step
Universal sequencing controllers
From creation to production music is a long and complex journey. Step is here to guide you through. Putting all your instruments on the same speed, creating unique sequences, marching to the same beat.
Universal
sequencing controllers
Control your desktop synths, your modular rig, your software - the Step range lets you control it all. Controllers designed to keep all your gear in perfect sync, with instant sequencing, playful arpeggios, playable chord modes, and flexible connectivity to suit any setup, style, or project.
01
Sequencers and controllers
Infusing the best elements of traditional MIDI controllers with advanced step sequencing power, the Step range truly puts you in command of your software and hardware instruments.
02
Performance and production
Just at home on the stage as they are in your home studio, these sequencers have been designed to enhance your ability to perform, improvise, write, and create.
03
Awesome connectivity
Each member of the Step family features its own unique mix of CV/gate ins, outs, MIDI ports, and USB connectivity to ensure you have the tools you need to stay in control.
The Step range consists of controllers that combine intuitive sequencing, flexible arpeggiation, and real-time performance control. Whether you want the familiar feel of a MIDI keyboard, or an instant-access pad controller workflow, the Steps put your hardware and software in perfect sync for unhindered creation.
Choose
your controller
From pads to keys, simple sequences to advanced arrangements, every Step controller can play a part in your setup. Choose the Step to suit your needs.
Where the
story starts
Fast forward to 2011, and digital was dominating. Software instruments were all the rage, and every popular hardware synth was digital in nature.
[...] when, at NAMM 2012, Arturia announced their first analog keyboard, the MiniBrute, armed with great sound and a price less than half that of its competition. Arturia had the foresight to recognize and inspire a coming trend: the re-emergence and eventual dominance of analog synthesis. Their timing couldn’t have been better.
Geary Yelton, Founding Editor at Synth and Software
JANUARY 2014
BeatStep
A portable pad controller that blurred the lines between hardware and software. A 16-step sequencer for controlling synths and drum machines, a MIDI device for DAW integration, and CV connectivity for modular tweaking. This straightforward set of pads and encoders gives you absolute control, perfect for generating musical ideas instantly.
JANUARY 2015
BeatStep Pro
As the name suggests, we wanted to step our first compact controller up a notch. BeatStep Pro is a world-class multi-track sequencer, MIDI controller, and performance tool rolled into one. 64 steps, a 16-track drum sequencer, fully-customizable MIDI CC control - the centre of your creative setup.
JANUARY 2016
KeyStep
The BeatStep & BeatStep Pro proved that there was demand for intelligent, hands-on controllers for software and hardware. In 2016, we combined our sequencing and arpeggiation concepts with the musical immediacy of a MIDI keyboard. KeyStep became a staple compact controller for desktop synths, eurorack, and DAW control, thanks to its smart array of easy-to-use features.
JANUARY 2020
KeyStep Pro
In 2020, the smartest MIDI keyboard on the market got its own big brother. KeyStep Pro was built to be the brains behind every instrument, in the studio or on stage. 4 independent polyphonic sequencer tracks, each with up to 64 steps, its own CV outputs, advanced real-time performance controls, pattern chaining and much, much more. This is the sequencer the world was waiting for.
SEPTEMBER 2020
KeyStep 37
KeyStep 37 took the established KeyStep blueprint in an experimental and wholly creative direction, expanding it with an advanced Chord mode, Scale mode, and hands-on MIDI CC controls, making it a compact but highly flexible solution for music makers looking for an inspiring idea generator.
Press
Clippings
Ask Audio
On BeatStep
"The BeatStep is well built, well designed, compact and just plain enjoyable to use. Add to this the step sequencer and the fact it retails for under $100 and it seems we have ourselves a bit of a winner."
Computer Music
On BeatStep
"BeatStep is only slightly larger than half an A4 page but feels substantial"
Create Digital Music
On BeatStep
"Bottom Line: Hugely Powerful Controller and Software, Great Value - it’s easily become an essential piece of gear"
Electronic Musician
On BeatStep
"This lightweight, desktop controller can be used with just about any instrument you own, whether it's software or hardware-based, using MIDI and CV:Gate signals"
Keyboard Magazine
On BeatStep
"Put simply, your wish is BeatStep’s command."
Keyboard Magazine
On BeatStep
"This has to be the runaway bang-for-buck hit of NAMM 2014. whether you need drum machine-style groove entry or a primary sequencer for your modular synth rig, you’re covered."
KRHome Studio
On BeatStep
"Fun, useful, flexible and packs a big punch for the price"
Meet Music Magazine
On BeatStep
"A very powerful and fast controller, taking only little space in your studio, perfect for your travels it will allow you programming and execution "LIVE""
Keyboard Magazine
On BeatStep
"BeatStep has to be the runaway bang-for-buck hit of NAMM 2014. Whether you need drum machine-style groove entry or a primary sequencer for your modular synth rig, you're covered."
Audio Fanzine
On BeatStep
"With its excellent build quality, its multiple types of connections and the richness and simplicity of setting mainly via MIDI Control Center, BeatStep is undoubtedly a success."
Resident Advisor
On BeatStep
"If you’re looking for something that can infuse some of the analog sequencer variability and groove to your productions, the BeatStep can get you there."
Sonic State
On BeatStep
"Basically as a tool it's got plenty to offer for the price. It certainly has a role in most setups."
Future Music
On BeatStep
"We love Arturia, you love Arturia, and it seems the French masters of hybrid synthesis are about to spread more love. BeatStep is likely to be one of the most important tools you'll want in your electronic arsenal"
Studio Magazine
On BeatStep
"If you have external midi equipment, analog hardware, an iPad or a laptop, for that matter, then you probably owe it to yourself to give the BeatStep a test run. The easy to work the features and the low price bodes well for the future if Arturia with BeatStep could setting a trend ball rolling."
Studio Magazine
On BeatStep
"What makes BeatStep controller an especially interesting surprise from Arturia is the fact that being a step sequencer with USB connection it also has a cv / gate output that makes it easy to use with analog synthesizers."
Audio Technology
On BeatStep
"Beatstep is a great controller, at a great price!"
Canadian Musician
On BeatStep
"The BeatStep is a David in a Goli- ath market. It may be small, yet it is mighty good and opens a door to in- spiration and creativity in both music creation and live performance."
MusicTech
On BeatStep
"An excellent MIDI controller that unites the worlds of software and hardware at a price that's hard to ignore"
Sound On Sound
On BeatStep
"If you’re a laptop performer in the market for drum pads, a flexible control surface and a hands-on step sequencer, the Beatstep could be exactly what you’re looking for!"
Ask Audio
On BeatStep
"Arturia deserve accolades for creating something that stands out from the crowd."
Create Digital Music
On BeatStep Pro
"BeatStep Pro rethinks the whole control interface to make the kind of sequencer that could be at the center of a really amazing gig."
Computer Music
On BeatStep
"Great control for synths, doubles as a set of drum pads & creative playback modes"
Future Music
On BeatStep Pro
"Arturia have released a Pro version of the Beatstep and we’re pretty sure we’re about to fall in love all over again."
Future Music
On BeatStep Pro
"There’s huge flexibility here."
Engadget
On KeyStep Pro
"Arturia's KeyStep Pro is a near-perfect MIDI controller for hardware synths The playability of the KeyStep and sequencing power of the BeatStep Pro in one affordable package."
Step
the artists' perspective
Arturia has always had a string connection to artists, so we've decided to show what foes on behind the scenes. Check what world renown musicians and producers have to say about their favorite Arturia products and how they use them.
Aki Bergen
DJ / Producer
"The BeatStep is a solid step sequencer, easy to use and extremely fun. Although it has plenty of applications, I do love it to go on with other analogue synthesizers as it allows me to get all of those incomparable musical nuances I was looking for."
Doc McKinney
Producer - Composer
"The BeatStep is extremely intuitive and has helped my creative process and workflow exponentially. Not to mention making programming fun again!"
Guy J
DJ / Producer
"Arturia's BeatStep will definitely be connected to my DAW , Love the fact it can be both Midi controller and a Sequencer , will make building Drums part in your track more creative and fun task than before."
Oliver Huntemann
DJ / Producer
"I hate complicated technology and the BeatStep is as simple as one would wish. The benefit of great sequencing and controlling possibilities including a CV/Gate connectivity to get my old synths back from the attic in the studio."
Kink
DJ / Producer
"BeatStep Pro is the bridge between the old and new technology. I love the Shift function, which allows you to create crazy groove / shuffle on your beats and melodies. We have three independent sequencers, which are very easy to program."
BT
DJ / Producer
"I'm bewildered it's taken manufactures so long to catch on to the control voltage craze. Now that we have there are a proliferation of exciting new instruments and synths, for bang for buck you can get a Beatstep Pro and stop looking. This is the most feature rich, high end step and gate sequencer in a small format, affordable (and substantial) package I've ever seen. I want about 20 of these!"
Marc Houle
DJ / Producer
"The Beatstep Pro helped me control all my old analog gear from one central location. It was really fun to be able to control the instruments in new ways giving new life to some old stuff I had stopped using."
Blawan
DJ / Producer
"The connectivity is amazing too which makes it as useful in the studio as it is in a live setting! Overall a brilliant sequencer to jam with but also to go really deep with the sequencing in the studio."
Matthew Dear
Audion
"It's expressive, intuitive and quick to navigate which helps immensely when writing. It turns my modular drum rig into a wildly inventive drummer with a mind of its own."
Tom Demac
DJ / Producer
"I have never had my MonoPoly singing like this! It's f******* wicked. BeatStep Pro is literally one of the most handy things I have in the studio now."
Jeff Mills
DJ / Producer
"Since I do not use computer for sequencing, I found the piece very "hands on". Easy to manage and it adapts very well with all the other pieces in my studios. I would recommend BeatStep Pro for anyone that prefers to record music in real-time"."
Suzanne Ciani
Composer
"The BeatStep Pro is elegantly visual with a wonderfully tactile interface that is geared toward performance. The touch-sensitive encoder knobs give you information in a polite and non-intrusive fashion."
Synapson
DJ / Producer
"Very good ergonomics, very intuitive, allows not having to look at your computer. I like the possibility of transposing several sequences at the same time which is a time saver. Sync with any type of synth works perfectly."
The Hacker
DJ / Producer
"As a big fan of a step sequencer, I like the ease of use, versatility, and design! I'm using the step sequencer functions to control my analog synths ,it has integrated my studio but also my new live performance."
Simon Mavin
Hiatus Kaiyote
"The beatstep Pro has been a fantastic addition to my setup at home in the studio and live. Being able to control a lot of my synths from one source whether there analog or digital is a huge plus."
Justin Meldal-Johnsen
Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Beck
"I’ve been dreaming of a simple yet full-featured controller that would play well with my modular, and the KeyStep is the answer! It’s ideal… and I wouldn’t change a thing."
Ansis Kolmanis
Rapper/ Hip-Hop Producer
"This little bad boy is my new best mate in the studio AND on the road. I can finally fit my entire gear in a single backpack when I've got some gigs to do with the KeyStep. Oh, and I LOVE the pitch-strip!"
Taraval
Caribou
"I use the Beatstep Pro as a kind of Swiss Army knife of sequencing and syncing in my studio, lots of useful functions in such a small box and lots of creative possibilities to explore."
James Murphy
LCD Soundsystem
"Great CV/Gate conversion, usability - and that’s the highest praise I can give, as someone who has spent decades staring at old gear and wondering how I can get it all to work together."
Tycho
Producer / Musician
"The Keystep Pro is hands down the most intuitive and inspirational sequencer I've ever used. Arturia have managed to pack an incredible amount of powerful features into a compact device that's a joy to use."
Rob Lewis
Composer
"Within 10 minutes of opening the KeyStep Pro, all my equipment is working together, and the horizons of creativity have expanded in a way I didn’t think possible."
Henry Durham
Producer Chris Brown/Bree Runway/Steve Aoki
" You can get as specific as you want with the timings, without ever having to hit pause. I feel like I’m finally free from the piano roll! My workflow has never felt better. The BeatStep Pro was a game changer for me and Arturia have done it again here."
Anthony Tombling
CUTS
"Love the sequencer, arp and the chord generator! Wow, this little thing has a ton of capabilities! "
James Brown
Pulled Apart By Horses
"I've been using the new KeyStep 37 non-stop. It does everything I'd want from a MIDI controller/arpeggiator and a hell of a lot more. This has easily flown straight to the top of my must-have tool list right now."
Fred Everything
Producer
"The Beatstep Pro is one of my go to tools. It's a great melodic sequencer that gets quick unexpected ideas on the spot and has 8 trigger outs that I send to my hardware synths to sync arpeggiators, sequencers and gates. A truly versatile instrument."
Technology
Anatomy of the Step
The technology that sets the Step range apart, setting the standard for creative sequencing and studio synchronization.
- Multi-functionality : Software controllers, sequencers, portable keyboards, CV hubs. Every member of the Step range could be considered multiple devices in one, with numerous functions engineered to fit into whatever setup you choose.
- Customization : Beyond being intelligent hardware controllers, the Step range also integrates neatly with software, complete with the dedicated MIDI Control Centre app. This lets you create sequences, swap custom templates, change velocity curves, and much more.
- CV integration : Setting the bar for CV compatibility, each Step controller has a variety of CV connections for controlling hardware synths, drum machines, and modular rigs, for sequencing, triggering, clocking, modulation, and everything in between.