Arturia KeyStep 37 Review // 6 tips and generative ideas // Full tutorial

If you like the ideas, tips and insight in this video, there's plenty more in my ever-expanding book of synth and electronic music ideas, tips and tricks here:
► Patreon: / loopop
Search for deals on KeyStep 37 (affiliate links help the channel):
► On Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/nOGOo
► Search for KeyStep 37 deals on Amazon: amzn.to/2DG8muH
► Search on Thomann: www.thomann.de/gb/search_dir....
Other gear in the video:
► BlackBox by 1010 Music
► Intellijel Palette case
► Brenso Complex Oscillator by Frap Tools
► Sample Drum by Erica Synths
► DOT by DNIPro
► Desmodus Versio by Noise Engineering
► 1uO_C by Plum Audio
► Synthesia is used to visualize the notes
Other places I hang out:
► Instagram: / loopopmusic
► Facebook: / loopopmusic
► Twitter: / loopopmusic
► Web: loopopmusic.com
My music:
► Bandcamp: loopop.bandcamp.com
► Spotify: bit.ly/LoopopOnSpotify
► Apple Music:bit.ly/LoopopOnAppleMusic
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Overview
3:00 Scales
4:10 MCC
4:20 Connectivity
5:10 CV setup
6:10 Arpeggiator
7:45 Pattern arp
8:55 Arp octaves
9:40 Sequencer
10:30 Overdub
11:00 Pattern length
11:50 Ext metronome
13:05 Kbd Play
14:25 Chords
16:35 Strum
18:15 IDEAS & TIPS
18:25 Drum sequencing
20:35 Generative ideas
22:10 Gate & strum
23:45 Audition melodies
24:25 Rhythmic sync
25:50 Pattern length fills
26:15 Pros & cons
28:50 Outro jam
Want to email me personally?
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@SanderAnderon]

Loopop, bit of a downer comment -- but would love to hear you and fellow reviewers address how much a godsend the KeyStep/other generative tools are for those of us older folks w/progressive arthritis. I bought the 37 after watching this vid solely based on its ability to help inspire me to keep making/recording music even when I can't really play anymore, even if eventually I'm only able to press one key at a time! Still a few years from that for me, but worrisome all the same. But generative stuff is what's keeping my HEAD into making music and will for years to come, this new 37 my first step into generative (btw I love that you cover gen. tools a lot in your vids, thank you!)

[@nhoenderop]

Bless you Randy, keep it up!

[@SanderAnderon]

@@nhoenderop right on Norbert, you too!

[@nick-sloan]

Not a downer comment at all in my opinion. I hadn't considered the accessibility features of generative music production tools. Not only does it benefit people who used to be able to play in other ways, but it opens up new avenues for people who never got the opportunity. I think that's pretty amazing.

[@SanderAnderon]

@@nick-sloan appreciated Nick; yeah, finding those "new avenues", new ideas--new music gen. tools help trigger just as much, maybe more, from our heads/hearts (the music idea centers) than our fingers/technique, dexterous/arthritic or not!

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

@@SanderAnderon You know what Randy, .I think you nailed that on the head. And it's something that i had not even crossed my mind. Valid and true pionts made there Sir.👍

[@therealfaintinggoat]

Whenever a new piece of gear comes out that I like I think, "Let's see what loopop has to say about it..." Thank you for your service! I would never have enough time to figure out this stuff on my own and you make everything so easy.

[@Loagz_Beatz]

he did an amazing job and if u go along with it when u get the keyboard your brain will tickle with joy

[@sokoleski]

Well put.... best reviewer , hands down

[@TheJimLang]

For every piece of kit I have that you have reviewed, your review becomes the quick start, the manual, and the "I'm stuck" resource. So happy to be a Patreon supporter. All y'all should do it!

[@loopop]

Thanks very much Jim!

[@tylerevans1700]

That Chord function absolutely stomps, especially with that strum and being able to to put up to 16 notes in a chord. I'm sold on that alone cause my reg keystep is great and all, but wow I love the possibility for inspiration and creativity that one brings. Also that outro jam had my jaw dropped...

[@spartahill]

I'm just discovering the KeyStep 37. While waiting for my device's delivery today (by 9pm, as per Amazon), I wanted to check out a few videos. There's a wealth of available content, but this is a surprisingly thorough review that covers everything one needs to get up and running. I've bookmarked this video to reference it frequently as I hone my skills using the device. Thanks, and a big like and subscribe (even if it's 2yrs later).

[@traktorfaktor]

I have to tell you how grateful I am for all your hard work! IMHO, you reign supreme when it comes to what it is that you do. I hope you will keep the fire burning for a long time!

[@twotgfltandahalf]

As always, the production of your videos are top notch.

[@krazywabbit]

Once again, you deliver. Searching for a good tutorial as everyone else just did a sloppy job. Thank you.

[@4myle]

Following your entire video an making every move you do on my newly bought Keystep 37. Works like a charm! Thank you.

[@CaidicusProductions]

Man, your videos are just so good. It's like watching another episode of my favourite show.

[@Daphoid]

"This week on Loopop TV, another awesome piece of hardware"

[@patricemartin5652]

Top notch review as usual. Thx Loopop.

[@sajp8859]

After watching Loopop carefully guide us through his tutorial, I’ve decided to dedicate on old iPad to storing this on it and using it as a ‘Loopop Field Guide’ for this and several other tutorials he’s made. Brilliantly done and an absolute necessity for my feeble mindedness these days 😊

[@BoxOfSnoo]

This. Video. Is. Amazing. I had lots of questions about this thing, and I think you answered every single one!

[@A1RW0LF]

Once again Loopop a great informative video, you gives us so much info and good clear operational advice. Thanks for that.

[@christianbachmann8206]

With all different vids around - on this topic - I appreciate from the bottom of my heart you doing these videos. It’s not only helpful, but utmost inspiring. Thank you so much for doing what you do!! (And please repeat)

[@syrupcore]

Fantastic overview. Particularly appreciate the generative section. Great ideas.

[@namrekcanad]

Best synth reviews and tutorials on here period

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

Awesome review. But then again all of your teach reviews has helped me considerably. Thanks loopop for all your help. You're a wealth of information and knowledge. Stay blessed.

[@chadbaldwin1459]

thank you for being awesome... you seriously have the best reviews and its so easy for me to come back and look up how something works thanks to your timestamps. you are the mvp.

[@CDBlackmage]

Been following your channel (and supporting your Patreon) for several months now, and I love your reviews; they're some of the most unbiased and in-depth reviews of gear I've come across. I'm a bit of a fanboy when it comes to Arturia's gear (the aesthetics and sounds of what they make call out to me for whatever reason), and to have these reviews to keep me grounded (or excited) about gear, Arturia or otherwise, is so helpful. I'll be looking to get this eventually, but after the review, I don't feel a dire need after getting the original 32-key KeyStep several months ago; the new features are good, but I think I'll still be plenty fine with what I have while my wallet recovers more from the pandemic. Seriously, as one starting out with synths, thank you for all that you do. Keep it up!

[@loopop]

Thanks very much for your comment and support on Patreon is greatly appreciated!

[@TheGarageJump]

Loopop - Thank you for posting this. You explain your tips and the content very clearly. This helps my understanding of the capabilities of my Keystep 37.

[@XanderEwald]

Another great demonstration! Love the musicality of your reviews :)

[@loopop]

Thanks - and I love your killer B-roll! Please don't raise the standards like that...

[@XanderEwald]

@@loopop I feel like my lack of music skills should even it out :D

[@thethirdman225]

Your reviews are phenomenal. I'm not a keyboard player but I'm seriously interested in music creation and want to learn how to use a synthesizer to transpose my ideas into something I can actually play and edit. Thanks so much.

[@spare7230]

Agh, months after I buy a keystep, this comes out, with the 3 octaves I was wishing for. Drat.

[@spare7230]

@@onetwothreefourfivesix Yep, but for different reasons. Just so happens that once converted to my currency, it's apparently going to cost around $265. I can get a keylab e49 for $15 more.

[@Daphoid]

My Keystep is about....6 months old? I could sell it but I don't want to deal with online selling, and with COVID still raging its an unnecessary risk to meet up in person. I'm thinking of moving to the SL Mk III when I move in a few years though (or whatever its equivalent is then). Something to control my growing hoard of external bits and pieces (not Loopop's fault at all :P)

[@pepkin88]

I know the feeling, I bought mine 2 weeks ago.

[@st0rmchild]

This isn't necessarily an upgrade (which is why the original is still part of the lineup). I bought a Keystep a few months ago and wouldn't trade it for the new one. The 32 key version is the perfect size for my desk, and the extra features aren't useful to me.

[@malcolmbliss777]

These are so cheap, I’ll put one downstairs and one upstairs.

[@rednax3333]

Fantastic vid as always, Loopop! Thanks for sharing!

[@PAVAGE]

Hi! Bought a Keystep37 and went directly to this video for help :). Good job, as always. Thank you! @loopop I tried your drum sequence trick korg wavestation. It got LOTS of drumkits. One can get really wild drumloops with that combo :). Thanks again for the indepth view of the keystep37.

[@mindstuff417]

Your intro is amazing. Thank you for all your reviews.

[@syrupcore]

Interesting bit from the manual: if you want to generate a new pattern in the arp:pattern mode, you can also use SHIFT+OCT to trigger a change. Seems like doing that quickly (up and then down) would be a good way to keep your original notes in place.

[@renn6699]

Your videos are amazing. Thanks for making them.

[@Stakkeroid]

Fantastic review (and great tunes), thank you! Excellent tips - the external metronome & live custom scale arp editing especially. Also, this is the only review that shows that you can now see the tempo. This was a sorely missing feature in the original.

[@alper471]

After months of pulling my hair off for deciding which midi keyboard to get. Because of you I decided getting Keystep 37. This thing have everything I need. Can create new ideas very fast. Thank you.

[@scottmcdiarmid8196]

Superb review as always, cracking outro jam too. fantastic creative example

[@DeanWThomas]

This is an excellent tutorial. This got me up and running quickly. Thank you!

[@RickSumchin]

Really well done. Always enjoy you doing these kinds of reviews. Would love to see what a MiniLab MK III might look like. Thanks!

[@ConductiveLabs]

Great review Ziv!

[@DopamineOverload]

Dig it... thanks as always, Loopop!

[@r.e.d.62]

Love the oblique Glass references in all your vids...

[@ishedolewz]

Im so excited about this arturia. Cant wait to play around with this.

[@lff5367]

Amazing video as always!

[@ReasonedWhistle]

Another superb review :) Will probably buy this one :)

[@NevilleHayfield]

U The Man Bro. Just got myself a keystep 37. And your video has saved me the agro of skimming through KZbin. And be stuck down the KZbin wormhole for day's 🤯 Your video told/showed me everything I needed to know. Love it 😬👏👍💪👊🤔👊🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kirkegodfrey414]

You had me at the opening. Nice work sir.

[@callmebigpapa]

Great review and fantastic outro jam !!!

[@joenasgoldie7222]

Thankx master of reviews and tutorials 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@hovermotion]

Wow your videos are works of electronic and production art in there own right....so well made...

[@mmhcreates]

Beautiful intro composition. Really nice on the fly audio manipulation. Thank you for sharing this.

[@elmortobeats5919]

wow! the scale mode made my decision easy, im ordering now. thanks for the tip.

[@kerothing]

BRO THIS MADE MY DAY

[@kabood777]

I loved the short piece at the end :)

[@chitlun]

Great vid as always sir... Absolutely love the Chord/Strum feature and your smart idea for generative creation. What a pity this ‘Pro’ feature wasn’t implemented in it’s big brother!

[@smd1uk]

Another great and informative video, loopop you are costing me money 😂. Many thanks.

[@johnwalterhowell-sayers3051]

Can't wait to get this in a couple days to pair with my D-05!

[@g3cd]

A difference is also the power requirements: while I can power the regular Keystep requiring 9V and 0.5A easily from a pedal board power bank, that's a bit tricky with the 12V 1.5A required by the Keystep 37. Also when selecting scales, you can let go of the shift button as soon as you stat holding the scale key on the far right, that makes selecting your root note or custom notes way more comfortable.

[@Claidheambmor]

Excellent info. I couldn't find the info regarding selecting the root note in the manual so Loopop helped with that, and now you have made the process easier for me. Thank you. :)

[@winddealer1]

A key step to 37 notes. Thanks for the great insight.

[@ferrikc2816]

Great review!

[@megacosmic6507]

The gate and strum section was lovely

[@thomasfokas]

You are easily and by far my favorite gear review channel. Companies should pay you millions of dollars to do these reviews.

[@loopop]

Thanks! I don't take money from manufacturers for reviews but comments like yours are welcome :)

[@RaskolnikovR]

such a great tutorial, thanks

[@VinceKrosh]

Thanks for the video. Your is the most helpful one for this device I found so far❤

[@crgl2009]

Great ! I will waitfor the Swing 37.

[@XR3NDA]

Thank you so much! and also another thank you for showing me Synthesia ( and mentioning it in description! )

[@lars-fenin]

good overview..thanx a lot! like that u mentioned the sync-in-sequencer options (using the trig outs of a drummachine f.e.) for triggering different steps/variations. work also on the earlier keystep model (32)

[@meonar]

Thank you! A very good tutorial that shows the importance of musicality when you play on the keyboard. Arturia’s own tutorial misses that.

[@gerryk9]

Yes, Arturia support isnhorrible

[@infn8loopmusic]

This looks so much easier to use than the mpk mini 37 plus. Really loved that video too. Tough choice between the two, but after seeing how much easier this is to use- i dont think i will miss the pads or joystick or the little screen. This looks perfect. Thanks for making a great video. More importantly thanks for all of the great videos you make. So informative, digestible, and covering the details that I care about without wasting time. ✅✅✅ I really appreciate it.

[@flleeppyy9959]

I've been needing a good review on the keystep, thank you!

[@Mafyoutube]

Was awesome! thank you!

[@FeAr684]

That outro jam is actually insane! also my keystep is in danger of getting sold for this

[@puresmoothprecision]

Massively helpful, thank you!

[@SIRHOT]

very organized very professional review👍

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

This is a good middle ground between the two other models.

[@thomasekman4548]

Amazing outro👍🏻 thanks...

[@robysanto2761]

I was about to pull the trigger on buying the original keystep, I think I'll wait for this one. Thank you for another awesome review.

[@richarquis]

I did buy the original about 5 weeks ago, but you know what? I'm buying this too. The extra features are worth it, and it's not very expensive. The original will still be useful, it can control a Volca bass and/or sample, which don't benefit from the extra features from chord mode, while the 37 controls Volca keys and/or fm, which do. Plus, account for the different arp modes, the midi cc options, the shift + sequencer / shift + scale keybed options... Pay special attention to "Keyboard Play" and "Chords" sections starting at 13.05... That's where some of the less obvious magic happens... Totally worth it. No regrets here.

[@Mrs_Heyman]

Those generative ideas are excellent; thankyo !

[@mikeexits]

As a Keystep owner, seeing that the 37 has the option for wall-power, and a power switch is a welcome change. I sometimes wish I could leave mine plugged in but not have the device (and the lights) remain on. Might have to get one of these! Then again though, that Pro looks delicious, and I need a better sequencer than my Circuit... Hm...

[@kenb7540]

Beautiful out-tro !

[@JaseLovesDub]

The outro jam was gorgeous.

[@loopop]

Thanks!

[@mrotaveria]

Pretty cool generative tools! WANT

[@MD_is_me]

I picked one up today, solely for use with my newly purchased Akai Force. I was using an old DX100 as a controller for the Force's built in software synths but the Yammie has no velocity or aftertouch. I just needed an inexpensive controller with these two features, nothing fancy, and GC had this new iteration of the KeyStep 37 on sale. I thought I'd watch your video before unboxing it and, wow, what a pleasant surprise; looks like I got way more than I expected, for a real bargain. Great video as always.

[@Massproduce201]

Hey does it power up through midi usb? Would love to hook this up to my mpc live 2 on the go

[@MD_is_me]

@@Massproduce201 I plugged it into the Force's USB port and it powered up but I can't speak to the MPCL2. GC's return policy is hassle free if you try one and it doesn't work.

[@BrewerShettles]

Guitarist learning on the Arturia 37 - your generative ideas are amazing!!! Will try to connect the KS37 with Moog25 + Needle Box + Werkstatt!!

[@mateusnunes8617]

Amazing, thank you!!!🤘

[@dondonaudio8191]

Really cool demo! I already have the small Keystep but this could be a good invest :)

[@sethtouchet511]

Well done!

[@bauhnguefyische667]

The ‘Strum’ feature is pretty interesting on this. I can see a lot of interesting stuff with that used.

[@tylerevans1700]

Agreed. Would be fun with delay..

[@djhoyling]

Your jam is 🔥🔥🔥

[@beratsamil]

awesome intro. absolute awesomeness

Great features the Chord-Mode and the Strumming-Mode, but, to be really useful in Live performances, I suggest : 1) Replacing the rotary knob for changing the chords types with dedicated buttons for each type of chords (dedicated button for the major chords, dedicated button for the minor chords, dedicated button for the 7th chords, etc.), these dedicated buttons allow the user to change quickly the cords types in Live performances. 2) Adding two dedicated buttons for the Strumming-Up and Strumming-Down functions, these dedicated buttons allow the user to change quickly the Strumming types in Live performances.

[@IDONTPLAYENT]

My wife got me this for my birthday the other day. Very nice with my iPad

[@samprock]

Combining it with (everyone already owned) Keystep 32 side-by-side (or on top, like small hammond), will make it tinniest 69 key handy keyboard. Match perfectly to bi-timbral synth, like Iridium :) LED and scale alignment are nice. Would be great if Arturia allows assign Rec/Stop/Start to DAW transport, on original Keystep 32 too!

[@Loagz_Beatz]

I just got this today. Blown away after 15 mins of opening it. I've had expensive equipment and well as cheap over the years. I will be having limitless fun with this it seems and I'm already creating an amazing track. For the price, the quality of build is solid. I am extremely impressed. Go arturia!!!

[@koikal951]

Wow, i was looking for a small 37key midi keyboard and about to get the launchkey 37 which is still too big. Luckily i was subscribe and notified. I will wait for this then to be available. Thanks for the great review. 😁

[@EshockT]

24:30 this is my favorite way to trigger seq and arp between my beat step pro and original key step. So powerful and flexible. I dedicate a pad from the drum track for this.

[@khemshet]

Excellent video! I am torn between getting the old keystep vs this to help out with my modular. Would you say the added features are worth it for this use case? For instance I don't see how the polyphonic sequencing could be useful for me.. cheers!

[@frankschneider7190]

excellent. thanks a lot!

[@superultramegarobot]

Hope they consider adding an inversion parameter for chord mode

[@peacefulpigeon7254]

Yes I totally agree !

[@mkiswatoo]

Get the Kordbot instead!

[@edror91]

@@mkiswatooWOW,thanks

[@INFINITYREALM]

This is such a great video, has helped really open up the possibilities for me. Thank you. Any idea if Arturia will or has implemented a fix for the super bright flashing lights on this machine? I have to cover mine with sticky notes.

[@Pacman1ac]

The value of the mod strip could be shown with the first 10 keyboard LEDs

[@j.s.8933]

Thank you very much for this great detailed review. I was wondering though on how helpful the chord mode actually is. I can't really see a practical use to this as chord progressions normally made by variations between min, maj, dim, sus and so on. Creating a melody just by being stuck with one chord mode wont give you anything sound pleasing I guess. Or is there actually a way to combine chord modes or assign them to different keys?

[@CaptainErn]

This seems like the perfect controller to use with the Mc 707

[@Hannibaul]

What a little Gem. Really expressive little bit of magic this❤😮❤😮❤😮

[@LittleFoilFish]

Nice! I wonder if Arturia will add the Strum feature to the Keystep Pro?