Congratulations ! You now hold in your hands one of the smartest and convenient keyboard controllers in recent years.
On this page you will have access to all the information you need to make the most of your new device :
- Download the midi control center and boost your editing possibilities
- Update your firmware and get access to the newest functional improvements
- Register your KeyStep and benefit from the best guarantees
- Rollow this quick guide to help you start with the basics of your new instrument
- Read up the manual and become the master of KeyStep
- Discover your KeyStep step by step thanks to the Guided tour video
1-MIDI Control Center
Download the MIDI Control Center
You can fully customize the settings of your KeyStep, edit your sequences and save them in the memory of the device or on your computer.
Click the installer for Mac or Windows depending on your system.
Run the installer and follow the instructions
If you need help, go to our website and post a question on the forums or contact technical support (You will need to create an account).
Double click the .pkg, then follow instructions
Open the .exe file, then follow instructions
2-Firmware Download
1-Launch the MIDI Control Center application
2-Connect your KeyStep to your computer
3-Turn the unit on, then select KeyStep from the DEVICE list in the top left corner
4-Make sure you are connected to the Internet
If a new update is available for your unit, you should be prompted with a message asking if you want to download and install it.
Follow the instructions displayed on screen to update your unit.
It is important to keep your KeyStep up-to-date in order to make the most of it. Remember to launch the MIDI Control Center regularly and check for updates.3-Registration
Log in to your my arturia account
Creating an account will allow you to easily manage your product registrations and access restricted resources on the Arturia website.
Already have an account ? If yes, click Here
Product registration
If you have just bought one of our products, we encourage you to register. Why register?
- To qualify for technical support
- To qualify for product updates
- To gain access to free online resources for your registered software
- To receive information on new products and updates
In order to register your product, you need to be logged in. Click here to either log in to your existing account or create a new account.
4-Main Functions
Connections
KeyStep can be used in many ways with many types of gear. Below are some examples of setups:
Two common formats can be found for pitch Control Voltage. You can select either V/Oct (Arturia synthesizers, Eurorack modules, …) or Hz/V (Korg, vintage Yamaha synthesizers, …) from the MIDI Control Center application.
Using KeyStep as a keyboard controller
KeyStep can be used to many different types of instruments thanks to its USB, MIDI and CV/Gate Connections, for example: virtual instruments, synthesizers, modular systems... Its 32-slimkey keyboard with velocity and aftertouch plus the two capacitive ribbons for pitch bend and modulation offer an unparalleled level of control and comfort of use for its category.
The MCC (MIDI Control Center) allows you to adjust many settings such as the assignation of the controllers and the sensitivity curves.
Important: Only MIDI and USB connections allows polyphony. When the KeyStep is set up with the CV/Gate connection, it can send only one note at a time.
The global MIDI channel can be modified directly on the KeyStep by holding down the Shift button and pushing one of the 16 first keys of the keyboard.
Sequencer Mode
The Sequencer mode allows KeyStep to act as a step sequencer. This mode is engaged when the Seq/Arp switch is set on Seq. A step sequencer is perfect for making repeating patterns on synthesizers and other instruments.The KeyStep sequencer is polyphonic which means that several notes, up to 8, can be played at each step. A sequence can have up to 64 steps.
Make sure you have the KeyStep connected via MIDI, USB MIDI to use the polyphonic sequences.
Selecting a sequence:The internal memory of the KeyStep can store 8 different sequences. You can select between them with the "Seq / Arp Mode" rotary encoder. The MCC allows you to set how the change happens when you go from one sequence to another while a sequence is playing.
Setting a time division:The Time Div rotary encoder allows you to select the resolution of your sequence between 8 possibilities from 1/4 to 1/32 in binary or ternary rythme.
Setting the tempo:
When the KeyStep is in master mode, in other words when it follows its internal clock, the Rate knob allows to set the tempo. It is also possible to tap the tempo thanks to the dedicated button. Otherwise the KeyStep can also follow the clock from an external source.
The setting of the clock source is done thanks to the dedicated selectors of the rear panel. When it is set on an external source that is not active, the sequence cannot start.
Pressing the PLAY/PAUSE button will start the internal clock and playback. The selected sequence will play until you stop it with the STOP button. A sequence that is playing can be paused and then relaunched at the same step by pushing again the PLAY/PAUSE button.
Different ways to create a sequence:KeyStep allows you to create and modify your sequences either in real-time (when a sequence is playing) or step by step (when no sequence is playing) by playing on the Keyboard while the RECORD button is on.
Arpeggiator Mode
The Arpeggiator mode allows KeyStep to play consecutively the note of a chord that is played on the keyboard according to different patterns. This mode is engaged when the Seq/Arp switch is set on Arp. Selecting a pattern:KeyStep comes with 8 different patterns. You can select between them with the "Seq / Arp Mode" rotary encoder.
Setting a time division:The Time Div rotary encoder allows you to select the resolution of the arpeggio between 8 possibilities from 1/4 to 1/32 in binary or ternary rythme.
Setting the tempo:
When the KeyStep is in master mode, in other words when it follows its internal clock, the Rate knob allows to set the tempo. It is also possible to tap the tempo thanks to the dedicated button. Otherwise the KeyStep can also follow the clock from an external source.
The setting of the clock source is done thanks to the red-circled selectors of the rear panel. When it is set on an external source that is not active, the sequence cannot start.
Pressing the PLAY/PAUSE button will start the internal clock and the arpeggio. The selected arpeggio will play until you stop it with the STOP button. An arpeggio that is playing can be paused and then relaunched at the same step by pushing again the PLAY/PAUSE button.
Holding an arpeggio:The Hold button allows to continue on playing an arpeggio even after keys are released. The note of the arpeggio will change when a new key or chord will be played on the keyboard.
Chord Mode
The Chord mode allows to enter a chord, to save it and then to play it by simply pushing a key. The chord is transposed according to the key that is pushed. Entering a chord:
To enter a chord hold the Shift button and Hold button. The hold button will flash quickly. Without releasing the Shif and Hold buttons play the notes that will compose your chord (you don't have to hold the related keys). Your chord can be made of up to 16 notes. Once your chord is complete release the Shift and Hold Button and the hold button flash slowly. Then pushing a key will play your chord and transpose it to your this note.
The chord can be used for playing on the keyboard but also in the arperggiator mode and to facilitate the creation of a sequence.
To deactivate the chord mode, simply push simultaneously and then release the Shift and Hold button without pushing a key.
5-More Help
Download the manual
The instructions above are just a quick preview of what you can do with your KeyStep. Refer to the manual for discovering the full extend of its features.
6-Guided tour video
Discover your KeyStep step by step thanks to the Guided tour video by Mauricio