The simplicity of the interface belies a rather complex array of options to tweak, even on hardware as straightforward as the KeyStep, especially when you start managing multiple presets. This only really detracts from the usability in a very minor way. The software itself is nothing fancy, though it hasn’t been updated to work properly on HiDPI screens like the MacBook Retina line. When you plug your computer in to your Arturia hardware via the micro-USB port, the MIDI Control Center detects it and loads in the current device settings. To get the most out of the KeyStep, there’s a companion app for desktop OSes called MIDI Control Center (sic). I’m impressed! MIDI Control Center software Overall, it definitely seems like Arturia has put a lot of thought into offering the maximum quality and quantity for a ~£100 price tag. I guess the system is an efficient use of space, but it can get very confusing, and could probably be solved with a recessed four-way switchable dial. This lets you choose between internal, USB, MIDI IN, and Sync-in cable. The rear also has a weird jumper-switch system for selecting your sync-in source. a big plus-point is that you can use the USB cable with a standard USB charger to power the KeyStep, rather than have to fish around for a compatible DC power supply… If they had to use this specific connector, they could have maybe recessed it into the case slightly to stop it bending in the unit. This is just an issue with the design of micro-USB generally, but it’s maybe a bit strange that Arturia didn’t go for the usual USB type-B square-style port. The only thing I’d change is to add some sort of texture to the centre line on the pitch strip, but it’s really not something to worry about.Ĭonsidering how solidly built the rest of the unit is, it’s a bit disappointing to see how much of a weak point the micro-USB port is. They feel plenty responsive and precise, so they’re plenty good enough for live performance. As someone pointed out in an Amazon review (which I can confirm), for some reason, there are a few keys that sit slightly lower than the rest.īoth the modulation and pitch controls are touch strips, helping to keep the design minimal, and reducing moving parts in the unit. They also feel nice and solid, with no rattle or springy sound to them, unlike other keyboards I’ve tried in this price range. The keys are smaller than a standard piano keyboard but, to my amateur hands, never feel they suffer from this. The 32-key keyboard is pressure (aftertouch) and velocity sensitive, which manages to fit into a very compact design. There’s also a large switch for flicking between ARP and SEQ modes, which is one of the only design choices that feels out of place on the faceplate. The buttons have a satisfying give to them, meaning there’s no ambiguity about whether they’ve been used. All the functions are clearly marked out with good contrast. There are only a handful of soft-touch buttons, including a SHIFT button to double up functionality. As you’d expect, the back houses all the I/O connections, including MIDI in/out DINs, CV/gate 3.5mm jacks, sync I/O 3.5mm jacks, connection or a sustain pedal, DC power, and a micro-USB port. This is mostly due to the solid steel base, on which a plastic frame sits, that houses all the keys and controls. The hardware has a surprising weight to it that the size hides well. The design and layout are simple and easy to understand, reflecting the core functionality of a keyboard, step sequencer, and arpeggiator. Taking this keyboard out of the box, you’re presented with a decently weighted, compact unit, ‘getting started’ sheet, and a simple micro-USB cable. So for that, you’d need a nice, simple keyboard: Sturdy, portable, with plenty of syncing ins and outs…ĭoes the Arturia KeyStep fit the bill? In a nutshellĪ compact, affordable, 32 key MIDI keyboard with built-in polyphonic 64-step sequencer, arpeggiator, and all sorts of sync connectivity options. There’s also the fact that modern DJ setups offer more and more opportunities to enhance recorded music with your own touch, so the idea of digging in to synthesisers to add melodies and better understand how sound is sculpted becomes tempting. Visualising music theory via a keyboard helps understand chords, major/minor keys, and scales. Playing the keyboard has never been an essential part of DJing, or even production.
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