Arturia - Keystep 37 - Creative MIDI Controller, Sequencer, Arpeggiator and Chord Generator - 37-Note Slimkey Keyboard, Assignable MIDI CC Controls, Scale Mode, Versatile Connectivity

Product Information

Today, we’re going to go over the best portable MIDI Keyboards for on-the-go musicians. You’ll find they are all affordable, durable, and easy to use. What Are The 7 Best Portable MIDI Keyboards For On-The-Go Musicians? Joining the modes from the original 32‑key model and KeyStep Pro is Pattern mode, which was an innovation on the MicroFreak synth. This creates a random note pattern that repeats instead of randomising each cycle, and has a specific length that you can set up to 64 notes. You can add more notes to alter the pattern, and change the length on the fly. It’s a really great way to generate semi‑random sequences within parameters you can control. The only thing you can’t do (which you can on the MicroFreak) is capture the result to a slot in the Sequencer. Along with these new controls are a range of new features that you can take full advantage of such as the KeyStep 37's unique Chord mode. A controller evolved. KeyStep 37 combines a flexible 37-note keyboard with intuitive sequencing, instant chord generation and creative real-time MIDI controls that let you discover and interact with music like never before. See, while the MPK Mini MK3 is undoubtably the most popular compact midi controller out there, it’s never really seemed ‘grown up’ enough for us to take seriously. Call us snobs if you will, but in comparison to other keyboards from Novation & Arturia, it’s always come across as a bit ‘Toys R Us’.

On the other hand, Scale mode lets you map out KeyStep’s 3-octave keyboard range with a scale of your choosing. Don’t know music theory? No worries! Any key you play will automatically quantize to the closest note in your selected scale. In the arena of keys, we’d say the Arturia does have the slight edge. With the Keystep 37 having slightly longer keys which sit on a deeper keybed, when compared to the MPK Mini Plus, you do get that bit extra feel. Something that makes the Arturia a tad more playable. KeyStep 37’s unique & enhanced Chord mode takes your single-note melodies and unfinished ideas and transforms them into musical stepping stones. Choose from multiple voicings, instrument-like strum effects, and velocity settings and make your music really sing. The 37-note keyboard gives you a 3-octave range which you can perform on with the scale of your choice when using Scale mode. Play however you want and Scale mode will automatically quantise your performance to the nearest notes in your chosen scale for a great performance every time.For those who are short on cash, the Nektar SE25 offers you great features and portability at a low cost, making it our best value choice for this list. It is truly portable, with the added benefit of not needing any cables to function. The microKey can connect to your iPad/iPhone music apps such as KORG Gadget, KORG Module, and GarageBand, as well as any MIDI-capable music production software on your Mac or Windows computer. Most of the multitude of compact MIDI keyboards on the market focus on controlling DAWs and apps. They typically provide a mix of controls for software mapping, and sometimes add some smart integration with particular software. Nearly all are USB‑only. The KeySteps take a unique approach that’s more about playing and generating musical ideas. The KeyStep Pro is a central sequencing hub for a hybrid setup, while the 32 and 37 are ideal as companions to synths or other sequencing environments. First Steps Cons, there are no cons. But if Arturia came out with a blend of the Keystep 37, and had a baby with Keylab Mk II, and maybe called it the Key Lab-Step, I'd buy it in a heart beat. Generate instant chord sequences that respond to your velocity, with 12 chord types and an articulate instrument-like strum control.

Use the MIDI over USB to take charge of your VST instruments; connect synth's using the MIDI in/out; harness mod, gate and CV pitch connections for seamless integration of modular gear; utilise analog sync in/out to ensure your work remains in time - the creative possibilities available to you here are almost endless. All of these options can even be used at the same time! Tactile Tweaks Additionally, there are knobs for fantastic hands-on control over any assignable parameter in your music software. With the MPK Mini MK III, you can tweak EQ, sweep a filter open on the fly, push up a reverb tail coming out of a guitar solo, all of that with a great degree of precision.

Stepping stone

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. We really didn’t expect this, but the Akai MPK Mini Plus also comes with an onboard sequencer. One that works in tandem with both with the pads & the keys. As far as sequencers go, this is flexible.

Even though the transport controls aren’t the most in-depth, you at least get some on thsi Akai keyboard. A major plus if you’re upgrading from a MK3. Besides being portable and loaded with features, the M32 lets you tap into a wide range of instruments and effects from NI and an ever-growing group of NKS partners. Chord mode and Scale mode, which makes being creative with chords super easy. It's like having Captian Keys but in hardware instead of software. Where you use your ears instead of your mouse. It’s responsive, dynamic, and expanded in every direction to encourage musical exploration. Record, perform and experiment with a compact, accessible keybed that’s familiar and enjoyable in equal measure. Unite your hardware and software with deep connectivity, offering seamless control over your setup. Despite these extensions, the Arturia KeyStep 37 is still compact and lightweight. Great New Features

Arturia have expanded the KeyStep to give you the KeyStep 37; a new take on the popular MIDI keyboard controller giving you more control with added features and great response. More Control, More Interaction The Alesis V Mini is a simple, intuitive, and portable MIDI controller that lets you take full control of your music software. You can rearrange, save and load sequences using the MIDI Control Centre application on your computer as well as configure other aspects of the KeyStep 37. So you could have a gigs worth of patterns loaded up ready to go. Conclusions KeyStep 37 is designed to be put in control. An accessible interface, a compact design and comprehensive connectivity make it the perfect centerpiece for your rig - whatever your needs.

Another set of built-in features on this new MPK Mini include: an arpeggiator, a note repeat function and a whole host of chord modes. All of which can be accessed through their own dedicated buttons. This Bluetooth-equipped controller can connect wirelessly to your computer or mobile device, for about 30 hours of low-latency virtual instrument control with just a pair of AA batteries. You can even power it from your iPhone or iPad! Features You won’t always find inspiration at the summit. Sometimes it’s in the climb. Sometimes, the magic lies in those accidental moments along the way. Bursts of unexpected musicality, of impulsive improvisations, of melodies forming themselves in front of you. The interplay between KeyStep 37’s inspiring functions results in an immersive experience where ideas blossom. Carve your path, relish the process, and you’ll find the sound you’re looking for.

Additionally, this keyboard comes with control-voltage (CV) pitch, gate, and modulation connections for integration with modular synth setups. The main new feature is the 4 knob control panel placed on top of your keybed. It can be used in Chord mode to transform a single-note melody into a chord sequence with up to 12 chord types. You can also enhance the power of your chords by selecting different strum effects, select the number of notes per chord and adjust the sensitivity!