ARTURIA KEYSTEP DEMO & REVIEW - 10 Reasons Why This MIDI Controller Is So Popular

Demo and review of ARTURIA KEYSTEP 37 USB MIDI KEYBOARD CONTOLLER, plus comparisons to the original and ARTURIA KEYSTEP PRO. I'll present 10 reasons why this has been such a success for Arturia and also some areas where it falls short.
Discussion and demon of the sequencer, arpeggiator, chord mode, inputs and outputs, modular, eurorack, keys and build quality.
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[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

I appreciate that you made everything sound like a 1992 Sega Megadrive soundtrack

[@mgscheue]

Just got one and I love it. Especially nice with my Eurorack rig. Great video!

[@rharris0820rh]

The Keystep is solid! Easily my favorite controller. It makes the Akai feel like a happy meal toy.

[@andesneko]

The price tells you right away the category is not even the same.

[@PatrickRosenbalm]

Good demo Woody!!

[@NotNoAndrew]

Thanks for your review Woody; I was curious about it. It's not really my style but it's nice to hear your review of it.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi, it's made me curious because of the sheer number of music tech youtubers that seem to use it.

[@willowmusic5]

Hi Woody - The MIDI IN can be used for MIDI-to-CV conversion. This makes the Keystep useful for applying external MIDI devices to modular setups. I have enjoyed my original Keystep for many years. I use both the USB and the MIDI DIN connectors. I like the feel of the keys, they have just the right amount of resistance so that it does not seem like a toy. Aftertouch seems to be as (un)sensitive as all the other keyboards in my collection. But I appreciate that aftertouch is available on the Keystep. The size is convenient for use on a desktop, and it is quick and easy to set up. Overall, a very nice product indeed.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

super explanation, thanks for the insights!

[@alkal_alkal]

@@WoodyPianoShack Another use is to record MIDI data to your DAW from another MIDI device. Particularly useful for older keyboards with DIN out only (think DX7). Otherwise, you’d have to use yet another Midi-to-USB box…

[@valdir7426]

MIDI in can also be used to take advantage of the arp/seq from an external keyboard; and it can be used to transmit midi clock.

[@paulhedley2864]

I have the keystep pro and that is phenomenal piece of kit. Mini keys not an issue as use mine for sequencing. But must admit to giving one of these a try alongside the other arturia 😃

[@hovermotion]

Superb video, I use the keystep 37 with a volca bass with the Volca bass going through a specular tempus effect .

[@arisym7797]

Great review, Woody! A useful use of MIDI IN can be to chain with another device since the Editor allows to configure MIDI OUT as MIDI THRU. In this way I chain my Keystep with a Beatstep. Cheers!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

excellent point, thanks

[@rmanpojo8485]

@@WoodyPianoShack and midi in can be used for transposing... lot of fun with the sq1!

[@biggsbiggs]

Yeah this is the big one. Once they updated the editor to make the MIDI out a MIDI thru, I can use my Digitakt as master clock and drive the sequencer on the Keystep.

[@mr_floydst]

Great video, Woody! That mod strip really killed it for me. I accidentally touched that strip _so_ often.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks! thinking of putting some tape over it :)

[@gregphillipsmusic]

Thanks very good

[@jPaulofe]

Hi Woody, great video! about the 5-Pin MIDI IN, I'm finding it a blessing as (specially on DAW less setups like mine) sometimes we need to drive external clock from another hardware device into the keystep . Take care!

[@Nosh_Feratu]

yeah, I use my TR-8S to clock the KS37 arp then my P6...works a charm!

[@lundsweden]

This is one of my favorite MIDI keyboards. It just looks nice, and has a good assortment of features, such as 5 pin DIN MIDI, CV and Gate outs, useful for connecting to hardware, and can also be used over USB of course. The three octave keyboard is a good compromise, better than the smaller model with only two octaves. I don't like the touch strips though, easy to bump the "mod" strip, and the pitch bends feels unnatural without the physical feel of a proper pitch and mod wheel.

[@mstk8845]

I have the keystep also. I think it is one of the best midi controller purchases I’ve made this year. The mod wheel can be set quickly back to 0 by touching it at the bottom.

[@lundsweden]

Yes, I know how to use the mod strip- I just am not a fan of touch strips.

[@SpeccyMan]

I used to have a 49 full size keyboard with 8 knobs (occasionally used) - 8 sliders (rarely used) and 16 pads (hardly ever used) and it took up a lot of space on my desk. I got rid of it and bought one of these and I use all of its functions. I have small hands - can barely span an octave on full sized keys - so the mini keys are actually an advantage for me. For me this is a perfect keyboard. I also own one of the earlier 32 key simpler versions. I also would love a pro but just a little too pricey for me.

[@cresshead]

I have the 32 key-step and its pretty good over all, though i've found myself using my JDXi mainly hooked up to my MPC One as i like the real mod wheel and pitch wheel cant get on the touchy strips that feels like playing an ipad with the screen off.

[@madtias_]

i like the bassy transition music

[@nexuzeb79]

You should try a Pro, Woody... Flexibility is such a fresh breeze, looking forward to your review on one :) Excellent review again, Sir!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

one day i may well upgrade! thanks!

[@midinotes]

I have Arturia's Keylab Pro mk2 keyboard. Best midi controller I have owned! Beautiful construction, all metal case, tons of controls and so versatile. The keyboard action is definitely my favourite feature, very expressive and pro feel. Only 49 notes on my version but it's my desktop goto controller. I did look at this more portable keystep model, looks amazing in terms of features but I still think it's a little pricey for what it is. I guess though they do throw in some decent software and the CV options for some will be the main reason they choose this.

[@mstk8845]

I have been considering getting the mk2. I definitely love their gear build. The essential keys feel a little cheap but it’s a good midi controller also when paired with analog lab.

[@ErraticFaith]

Native Instruments S61 (as used by woody himself now I believe) >>>> Arturia couldn't build a keybed if their lives depended on it. Pianists describe it, as quote 'Such pathetic junk it's barely fit for the bin'.

[@evilet1111]

@@ErraticFaith hahahahahahahaha

[@phk70]

Because of the MIDI-in it doubles as a MIDI-interface, which is very neat. However I wonder if it forwards sysex messages -the OG Keystep doesn’t. I added this feature on the feature wish list on Arturias forum, which they ignored… Nice review Woody 👍

[@valdir7426]

the keystep 37 is not a midi interface. it will relay note messages from usb/midi to midi/cv if you're on the right channel but that doesn't make it a midi interface in the traditional sense that is freely available to use from your computer (it won't transmit CC or any other type of message than note/PB/modulation and if the arp is active notes will go through the arp).

[@beatfarmdigital]

MIDI in could be used to sync the arp and seq to external gear.

[@ukrop-chik]

You missed the main disadvantage of this keyboard: it can’t be transposed by semitones! Yes, I know, it’s unbelievable, but it's a fact! The “transpose” button may confuse you, as it only transposes sequences or arpeggios, which is actually quite useless functions, as you will realize later on. But if you not a fluent keyboard player, and only comfortable in playing, say in A minor and Cmajor, you are in trouble! This has been raised many, MANY times on Arthuria forum, they responded to some unhappy customers promising to fix this issue in the future firmware updates, but so far it hasn’t been done! So, don’t be confused with the “transpose” button, it is not what transpose is on all other keyboards, synths etc!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

interesting, i had no idea, but real players don't use the transpose button! only kidding, i'm sure many will miss it.

[@marcosrotllan]

Its a really pathetic fact

[@saardean4481]

i am drinking coffee and wanted to go buy this thing today. Now I read this.....

[@sentientsea]

Wait ... There are people who only play in one key and just transpose it??????? This is an incredible cheat !!!!

[@ukrop-chik]

@@CaptainTodger69 No, I purchased it to use with Nord 2X module, which doesn't have a transpose function at all.

[@eaglechildkeys]

Great Woody! Do you know if the keys have spring mechanism like the Komplete Kontrol M32? Or more like a Korg Microkey ? One of the best points is the midi connections. (Many manufacturers seems to forget to include in their keyboards…)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i would not expect anything super decent at this price and not wanting to tear it apart. have not heard of many complaints about durability anyway.

[@AdamElteto]

The metal bottom definitely provides a solid structure, and the slightly larger "mini" keys are easy to play. The keys are a bit knocky and stiff, but the aftertouch is unusual for mini keyboards and great for expressive playing. I would not say the sturdiness is unusual; it is $200, so you would want it to be better than the $100 price range offerings. I wish the pitch and mod had some position feedback, especially the mod slider, but not catastrophic. The knobs do not feel cheap, and the control functions are a welcome extra for some quick experimentation, even if you will end up doing most of that in the DAW/VST.

[@crabbydad8931]

I love mini keys and Arturia design but unfortunately I don't love these mini keys as even though they are solid, they are just too springy and black keys get too difficult to play consistent velocity for faster lines. If these had touch of Yamaha resurface mini keys, they'd kick ass. but regardless still useful as solid B-type controlor for synths parts, and cool sequencer that can get pretty deep with the chord function. And yeah, ribbon controlers will never replace real wheels IMO, especially for modulation

[@adamkrasneski3679]

I feel like the better question how can we get the keystep features on other hardware. That sequencer style should be industry standard. No turning a knob to find a pitch. Shift plus a key to select a midi channel is the single best feature on any keyboard w a midi out. Throw in some drum pads w a seperate midi channel like the new akai controller and maybe another octave of mini keys and this controller would be perfect for my multi synth setup. I wouldnt turn down the inclusion of some virt analog built in sounds. Id be more into buying a keystep w those features than the current pro model.

[@rmanpojo8485]

The usb input is great far more better then the smaller ones! (like on the keystep)

[@photobritain]

The midi in allows you to use full size keys from an external keyboard.

[@KM-mh8vm]

Wow, I love the feature of chord. Is that ordinarily feature for MIDI Keyboards?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

many midi keyboards have chord function, but not implemented this well

[@dykodesigns]

The sync ports are probably Volca compatible. The keystep and beatstep products seem quite ideal for a multi-Volca based setup especially with different midi channels.

[@johnjohnpetterson8428]

Maybe it's just me but i can't sync my volca through the clock out of my keystep pro :-/ i tried all the sync options in the keystep menu but they all failed.

[@dykodesigns]

@@johnjohnpetterson8428 Maybe you could try a solution with midi cables and a midi-thru box. It works for me, allthough I don’t use the built-in sequencers of the volca’s. My setup consists of an old EMU X-board 49 to which the a few volca’s are connected with a Kenton midi-thru 5. The X-board is also connected to an iPad with a USB connection. Sequencing is done with Gadget and / or Cubasis. I basically use the volca’s as sound modules.

[@valdir7426]

sync ports use a TRS connection with clock on the tip and start/stop on the ring.

[@ocnb]

I got myself one of these and a Beatstep Pro as main sequencer - both still cheaper than a Keystep Pro!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

seems like a smart choice!

[@Thadnill]

Hi! I'm a little torn whether the Native instruments m32 or this one would suit me better. It's mainly going to be used as a MIDI-controller for vst and plugins inside my daw and notation software, i mostly create orchestral and classical music but also sometimes electronic music and sound design. Worth mentioning is that I already have an 88 weighted fully keyboard so that I figured that a smaller (this or the m32) would be the perfect addition for when i want to just experiment and try simpler ideas, or traveling, etc (portability is an important factor). Which one would you go for if you were in my case, the m32 or the arturia 37?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i'd carefully consider what instruments you want to use, and what is included in software bundle. if orchestral is your thing then you'll probably end up using NI kontakt, so m32 might be the better choice for the better integration.

[@guylaforce4266]

Question : I’m quite green in the electronic music. I have Native suite. Is this Aturia Keyboard can trigger my NI virtual instruments ? Thank you.

[@FSK1138]

5:57 midi in !!!!! you can add a legacy controller like the BCR2000 or BCF2000 to add control for vst also you can use external midi clock (drum machine ) it is a very good option you do not find on most modern controllers at this price

[@cavemanabc]

Thanks for sharing this video! This might be a silly question but I’m so new to this whole midi controllers….can I learn how to play the piano on this? Does it even play piano sounds? It’s compact and inexpensive which is why I like it

[@WoodyPianoShack]

the midi controllers don't have their own sounds. you connect to PC with USB and then run software on PC to make the sounds. you'll also need a USB audio interface to hear them! i wouldn't recommend this type of keyboard for learning piano, get 49 full-size keys minimum, still quite compact.

[@AndrewTSq]

I got the Native M32 instead, after I could not really make up my mind. The lack of midi on the m32 is really hurting. The sequencer + ability to play over that on other midi channel is really tempting feature. About USB-C, I am glad they stay away from that connector. I've worn out a few laptop usb-c ports :/

[@WoodyPianoShack]

interesting about the usbc, m32 great software bundle i think, but no good for midi hardware controller if only usb

[@AndrewTSq]

@@WoodyPianoShack yeah, already own a native instruments machine also, so I am kind of deep down in their software. I guess usb-c might not be a bad connector on a synth, since you probably dont plug & unplug them every day several times. the keybed on the m32 is really nice, and the rotary encoders has a really nice feeling to them

[@giaosplinter]

Irig 49 is a tad longer , but very tempting due to full size keys Also the iRig keys 2 pro is 37 full size keys and the same size

[@raymondwilliams6878]

Good review! I like that you explained the purpose of the USB attachment. Wasn't sure...Literally just bought one over the weekend...I bought it to use with my MPC Live 2. It is really a great MIDI controller for me. I'm not a Player, more of a songwriter so the mini keys don't bother me much. It does take some getting used to though as I owned a full-sized key Korg workstation before this. I was between this one and the older Keypstep (32 key) since these are the only ones in this price range with aftertouch. Ended up choosing this since I was able to score it for the same price as the cost of a new original version! The arp is really helpful along with chord mode. Very easy to plug in and get to work. There's more to it if you are so inclined to delve deeper.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

congrats on your ks, and thanks for sharing your insights!

[@JayTheLane]

That headset and mic 🤣

[@WoodyPianoShack]

just wait until it catches on and everyone's doing it!

[@JayTheLane]

@@WoodyPianoShack 🤣

[@Justin-xi6ue]

The uneven keys also annoyed me slightly. It wasn't hard but it was enough for me to want to open it up and try to fix it. Luckily all I really needed was some tape and that seemed to solve things for me.

[@Aethalops]

Useful review, but it would benefit from camera angles that focus on the LED display or controls you're highlighting. It's often difficult to see what you're doing.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

sure, fair enough, although this not intended to be a tutorial or manual, just an overview of the pros and cons.

[@Blazs120gl]

Hi, I'm a total n00b in MIDI or synthesizers. I'm only looking for a MIDI keyboard for mod tracker-based music experimentation (I knew Fast Tracker II back in the DOS days and I'm trying to pick up contemporary predecessors). Is this a good all-round entry level keyboard for use in trying out ideas and possibly using its features in more modern DAWs like Renoise? Thanks in advance for your inputs! :)

[@Autistic_Artist]

It has a midi in so it can record what you are doing with external gear. Control changes, note data and so on.

[@johncarter2741]

I had one. Lovely feel on keys. But hated the touch strips. Got rid. I like wheels and just couldn’t get used to strips.

[@rubberplant6375]

Yes, the title should say Keystep 37, not Keystep. I have the original & the keystep pro. They are all slightly different. The advantage with the pro is not only the 4 sequencers, but the fact that they operate on different channels and are good for sustaining sounds using the hold feature on each channel while playing on other channels even without the sequencers running. Also the arps can be recorded onto the sequencers so it has a lot of features, but they are not as intuitive as on the keystep.

[@moimeme1640]

what are the advantages and disadvantages of the keystep 37 vs keylab essential 49?

[@ludwinhooi6982]

Hi .the software have transpos?

[@effebidi9677]

Hello , as I'm selling my big midi controller to get this keystep 37 I got few questions. What about memory presets. I need to know if there is a memory that can save knobs assignment. I know it can save 8 sequences so I wonder if is in there that I can save knobs assignments

[@valdir7426]

I really don't get the hate for minikeys (probably from old-school grumpy synths nerds); those on the minikeys are especially nice to use. I recently got out my old PCR-500 controller to try it out and I found out I prefer minikeys, I can do greater intervals with one hand. I even bought a midiplus mini x4 that has a bit similar keys to the keystep to get 4 octaves without taking too much room.

[@nigelreadon8381]

Hi my zip on main keyboard case is broke, if I open it up again It might brake it altogether. Yes I got the first keystep.....it helps playing 3/4 bars repeated.....the DAW helps you if you like cheating if your playing sucks

[@Moon-kr1pw]

👍

[@martinstravelchannel9118]

did it work without a cable, via Bluetooth?

[@jettero1]

@ 5.48 The only use for the MIDI IN i can think of, is for a larger scale keyboard, such as a 61 note or 88 note keyboard instead of using the 37 it comes with, other than that i have no idea also.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

midi clock perhaps from external gear?

[@Schaudochnochmal]

The Midi in is for Midi chains

[@nathanwahl9224]

Anybody know if you can mix majors, minors and like 7ths on the "chord" function? It'd be nice if you could play a C, Dm, Em, F, G progression only using five keys. Also, ON STAGE, LIVE, is anybody using this as a plain old controller, a second board driving a patch in my Juno DS61, mostly playing the bass line? Or is this pretty much limited only to hobby room users?

[@mrgratis561]

I find the velocity is far too sensitive on this. If I'm striking a note then trying to smoothly move to another then it's far too soft and low. It feels like if I don't strike every key hard then I don't get decent volume out of it. Already tried adjusting the velocity settings which seem almost pointless with little difference in results and no option to disable it. The keys are very plasticy, change up or down an octave and you get non stop flashing lights out of the corner of your eye. Overall it's disappointing.

[@ToastandJam52]

Good review although I would never consider buying one due to the miniature keys. I did notice the uneven keys before your mentioned them. Have you contacted Arturia about that? You might have got a defective controller. Anyway, mini keys do have a bad reputation for breaking on a regular basis.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

well spotted, eagle eyes! nah, i'm sure this is quite normal and only cosmetic. just a side effect of cheap construction i guess.

[@CalvinWatkins]

I actually went to the music store to purchase the Keystep 37 for discount of $129 and got the pro instead on clearance for $229. I still want the 37 and notice that it has the "strum" which the pro doesn't.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

great deal, congrats!

[@jeffryarchambeau5441]

I got the 37 and the pro. I use them together, stacked and offset as on an organ. Pro to the right, 37 to the left for strumming chords.

[@calikokat100]

you asked why there would be a midi in...maybe there are 2 piano players who want to play a duet on a vst...🙂

[@WoodyPianoShack]

should have thought of that!

[@battledroid1281]

Solid review** I also have an issue with touch strips. They take up too much space and the location doesn't work. Arturia did right by moving pitch/mod above the keyboard on the minilab 3. Still would rather x/y joysticks over any touch strips.

[@marcosrotllan]

7 months later and still no real transport update

[@nonchai]

I ordered this a few days ago - and unless someone here says otherwise there's a feature missing i would have thought obvious - namely random-access editing. You can delete from the end, append new bits, record over whats already been recorded, even overdub. But can you select or move back and forth between steps to correct or edit notes on a step? NOOO! for that it seems one must get the PRO. Disappointing. And the cost of the pro is too much. My foray into low cost midi hardware sequencing is paused for now. Shame - as otherwise i really like thiis unit.

[@freshkidblaze]

hows the keybed compared to the novation launchkey mk3 37?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

dunno

[@Rdiamondcole]

No shade on LK but have bought two LKs ,mini and 49 and feel KS much better playing experience. My hands are small so it does get me a certain type of expanded voicing as a piano player. These controllers are not player keyboards like say a Yamaha reface, but more input for composers and arranging notes. Hope this helped.

[@freshkidblaze]

@@Rdiamondcole I have the keystep now, and I agree with what you said ⚡️⚡️.

[@donmundt3573]

Nice review however I'm not sure why you would want a USB C connector on a keyboard. It has zero advantages in this case over USB B and a big disadvantage. The higher data rates of USB C are not needed and the cost would be higher. Most importantly USB C is far more susceptible to damage than USB B which is an important consideration in a mobile keyboard design.

[@calikokat100]

did i hear a cat at 0:50 ?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

not at my end

[@AnthonyGoodley]

Yea that sound does resemble a cat. He must have inadvertently pushed a key or something.

[@lacikollar64]

Looks funny i like a new AKAI more with 37 keys white colour oh no i like black there is always something and where are the pads for drums oh no

[@seankayll9017]

Slop and wobble is something that starts to affect you in your mid fifties.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

MIDI IN for those of us who can't play mini keys and want to use full sized keys to control the controller.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

fair enough

[@the_JTowny]

Feels like a toy compared to the SL mk3

[@lince4824]

Size section with no size specified, lol

[@r3dsnow757]

can anyone please recommend me a decently affordable midi keyboard with mod wheels or strips, pref 37 keys or so. I was looking at the keystep but..i think i'm gonna turn away from it.

[@Frakaphoto]

need usb c

[@QuantizStudioRecords]

I hate mini keys....I don t understand the sense....If you are player... 🤧

[@freelancer8822]

Good ins and out but badly let down by the garbage cheapo ribbon controllers. Mod wheel is barely passable and the pitch bend is absolute junk. So bad I have to resort to using another keyboard with a proper wheel for any sort of musically coherent pitch bend which defeats the purpose of having the thing as s controller. Additionally the arp doesnt have the most basic up/down mode. Yet another over-priced 'toy' masquerading as a serious bit of kit! Going on fleabay asap.

[@leslie1526]

Great keyboard but. No aftertouch and mini keyboard is crap

[@karl9411]

Looks exactly like the Keystep which now doesn't work with Ableton .It makes a good paperweight though .Until Arturia sort this out with Ableton im off to spend my money with a company that supports its supposed older gear .