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.
cuckoomusic
"I think it sounds great! It'll be a great, affordable little friend for on the go studio music production, portable performance rig etc. Good stuff."
Marc Doty
Synthesizer Expert
"I am not joking, exaggerating, nor pandering when I say that this thing is one of my new favorite synths. The oscillator functions, matrix, and surface-area sensing of the keyboard basically make it so it didn’t even need a filter. I am in awe."
Annie Hall
DJ / Producer
"With a very unique synthesis and a fast keyboard with many possibilities, this little hybrid has gone straight into my live set up."
Tony Hajjar
Gone is Gone
"It's my go-to when I start a track or my inspiration when I was out of interesting ideas. Just sliding your fingers from note to note can create odd sounds and feels. I love that. It stays plugged in on my desk always ready to go. "
Aimee Jacobs
Belladon
"The keyboard is what really sets this synth apart from other synths at any other price point. You just tap on the keys and get this great, beautiful randomness that doesn’t sound disorganized."
Max Mitchell
Keyboardist / Producer
"MicroFreak allows me to get microscopic if I want to, but also provides a wide sonic palette without the need to obsess over every parameter. It’s just so much fun to interact with. You can’t go wrong!"
Public Memory
Producer / Musician
"Its capability to get super granular with wavetable parameters is great. Its timbres and textures can range from the smoky and crackly very "electric" sound of early-era synths, to lush contemporary colors that are smooth and sublime."
Tusks
Songwriter / Producer
"MicroFreak Vocoder is like nothing I’ve played around with before - it’s so experimental and pushes you to write and play in totally new ways."
Floex
Composer/ Producer
"This synth is almost like small robot singing or speaking thanks to the formant synthesis or the vocoder feature."
Conforce
Producer
"MicroFreak is an intuitive little synth adding a fresh spark to many of my electro productions."
Anfisa Letyago
DJ / Producer
"I love the MicroFreak for the sounds, functionality and size - I can take it wherever I go. Very simple to use and the effect it creates is great! It has a wide choice of sounds and features that allow me to push my creativity to the limit!"
Hany Adel
"MicroFreak is not like any synth, it's a little monster with powerful and unique sounds. It will never fail to impress you when you're looking to be more creative or sound different. "
dBridge
dBridge/Bad Company
"Minifreak is definitely punching above it's weight. This freak offers mood, tones and attitude for any occasion. I love incorporing off grid sound design in my compositions and this is a useful tool to arrive to this kind of result really quickly !"
Carl Craig
DJ / Producer
"The MiniFreak is a very powerful synth with a sound that should be in a box as large as the MatrixBrute. The bass sounds are heavy but the few string sounds included are Detroit Techno production ready. Its a bigger freak when I plugged it into my Prime Time and H949. Watch out, this Freak will make an amateur sound like a pro!"
Rone
Producer
"Arturia's MiniFreak is an outstanding synthesizer! I am really impressed by its versatility and its ability to generate fantastic and original sounds! Compact and very powerful, I can't live without it and I take it with me wherever I go. It inspires me and opens up new and exciting possibilities! Congrats Arturia!"
Fakear
Producer
"Compact and powerful, it's the most versatile synth I've been able to use on tour. The large keys are well fitted for live shows, for a synth of this size, this is astonishing. And it fits in your backpack !"
Breakbot & Irfane
DJ / Producer
"It is so much fun to play with the mini freak ! It offers endless possibilities in terms of sound and texture creation, with a wide array of extremely varied and well designed presets to start off from should you want to take a safer route."
Kmru
Producer
"The minifreak has become a favourite addition to my composition process, I love its versatility and capabilities on its own, its hold function has become a simple obsession and definitely a synth that will be with me more often in the studio and live"
Olympe4000
"Personally, the Arturia MiniFreak synthesizer has been a game-changer for my music production journey. Its compact size fits well into my setup, and the hands-on approach to sound design with the matrix-style modulation system is incredibly engaging. The versatility and depth of sound it offers go beyond its size, making it a go-to instrument for creating unique and inspiring tones."
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.