KeyStep 37 features a velocity-sensitive 37-note keybed, complete with aftertouch and RGB LED feedback, while remaining lightweight and compact. It's robust and compact build, paired with wide-ranging connectivity options ensures that it's compatible with a range of external hardware and software - no matter where you find yourself. An accessible interface, a compact design and comprehensive connectivity make it the perfect centerpiece for your rig - whatever your needs. With the Keystep 37, Arturia have taken some design queues from the original keystep and the keystep pro, adding an extra octave of keys for a wider playable range, scale mode with LED readouts, so you always play in tune, a BPM readout, enhanced chord modes, a brand new strum mode and four assignable MIDI encoders, which can you to control you MIDI CC gear or DAW.

In 2020, Arturia added an all-singing, all-dancing keyboard-come-sequencer to the line-up, in the multi-track KeyStep Pro . The slim keyboard feels surprisingly solid, with fairly limited key travel and not at all spongey when triggering aftertouch. Just register your KeyStep to receive your free download and get creative right out the box and let the music flow. Bring movement to your melodies and animate your chord patterns with 8 arp modes, including 3 vibrant new random modes, switchable in an instant. An accessible interface, a compact design and compre-hensive connectivity make it the perfect centerpiece for your rig - whatever your needs.

All Arturia KeyStep controllers have velocity-sensitive Slimkeys (32 keys on KeyStep and 37 on KeyStep 37/ KeyStep Pro) with AfterTouch, a built-in Polyphonic Sequencer (8 note polyphony on the KeyStep/ KeyStep 37 and 16 note on the KeyStep Pro) with 8 pattern slots (16 on KeyStep Pro) per track (1 track on KeyStep/ KeyStep 37 and 4 on KeyStep Pro). Unlike a traditional mod wheel, it’s fairly easy to brush past the strip and accidentally turn modulation on. Choose from 12 chord types, an array of strum effects, and spread the voices out into complex velocity-sensitive parts that respond like a stringed instrument. A lightweight and compact keyboard that offers full and familiar creative flexibility, whatever your style or ability.

For me, plocking MIDI cc + having all your sequencing in one place > KSP randomisation features, but everybody’s different.To top things off, the Keyboard play mode allows you to switch to playing a live line over the top of a sequence once it’s been triggered.

At the far end of the knob’s range are sync’ed strum speeds, providing an alternative take on arpeggiation. Overall, I think there is so much overlap between the Pro and Syntakt, that you should be good money with just the 37. Keys are a bit narrow and feel a little plasticky but otherwise the build quality is absolutely excellent.In the wide world of modular synthesizers it can be daunting deciding where to start, and scrounging up the funds to take the plunge can pose an obstacle to many. The Syntakt MIDI tracks are polyphonic, but I think only 4 voices + all the Keystep sequencers handle polyphonic sequencing way better than any Elektron, that’s for sure. The Arturia KeyStep Range all come with a free download of Ableton Live Lite, an accessible music-making suite for your Mac or PC. Right off the bat, the KeyStep 37 is a joy to use, as we principally test it in internal sync mode and trigger software instruments within Logic Pro.

It is comfortable to play, with enough resistance to allow expression when used with something sensitive to velocity.All the other controls carry over from the 32, including the Sequencer/Arp slider switch and eight‑way selector knobs which have a satisfyingly old‑school synth feel. But more than that it’s an inspiring musical companion and idea generator for any synth, sequencing workstation or DAW.