This document provides technical specifications for the core features of the Arturia KeyStep mk2, a full-featured USB MIDI keyboard controller.
The Arpeggiator is a key component that generates note patterns based on the keys pressed.
| Technical Aspect | Detailed Specifications |
|---|---|
| Modes | The KeyStep mk2 offers a total of 15 predefined Arpeggiator Modes. These include standard modes such as Up, Down, UpDown, Random, Order, and Poly. |
| Special Mode 16 | Mode 16 is the User Sequence mode, which copies the last played Sequencer Pattern into the Arpeggiator slot. |
| Note Capacity | You can add up to 64 notes to your Arpeggio using the *Hold* button and the *Octave –/+* buttons. |
| Octave Range | The range can be extended up to 4 octaves by holding Shift and pressing the *Arpeggio Octave* keys. |
| Gate Control | Gate time (note duration) is adjustable from 10% (shortest) to 90% (longest). This setting is independent of the Sequencer Gate settings. |
| Swing Range | Swing can be set from 50% (equal notes) to 75% (maximum shuffle). |
| Randomization (Spice) | The Spice function adds randomness to Gate Length, Silence, and Ratchet (multiple triggering). It is controlled by holding Shift and sliding the Modulation Strip. |
| Conversion | An active Arpeggio can be turned into a Sequencer Pattern by long-pressing the Record button or holding Shift and pressing To Seq. |
The KeyStep mk2 Sequencer is polyphonic, allowing for complex musical patterns to be recorded and played back.
| Technical Aspect | Detailed Specifications |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | The sequencer holds a total of 64 sequences, divided into 4 Banks of 16 Patterns in each. Patterns can be saved and swapped using the *MIDI Control Center*. |
| Pattern Specifications | Each Pattern can be up to 64 steps long, with polyphony of up to 8 notes per step. |
| Data Recorded | The Sequencer records notes, the velocity of each note, rests (entered via the *Hold* button), and data arriving via MIDI or USB. Automation (Pitch Bend, Modulation, Gate, Spice, Aftertouch) can also be recorded if enabled. |
| Data NOT Recorded | The Sequencer does NOT record the note duration (*Gate time*), Time Division changes, or Swing percentage. |
| Quantization Strength | Quantization (time-correction for real-time recording) can be set to 50% or 100% corrected. |
| Editing Functions | Quick modification functions include Nudge (Shift + Nudge keys) to shift the pattern in time, and Double (Shift + Double key) to double the length of the pattern and its events. The Undo feature removes the last recorded step(s). |
KeyStep mk2 is a full-featured controller with extensive MIDI, USB, and analog (CV/Gate) connectivity.
| Technical Aspect | Detailed Specifications |
|---|---|
| Keyboard Sensitivity | The controller features a Slimkey keyboard equipped with Velocity and Aftertouch (pressure sensitivity). Velocity and Aftertouch curves can be set to Linear, Logarithmic, or Exponential. |
| CV Pitch Formats | Two formats are supported: Volt/Octave (0–10V) and Hertz/Volt (maximum ~12V). |
| CV Pitch Reference | The MIDI note that sends **0 Volt CV output** is selectable, with options: C–2, C–1, C0, C1, C2, or C3. |
| Gate Format | The Gate output signal is configurable to S-trig, V-trig 5V, or V-trig 12V for compatibility. |
| Modulation Outputs (Mod 1/2) | The two Mod outputs send Control Voltage signals. The signal source can be selected from Velocity, Aftertouch, Modulation Strip, Random, or Pulse. |
| Mod Voltage Range | The maximum voltage sent via the Mod 1/2 CV Outputs is adjustable from 1–10 Volts. |
| Touch Strip Behavior | The Pitch Strip snaps back to zero when released. The Modulation Strip does NOT snap back to zero when released, meaning modulation continues until manually returned to zero. |
| Pitch Bend Range | The range of the Pitch Touch Strip can be specified from 1–24 semitones. |
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