- Mutate & generative sequences to spark new ideas and make music creation more dynamic.
- Increased sequencer memory slots (4 Banks of 16 slots to store up to 64 patterns), unquantized recording, and Undo for worry-free editing.
- OLED screen for improved readability and fast device settings adjustments.
- Function strip with four knobs and LEDs above each key for better feedback.
- USB-C, CV (Control Voltage) outputs, TRS Sustain/Expression pedal input, Analog Sync output, MIDI Din In & Out ports & power switch.
- Generative patterns for instant inspiration and creative flexibility.
A step sequencer is a tool used in music production to create repeating patterns of notes, rhythms, or control signals. Originally popular in the 1960s and 70s, step sequencers have made a comeback thanks to the growing interest in modular synthesizers and electronic music.
How it works?
- Traditional Step Sequencers typically allow you to program a sequence of notes one step at a time, usually controlling one note at a time (monophonic).
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Modern Step Sequencers, like the KeyStep 37 mk2, offer more advanced features:
- Polyphony: The KeyStep 37 mk2 can stack up to 8 notes per step, allowing for richer, more complex patterns.
- Transposition: You can change the pitch of the entire sequence in real-time by playing a key on the keyboard, which was not possible on early sequencers.
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Hands-Free Performance: Once a sequence is playing, it loops automatically, freeing your hands to tweak other parameters like filters, envelopes, or pitch on your synth or other devices.
Why it's useful?
- Portability: The KeyStep 37 mk2 lets you create, save, and carry up to 64 unique sequences, making it ideal for live performances or studio work.
- Flexibility: Despite its simple design, it offers many ways to modify sequences on the fly, adding creativity and spontaneity to your music.
In short, a step sequencer is a powerful tool for creating rhythmic and melodic patterns, and the KeyStep 37 mk2 takes it further with polyphony, transposition, and portability.
Digital & analog, unified
Full-size MIDI DIN I/O for classic hardware, USB-C for DAWs and soft-synths, and assignable CV/Gate for modular.
CV for modular minds
Four CV/Gate outs mappable to velocity, aftertouch, mod-wheel, and more. Patch lines, open filters, ping envelopes: expressive control, per voice.
Sync, sustain & convert
3.5 mm Sync In/Out for vintage gear, TRS sustain/expression input for feel, plus MIDI In > CV to play modular from external keys.
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To update the KeyStep 37 mk2 firmware, please do as below:
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Not prompted with the “New firmware available” pop-up?
The firmware file can be also found on the KeyStep 37 mk2 resources page. |
The KeyStep 37 mk2 offers 5 different clock modes:
- INTERNAL
- USB
- MIDI
- CLOCK (Sync In & Sync Out ports)
- AUTO
It also supports 5 different analog clock rates:
- 1PPQ (Pulse Per Quarter note)
- 4PPQ
- 24PPQ
- 48PPQ
- Korg
By default, KeyStep 37 mk2 is set to "Auto". This means that it will act as a Master or Slave
depending on whether there's an incoming clock or not.
Using KeyStep 37 mk2 as the Master clock source:
To make KeyStep 37 mk2 the master clock:
-Press the Encoder wheel and turn it until the Display reads "Sync".
-Press the Encoder and turn it until the Display reads "Clock Receive".
-Press the Encoder again and turn it until the Display says Internal or Auto.
-Click the Encoder to confirm.
-Press the Back button until the Display says Arturia KeyStep 37.
If set to "Internal" no incoming clock will be considered and devices connected to the KeyStep 37 mk2 will then have to be set to "External" clock source to sync up to the KeyStep 37 mk2 clock.
When KeyStep 37 mk2 is used as the Master clock source:
- The Transport section will control the internal Sequencer and Arpeggiator.
- MIDI clock messages are sent to the MIDI output and to USB output.
-
Clock signals are sent to the Sync output (You can specify the clock output type
in the Sync menu under Global settings) - The Tempo can be set by tapping the Tempo button several times or by long-
pressing the Tempo button.
Syncing KeyStep 37 mk2 to another clock source:
To make KeyStep 37 mk2 slave to an external clock:
-Press the Encoder wheel and turn it until the Display reads "Sync".
-Press the Encoder and turn it until the Display says "Clock Receive".
-Press the Encoder again and select "USB", "MIDI", "Clock", or "Auto".
-Click the Encoder to confirm.
-Press Back until the Display says Arturia KeyStep 37.
When KeyStep 37 mk2 is synced to an external clock source:
- The Tempo controls will not control the internal Sequencer or Arpeggiator while
the external (clock) source is running. - The KeyStep 37 mk2 Transport section will still perform as usual; you can still
stop, start and pause the internal sequences and the Arpeggiator, and you can
still record sequences. -
KeyStep 37 mk2 will pass the synchronization messages it receives from the
external source to all three clock outputs, and will convert all clock types to MIDI
clock for the MIDI and USB outputs.
Additional settings
-"Clock Send" settings:
There is a global setting that turns Clock transmission via USB, MIDI and Sync on and off.
It's found by pressing the Encoder and entering the "Clock Send" menu. The choices here are
on and off.
-"Sync In/Out" connections:
The rear side of KeyStep 37 mk2 houses ports for Sync In and Out. You can configure what
type of sync signal that will be used here.
To get to the "Sync Types":
-Press the Encoder and select "Sync".
-Turning the Encoder takes you to "Sync Out Type" and "Sync In Type".
-Now you can configure the KeyStep 37 mk2 to send and receive one of the following types of clock signals at the Sync input and output connectors.
All these settings can be also modified via the MIDI Control Center.
Sync In / Out & Din Sync additional details
- If using a device using DIN SYNC standard (such as Roland devices), you can refer to the following pin-out diagram to create your own MIDI DIN Sync / TRS 3.5 mm (1/8) cables, as described in the picture below to connect it from its MIDI Din port to the KeyStep 37 mk2 Sync In port:
- For other devices with a common TRS 3.5 mm (1/8) connector, you just have to plug a 3.5mm TRS Jack cable from sync out of your device to the sync input of your KeyStep 37 mk2.
The Scale option allows you to play notes in an existing sequence in one of four different scales:
- Major
- Minor
- Blues
- User
You can activate different scales quickly by holding Shift and pressing one of the top four
keys on the Keyboard, or turn off Scale mode by holding Shift and press the highest G#
(same as Ab):
The Scale Root feature enables you to define a new root for each of these scales.
-As a user, you can create and recall a fifth scale.
-For Major, Minor, and Blues scales, you can select a new root note by pressing Shift + Scale key then selecting a new root in the first octave of the keyboard.
-As long as you keep holding down the Scale key, pressing a key will update the root note.
-The currently active root note will be shown with its LED lit up continuously in blue.
Everything – what you play on the keyboard, a running arpeggio, the currently selected sequence – will play in that scale.
To hear (and see) the effect of selecting a scale on your KeyStep 37 mk2, switch it ON if it isn't on already and select a preset on your external synth with a fairly simple sound.
To hear Chord mode in use, just press the "Chord" button and play any key. You will hear a
default major Chord.
Long-pressing the Chord button takes you to the Preset menu. Use the encoder to browse the list and press the Encoder again to make your selection:
- User
- Octave
- 5th
- Major Triad
- Minor Triad
- Sus 2
- Sus 4
- Major 7
- Minor 7
- Major 9
- Minor 9
- Major 11
- Minor 11
The LEDs above the keyboard indicate the root note in white and the added Chord notes in
blue.
You can of course create your own Chord. This one will become the User Chord. Here's
how to do it:
-Hold the "Chord" button
-Play some notes, simultaneously or after another
-Release the Chord button
Now, pressing one key will play back the entire Chord. Playing another key will transpose
the Chord.
The first note you entered will become the root of the Chord. So, if you want to make sure a
particular note becomes the root note, play that one at least slightly ahead of the others.
Additional settings
Spread
Long-pressing Chord and turning the Encoder takes you to the Spread menu. Here you can
define how your playing style will affect Chord play.
-
No: No change, Chord will be played just as you entered them or according to the
Chord Presets - Velocity: Play soft to make Chords smaller, play louder to create bigger Chords
- Aftertouch: When you use Aftertouch, Chord will trigger more notes
- 1–16: Here you can specify how many Chord notes will be played, from 1 to 16
Strum (ms)
Chord notes are normally played all at once, but you can make KeyStep 37 mk2 play in a
strumming fashion, like strumming a chord on a guitar. A setting of 0 makes no change,
while 500 milliseconds strums the Chord really slowly.
Strum (sync)
The Strumming effect described above can also be synced to the internal or external clock.
In this scenario, the strumming effect becomes tempo-dependent. So instead of using
milliseconds as a reference, Sub Divisions are employed here. The settings range from Off
to 1/64 to 1/4.
Strum Type
If Strum is in use, you can define the order of the notes. These are the options.
- Up: All notes are played in an ascending order
- Alt Up: Notes play in an ascending order but more like a 1–3–2–4 fashion
- Down: All notes are played in a descending order
- Alt Down: Notes play in an descending order but more like a 1–3–2–4 fashion
Voicing
This mode adds variation to the Chords. With Voicing on, KeyStep 37 mk2 elegantly voices
the chords differently to create more musical voicing during chord changes.
Example: When playing C Maj followed by F Maj, the whole chord doesn't just move a fourth
up but is re-voiced more like a live keyboard player would play it. The settings Bass 1–3 add
a bass note 1, 2, or 3 octaves down.
To change any MIDI CC number, first press the MIDI CC button briefly:
You may have to press several times until you see the Bank you want to work on.
-When you do, longpress the MIDI CC button to edit that Bank.
-Turn the Encoder until it shows the Knob you want to edit, for example Knob 3.
-Press the Encoder and turn it to the desired MIDI CC number.
-Press the Encoder to confirm or press the Back button to exit without saving.
Note
You can also change these CC numbers by first pressing the Encoder, then go to MIDI functions and scroll to CC Bank A–D
By holding Shift and selecting a key on the keyboard, you can reach various Sequencer
functions:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Shift + < Nudge > | Moves the Pattern backwards and forwards in time. |
| Shift + < Octave > | Transposes the Pattern down and up in octaves. |
| Shift + Double | Doubles the length of the Pattern (including the events in the pattern). |
| Shift + Quantize | Ensures that all events recorded in real-time get time-corrected. |
| Shift + Reload | Loads the Pattern that was previously Saved at the currently selected Pattern slot. |
| Shift + Clear | Clears the current Pattern data (notes, etc.) while preserving the Pattern properties. |
| Shift + Undo | Removes the last recording. |
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.