to decide if it is worth having the Pro and 37. There are features on the 37 that are more accessible than on the Pro, and other features that simply aren't present on the Pro.

[@petercane6376]

Great great video snd thank you. Say you have a collection of patterns. Can you do a live performance by hitting a button and varying the sequences as you perform?

[@E4RLIES]

A very concise and clearly explained video on the KS Pro, nee subscriber here, cheers! 👌🏼😎

[@E4RLIES]

I made the error of selling mine a few years ago since then I’ve struggled with DAWS and then a Novation circuit (great but so obtuse) - tonight I’m buying another Keystep Pro!! 😄👍🏼👍🏼

[@BubbaSatori]

Thank you for this easy to understand review. 👍

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

The keystep 37 is the next bigger sibling

[@LA7Rose]

Great video David! I love my key step! Hope to get the pro one day

[@eoffsock]

NGL Keystep is also have the best feel keyboard I've ever tried. Though I didn't tried that much of a keyboards, but I tried Roland D-50, Waldorf Blofeld and some synth action keyboards here and there, and Keystep is basically the best. Even better than Blofeld's Fatar one. And it's also super compact.

[@paulbeckmann]

Brilliant review and info!

[@ShootOnFilm]

This was an awesome tutorial!!

[@pacman_pol_pl_polska]

It makes me want to press buttons. Good job.

[@aptudo]

Call me a contrarian, but the bad note was my favorite! 🤙

[@kaitlyn__L]

Aww, they colour-matched the tempo lights to the panel fascia! How cute. And definitely marginally added to the cost, so good for them.

[@onearmdaddy]

When you enter notes "free hand" without the step sequencer, does the system quantize or in any way correct what's entered (if desired). I noticed the free hand notes did not register on the 16 note bar that moves accress . (By conparison, Yamaha qy-70 would transpose all the notes entered free hand, so you could make small corrections) Thanks!

[@themoonman-4]

Nice, may be a good upgrade to my xkey which I use when iPad creating. Great video

[@Gatrete]

Hi! I didn't understand if you changed time division for the hats independently from the kick in the same sequencer.

[@lurkinguy]

My favourite keycombo on the keystep pro is the one to clear the pattern. I seem to save everything and honestly question my sanity as to why I do.

[@artao5]

While I love mine, it kills me that we can't record pitch bend, mod-wheel, and aftertouch.

[@lastcall9998]

Sounds awesome, specially the kick (everything really but I got enamored of the kick X) )

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

Excellent tutorial, David. I’m wondering if there’s a way to delete an entire sequence at once?

[@Stakkeroid]

Great review, thank you! I watched a couple of reviews when this came out, but you managed to demonstrate some features and how it actually feels like to work with better than any of them. I think I have to get me one now :-) PS: Do you really have to change the step note from the encoder? Can’t you just hold down the step button and press a key?

[@epsisphal]

Great tutorial! Thank you.

[@GerenM63]

Great video, as always David! I have question -- when you moved up to the Keystep Pro, did you look at any other hardware sequencers, specifically the Korg SQ-64? I'm curious as to how you'd compare the two. Obviously, the Korg doesn't have a keyboard, but the sequencer is what I"m more interested in.

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

I didn’t, but I’ve heard really great things about the SQ-64.

[@InterceptorOfDoom]

That was a great piece of music that you made there. Do you think about uploading the track separately?

[@Ancaja123]

Mine is still incredibly buggy. I've been super disappointed from the very beginning (I preordered). Often times the CV outs will stop working and then start working mid sequence, I've had sequences disappear on me, and general weirdness. I really like the Scale/Transpose features, but the fact that you have to hold the Transpose button (opposed to the og Keystep). Clock input is super limited and won't sync with vintage gear with clock outs. Just a big disappointment *to me*.

[@edouardarturia4680]

Hey, have you hard reseted the unit after upgrading to the latest firmware? This usually clears any weird bug you can face afterwards

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

You either have a broken one, outdated firmware or have nor reset the unit after a firmware update. The KSP (for the money is awesome. Which is exactly why it is soooooo popular.

[@Ancaja123]

@@LockStoppageSandwich then mines broken, and after emailing them 4 times and not getting anything but “reflash the firmware” way too many times. No offer for a replacement. I preordered, it’s pretty expensive, maybe not compared to other devices like a Cirklon, but be real. It’s not THAT incredible, it cant even record pitch bend or mod. The only reason I still have it is to use the drum gates to trigger my old school synths (for arps) and my Simmons drum brain. Having to hold down the Transpose is maddening. Waiting one more update and if I’m disappointed again, I’m selling. Arturia has notoriously bad rep for QC

[@starsky101]

Thank you for a very simple and informative video. I’ve nearly pulled the trigger in the KS pro so many times and this may actually push me over the edge, however I still wonder if, due to its success, there’s a KS pro II on the horizon, perhaps with a bigger screen and even more functionality.

[@bookfastorg]

Great video. I’m very high. Thanks.

[@bookfastorg]

Yes.

[@UndeadCzech]

great review made me realize i eeed it asap

[@DNGMaestro]

Note 13 was the best in that arppegio!

[@mattmorris5001]

Thank you for the great tutorial. Could you do one on chaining parts to make songs?

[@DefconUnicorn]

Dont forget the keytstep 37 :D

[@BeingFriends]

You gotta get your hands on a Dirtywave M8!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

It really looks sooo cool.