Why the Arturia KeyStep sequencer is amazing

Here's a long overdue video-based-love letter/demo on why I think the Keystep is one of the most danged inspiring, most musical products I've tried in years.
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⚡ / mylarmelodies ⚡
Gear used in the video:
• Arturia Keystep x 2 (There’s a number of features not shown in this to be clear, for example you can change gate lengths in real time, and when I’m doing the KBD Play bit - noodling on top of a playing sequence - you can send on a different MIDI channel! And of course there’s an arpeggiator in there too - and you can have up to 8 melodies saved in memory at any time, and flick between them)
• Roland Juno 60 (modded with Tubbutec Juno 66 mod so it has MIDI now)
• Yamaha DX7 MKI
• Karp Odyssey Module White
• Arturia DrumBrute, run through the Elektron Analog Heat for additional drive
• Eventide H3000S for reverb
Thanks Ivan for this list: / @firesonix
00:00 Demo
00:58 Keystep first look
02:13 Gear setup
02:27 Sequencer
04:08 Interactive sequencer mode
08:58 Sequencer conclusion
10:22 Chord mode
11:04 Chord mode sequencer
11:59 Keyboard mode
14:16 Jam #1
18:44
Jam #2
21:24 Conclusion
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[@FireSonix]

0:06 Demo 0:58 Keystep first look 2:13 Gear setup 2:27 Sequencer 4:08 Interactive sequencer mode 8:58 Sequencer conclusion 10:22 Chord mode 11:04 Chord mode sequencer 11:59 Keyboard mode 14:16 Jam #1 18:44 Jam #2 21:24 Conclusion

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanking you x

[@santiagocadavidescobar3051]

Great video, I have question tho, do I need a daw, in order to play a synth?

[@addypoole1980]

@@santiagocadavidescobar3051 There is many software out there that can utilize the keystep, not just daws.

[@mauriciomontez692]

@@addypoole1980 It save all performance?

[@nigelreadon8381]

it repeats but you need a chorus

[@andrewculp1378]

This is easily the best video demonstration of the Keystep I've seen. Your enthusiasm is infectious and your love for the concept is honest and creatively powerful. Thank you for such an informative and fun video!!

[@kickstartmotorcyclemedia]

The best explanation of a keystep ever. I was struggling with it for a few days, this video is gold.

[@MrHappytheman]

Thank you good sir. "On paper you just won't get it". Totally agree. I've almost lost faith in my ability to understand the written text. I've been using Keystep for several month now and only today came across this video. After the first minute I've poused it, turned on the KeyStep and instantly came up with 3-part 2 minute piano madness. Man, this is the best tutorial ever! None of the others has ever opened a wider horizon for me. Except for Pianote lesson on diatonic chords, maybe.

[@nikamota]

That wasn't a review,that was an amazing free performance with a review thrown in for good measure! You've got me itching to start making music again after I sold most of my equipment.I'm deffo buying one of these! Great video!

[@Hadez30966]

yes, that was so great.

[@Ellotus13]

Everything you played on this video is amazing, I would listen to it independently. Really really cool demo, my GAS in knocking on the door again.

[@johnkemp3592]

The sequence you build up between the 4 and 9 minute mark is awesome - very very Steve Reich. Great playing and a really helpful and inspiring review. Thank you!

[@Mrkevc44d]

What a brilliant tutorial so easy to follow, I have had the key step for ages and have discovered a lot of things I didn’t know. Thanks

[@bobz1736]

The best demo of the Keystep sequencer ive seen. Your enthusiasm is inspirational. Thank you 😁

[@melter_rob]

This is really awesome - thanks for presenting this. The way you've incorporated this into your creative process is really inspiring.

[@davidbrown8600]

Excellent video. And as for the key step - I'm getting one today based on his video. This is the PERFECT tool for my studio.

[@niklassilen4313]

Your video sold me on the KeyStep. Have had mine now for a couple of months and it's absolutely amazing!

[@Unifono2012]

finally a video about something I own :) Thanks for sharing your nice ideas. Inspiring keyboard!

[@dailydoseofbeauty-coaching113]

I heard you on a Future Music vid, explaining the Make Noise Maths, mindblowing by the way, here you are again, I could listen to you for hours, great Tutorial

[@MyVidMix]

Finally. Actual helpful review and amazing music. Navigating through many YT reviews of equipment always pays off. Thanks. Subbed.

[@dlinnoedlinnoe]

Thank you so much for the review! It's amazing how different reviews show different sides and uses of this seemingly simple keyboard! I'm so glad I've finally got it :)

[@nokeechia]

Sometimes heroes do not wear capes! I received this keyboard for Christmas, I didn't understand much of the sequencing magic you demoed here, but now i do. Thanks a bunch, and have a great year!

[@austindrawhorn2141]

Tracks demoing synth features have no business being this damn good!

[@kmontzka]

This is just the tutorial I needed for the Keystep sequencer. Been using it only for MIDI input for my Circuit but can now see all sorts of possibilities using it in other ways. Thanks!

[@austinstyles6393]

Very cool! You did a great job showcasing what the KeyStep really can do. I order one yesterday, should arrive tomorrow...very excited 😊

[@danrkelly]

Great review, so refreshing as most kit reviews are so dry these days and generally free of any sense of creativity. Cheers!

[@purplezoid1]

Thanks for this great demo. Saw this, walked out the door and was back in an hour with one :) Thanks again! 👍

[@jkonrad]

Holy f*** I just ignored those buttons, I'm such a fool. What a brilliant system, my sincere thanks to you for the demo and clever composing!!

[@timecage]

Nobody has ever sold me on a piece of gear as you did.

[@thewolfin]

Red Means Recording made me look into the OP-1, at least until I saw its price tag

[@jimmurphy9904]

timecage lol right

[@codykastler4709]

Surely he has a keystep pro review, right?

[@weyoun6535]

Whatever you do don’t watch his novation peak video unless you have some spare cash 😬

[@Horizontedesucesos_]

right?

[@josephwright5921]

Ok. You pushed me over the edge after seeing the video. I ordered my Keystep on Monday and received it Friday!

[@herbertdruschke503]

i m always enjoying new videos from mylarmelodies. i like your personal, emotional and musical approach and you voice as well. inspiring and fun and still my favourite channel. by the way, the music in this video is simply beautiful. cheers from germany, herbert

[@heisholt]

Oh man! Been using my keystep for a year without ever digging into the sequencer - only the arp. Glad I stumbled onto this vid!

[@jamesellaway5586]

Just got one of these and so excited to use it after watching this. Nicely done!

[@ANAAMALY]

Top notch review and demo with tons of inspiration here. Thank you!

[@AndyTanguay]

Totally amazing from what is mostly a little controller. Love the feel of the deck on this KeyStep too

[@todddenzil-williams9907]

One of the best instructionals I've seen on this! Great work

[@islandpalm148]

Perceived complex Phillip Glass and Steve Reich compositions, a la Bob Ross in no time at all. Happy little sequences by happy accidents.

[@wylatron]

man your energy is FANTASTIC! I was already going to get one, but you just made me fall in love with it

[@chunkystylemusic]

Great demonstration, and so much usefu information. I now realize i’ve only been scratching the surface of what can be done with this thing. Back to the lab for me!

[@usualatoms4868]

oooookeeeeeyyy! I did not realize what the keystep is until I saw this. You made me consider this a lot! Especially since I already the BSP and have been considering to buy some midi keyboard. Thank you for this!

[@keykrazy]

Thank you so much for posting this, mylarmelodies! My Keystep's been sitting on a desk for a few weeks -- too much gear and too little time, i guess! -- but when i bought her i was sure i'd get some great use out of it at some point. Thanks to your video i'm inspired to crank it up and get *creating* !! :)

[@suzanne_atkinson]

Fantastic tutorial and demonstration. Those beats and rhythms at the end are wonderful. Polyphony and polyrhythms mmmmmmm

[@herbertdruschke503]

one of the best reviews. enjoying, very inspiring with wonderful music and alex´ pleasant voice. excellent machine as well.

[@IpfxTwin]

Just the connectivity alone was enough to get me to buy this. The fact it has a clock and all of these great sequencing options is a huge bonus. I was able to get an amazing deal on one and can't wait for it to arrive. Awesome demo and performance BTW!

[@RQ3S]

Sold. I've been eyeing this, along with some other options, for a smaller controller (to accompany the 0-coast you already sold me on). Man, the creative flow aspects you're showcasing really sell it. I wasn't even considering how I might use it with my larger hardware synths, but damn I am now.

[@ionianechoes]

Your jams are really so good.

[@dondonaudio8191]

Got mine yesterday. It feels soooo intuitive! Very cool!

[@jonahhuggins1903]

Omg thanks for this guide, I just got my key step and watched this before diving in. VERY inspiring :)

[@MichaalHell]

Fantastic demo. I bought this because of the specs. But this demo showcasing some of its more obscure features makes me really excited for this midi keyboard!

[@plasticjesse]

Super inspiring! Love your sound design, man. Definitely wanna buy a keystep now

[@nikispaintingsilence3287]

how nice man really enjoyed hearing this. I will get one asap now to add to my electronic music live set up. big up!

[@luiscosta76]

Brilliant performance video, the review is just an added bonus! :)

[@N-trepid1]

Fantastic demo of this little wonder. Big fan of Arturia products. Thanks!

[@teebeedahbow]

Great video. I have had a Keystep for a while and I love it. My favourite small keyboard. I had always used the rest/append/clear last more as editing tooling, but of course they make the Keystep the basis for a remarkable improvisation instrument. And you can pick one up for less than a ton. Outrageous!

[@L1915SS]

Can't believe I wasn't aware of the little sequencer & wish I'd known before synthfest so I could have had a play! You answered what was going to be my question right at the end about using it with a DAW - now I need one! Great video...

[@ElectricFarmerCh]

I love your enthusiasm in this video, and what a jam! Let me come over with my guitar, you've totally got me in the zone!

[@stevie1166]

Just ordered one in the last 10 minutes. Even more excited to get it on Monday now!

[@shaolin215]

Super inspiring jams, man. Thanks.

Just bought it too! I couldn't resist the Steve Reich Patterns 😂! Thanks for the fun and real life review!!!

[@AndaVolley]

This demo makes me really happy. Thanks for sharing.

[@kylewalsh9124]

Got about 2 min in and ordered one haha... great video

[@metalmatou]

Not just the Arturia Keystep, your video is amazing too! Happy new year Mylar Melodies!!

[@dime_dancing]

Your videos are always so cozy.

[@woodstreetcoffee4348]

You are the demo king.

[@gravitywellTO]

Wow, never thought I'd get a piece of gear before you do a demo. I must have good taste, lol. Thanks so much for this, dude. I've only used my keystep as a controller/arp, couldn't figure out the sequencer, but i shall definitely be referring to this video. My jaw hit the floor like 3 times: I had no idea it was this flexible.

[@marekstora]

Man, I'm totally sold. Great video!

[@cellrok]

Okay, was thinking about getting a big synth next with a 61 keyboard attached, but now gonna buy the desktop version instead. The price difference is 100 which is roughly the amount i need for a KeyStep - and good to see KeyStep also has a chord mode, which was the only reason to consider the the non-desktop version. Lovely!

[@foundatlantis]

a video demonstration done well. explains everything and demonstrates it perfectly. nice one dude thx!

[@johnnygoodyear270]

Thank you so very much. I believe I was/am your precisely intended audience. I've had a Keystep for a year or so and done nothing but play it in the vanilla manner. Your excellent overview, but more importantly your manifest enthusiasm has produced the ah-ha moment and I'm very grateful for that. All the best. JG

[@aevin_io]

Another VERY exciting feature that, i think, you didn't mention is that the sequencer can send MIDI to a *different* channel than the "Keyboard Play" - so you can have an instrument playing, saying, the bassline, and another instrument to jam ! awesome

[@kemasolar]

how?

[@kemasolar]

I answer myself for future: hold shift+"oct+"+the channel that you want to jam in, and then play. sequence will keep in the old MIDI channel

[@ScottofOakland]

Can this work with a single instrument that has polyphony?

[@alieustiansamateh6401]

You are great, every demo inspires ☺

[@slakk5093]

Wow I just learnt a lot about my keystep!!! Thanks for this video!

[@tybowesformerlygoat-x7760]

Beautiful. Thanks for creating this.

[@AndyVonal]

Oh bugger me daft....just as I'm getting to grips with the BeatStep Pro sequencing my Volcas (can't get on with their internal sequencers...) you do this to me! Oh damnation and hellfire. More money gone (not too much but I wanted a...). Love you, fella, for these inspiring videos. Excellent. Might be able to get one...not sure about two though. Totally get the idea of an extra to the Beatstep.

[@alexrafter]

Wow! Great vid. I'd never really thought about the Keystep for my set up. Totally re-thinking that now.

[@georgekay372]

I actively avoided watching this video until I had the 112€ to buy one of these because I knew the video would convince me. Now I needed something to sequence my DX7 with and bob’s yer uncle. It’s gonna arrive on Saturday and I’m hyped! Thanks for the great video!

[@marsupialmicron]

Amazing review! And you are an excelent “synthesist”

[@HotStrange]

Damn that DX7 sounds so good. The Keystep and SQ-1 are the workhorses of my “studio”. Also works great as a master clock for other gear. ⚙️

[@graxjpg]

I like to use my Deepmind as a master clock because it gives me the BPM on its nice big screen.

[@mrcwalker33]

Wonderful video. Biggest surprise: the first time I absolutely enjoy hearing the original DrumBrute! After you mentioned it in the DivKid interview I listened closer

[@SIl_Ae]

this looks so useful. thanks for the demo!

[@heryratsimihah5083]

Finally a good video about the KeyStep, thank you there!

[@Pterrordon12]

Learned a ton from this, just got one of these last month so i'm eager to keep digging.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

You had me at "sequence the chords".

[@holonmundi5320]

Thank you so much for this presentation! Just like you said, it's a whole different thing to read and play around with it and this bridges the gap. Now I'll dust it off! :)

[@mux1978]

This video changed my Keystep life. Thank you my friend. Cheers from Canada. 🍻

[@mylarmelodies]

👍👍👍

[@perc-3054]

Just bought it, thank you for sharing this.

[@maxoreilly]

I just got one of these and a BopPad for Christmas and coming up with ideas now with hardware and Ableton is such a joy again!!

[@BetweenBeatsNDreams]

Great tutorial here man. Easy to follow and well narrated.

[@winstonelectric]

also love the fun musicality and straightforward explanation in this video

[@markjeffery3237]

Beautifully demonstrated

[@grevillesreview268]

Really cool review. Thanks. Love the Kaotica Eyeball!!

[@GlitchyfrogMusic]

Sitting in my bathtub, watching this video and melting in excitement. Ordered it yesterday :p nice video dude! Nice explanations!

[@SyntheticState]

Great tutorial and demo, thanks for the upload!

[@PaulCignol]

Brilliant video, i just ordered one, thanks!

[@adamalthus]

Very Maurice Jarre at 13:15 :) Truly inspiring demo, as always. Thanks!

[@nemtna]

This is the most useful and educating video on keystep I ever saw.

[@jdavis.fw303]

I was already headed towards buying one of these since I own the Beatstep Pro, but man this blew away any doubts I had. For $120 it can't be beat.

[@mbrombert]

The arpeggio is also pretty damn awesome! Great video indeed

[@an0va]

it's so good to see someone else who is still as excited about this controller as I am. seriously if they ever make a Keystep Pro, it'd change everything

[@FKU7777]

Nice one mate, mine was ordered yesterday! Great Jams, Orbital-esque for Jam 1. Should be good to hook up to my Volca Beats and Waldorf Blofeld!

[@museric2007]

Just found you, and this is just fantastic, thanks for this.

[@Iwasonceacarpenter]

This is the defining video of what the Keystep stands for. Spontaneous inspiration.

[@petercane6376]

Holy shit does that lot take off???? You must be in your element there. I just bought a Keystep but did not realise its full potential. The manual is huge!!!! For such a plain Jane it has a lot of tricks hidden!!! Thanks for the demos. Excellent music.

[@myblueextremes1526]

Great video! I don't utilise my key step nearly enough. Today will now be spent really getting into it.

[@rgcmusic]

You are my favorite person in the synth world on KZbin, your great walk throughs and enthusiasm comes through on your videos and it makes me excited about making music too. Great video as always. I was considering getting rid of my keystep but I believe I just haven't used it to it's potential. Oddly when I've connected CV to my Odyssey, the Odyssey sometimes randomly stops working, but I don't have the problem with midi. I haven't used other gear input to the CV on Odyssey so I'm not sure if it's the keystep or the Odyssey, but midi works great on it. I'll have to investigate further, but I'm definitely going to use the sequencer on the keystep more now.

[@mylarmelodies]

Ta - Sounds odd that, could be something silly like a cable issue?!