Keystep 37 vs Keystep Pro and Original; Which one should YOU buy? A users perspective
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- An update to my earlier video regarding Arturias Keystep lineup, and helping you decide which one you should buy according to your needs, from an everyday user perspective. Happy Holidays everyone!
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This review was one of the main reasons I bought a Keystep 37. I love it.
Dude that’s awesome! I’m really happy this was useful😄👍🏼 stay safe and enjoy that 37!
Never knew that I wanted an on/off switch on my keyboard, but when I got the Keystep 37, I found out how useful it was.
I sometimes just pop it in a large backpack and use it with my Dreadbox Typhon.
It’s a good thing I already got the 37, so I don’t have to buy it after watching this video :)
🤣
lol
Excellent comparison 🙏
Thank you!!
This is the sort of practical review and analysis I was looking for.
Thank you so much for this great review man. I actually ordered a Keystep 37 while I was on a midway through your video. Hope we all can make some good music :)
Thank you for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it🤟🏻 happy music making my friend!
Oh god, you've swayed me. I have held out through about 20 written reviews, several comparison charts, probably 10 video reviews. I'll have to explain things to my wife in a few days when it arrives!
Another great video. Very helpful as I'm hemming and hawing on a new controller...
Thank you so much! Happy holidays!
Thanks for doing this. I’m debating between the keystep 37 and a novation skIII
Great video! Thanks for giving this really good overview
Thank you so much bro! I’m a huge fan fo your channel! Love all your Digi tips and tricks! Happy new year!
@@MidlifeSynthesist thanks a lot mate that's so cool to hear! :) Can just give that back your content is great and I really enjoy watching your videos (even if it is about gear that I don't have haha). Keep it up and all the best for 2021.
Word! I totally agree! I bought both the Keystep and Keystep 37 just a few weeks apart. I LOVE the 37, but I will say, I find the bed just a touch firmer on the original Keystep. I will say the 37's keys have become slightly wiggly (after some time), but it's nothing major, and for the price, it's a ridiculously good mini keyboard. (I would buy another one for sure.) I don't use the chord/strum function really, I just use it as a keyboard for my MPC One, and it works perfectly for that. For me the power switch on the 37, and the 5 extra notes/3 octaves, makes it worth it. I'm pretty stoked with it for sure.
Great review. Thanks!
Valuable insight dude. Thanks. I’m now thinking of moving from Keystep to the 37. (But desktop space is tight ...)
Thank you! I find it to be just the “right” size👍🏼 not as massive as the Pro but a proper octave range for chords and sequencing. Definitely worth it if you can fit it in. Happy holidays!
The 37 has really affected aftermarket on 32. Keystep 37 goes for $230 CDN + taxes = $258. I bought a 32 used in awesome shape w box for $100 CDN the other day. Yes, those extra keys would really help but those non-endless encoders don't really do it for me so I'm happy getting the 32 at that price.
Exelent review! Super helpful!!!
I appreciate your take, especially the summary at the end. I’m still deciding between the 37 and the Pro because I have a small setup now, but have plans to expand it. I am looking for that “brain” to control all my gear.
So which one did you get because I'm in the same boat.
Man you're killin' me with these choices. Great review. It's causing me to agonize over the creative sequencing features: strum and price vs. more sequencing, control possibilities and modular expansion.
Everything you said is exactly how I feel about the 37. I also owned the original Keystep and while lack of visual feedback wasn't a huge deal breaker for me, it's when I began using the 37 that it became apparent just how much I was missing. I already loved the original Keystep and my motivation for buying the 37 was simply for the additional keys, but man, what an absolute improvement over the original. The updated chord features are something I could not live without now and for someone like me who isn't a keyboard player, that strum feature assigned to an electric piano with a little phase and reverb is absolute heaven. With it's features and form factor, I just don't see any other controller in its class that can compete with it at this price point.
The keys of the 37 are smaller, not?
If you don't mind the extra width then there is no contest - just get Keystep 37 as it is just better in any other way and not too much more expensive. Although if you have no real size constraints there are probably even better options on the market so in that case the only limiting factors are the price and your personal preferences.
I want to eventually get the pro but I think I'm going to settle for the 37 after watching this. Thank you for the comparison video and helping me make my decision.
Thank you so much for watching! If it’s any help, I haven’t missed the PRO at all since getting the 37. However, I mostly sequence my gear using the Octatrack/MPC and now the Deluge... Hope whatever you get makes you very happy though!
I found the Keystep 37 by first asking myself how many keys I could get for the desk space I had available. A little research pointed me towards 37. Of all the 37 key MIDI controllers out there, the Arturia had the best bang for the footprint. I'm very happy with it! I use it mostly to control my Mother 32, but also the Deluge and Rytm. It's extremely easy to switch which one I'm controlling, including each of the Rytm's 12 pads individually. I only wish I knew they were about to start making it in black before I bought my white one. Grrrr
Great breakdown. Might be hanging on to my OG keystep for a bit longer, until the need for an upgrade arises, but the 37 seems like a no-brainer in terms of price / functionality
Thanks bro. To be honest, I haven’t missed my Keystep pro AT ALL since getting the 37, so hope that helps. Cheers my friend!
Awesome video!
Thanks bro!! Happy holidays!!
Strum mode makes this the best midi controller I ever had. And I’ve had many. Adds so much dimension to my synth sounds.
Couldn’t agree more!
@@MidlifeSynthesist I am a huge fan of Strum plus Vel>Notes. It's so good for just playing and finding inspiration.
As of March 2021, the flagship Keystep Pro (KSP) does not support the strum function.
@@winddealer1 the next one should. I hope.
Bro, I need your input, I have, Analog four mKII, Digitone, Minilogue XD, Accees Virus TI and TR8S Drum Machine, do you think I can control all from one Keystep 37? It won´t sustain any sequence on one midi chanell while creating another one for other right? But I could just record the sequences I am creating into the Electrons or Korg sequencers right? So if this is possible then the keystep pro won´t be necessary right? My only synth without built in sequencer is the Virus TI. Please let me know what do you think.
I started with the KSP, when my synths were all Volcas and NTS-1, but as I replaced those boxes with a Digitakt and Digitone, four sequencer channels just weren't enough, plus I preferred the Elektron sequencers anyway. Also, since the DT and DN use up to 16 MIDI channels between them, I missed the ability to switch the controller quickly between channels. So I actually ended up selling my KSP and buying a KeyStep 37. The fact that it takes slightly less desk space is just a bonus.
very useful . Thx. i m sold.
This is my second time watching this video. First time, I was not sure what I wanted. I have a M-Audi Oxygen Pro Mini and looking to upgrade. I am more focused on iOS creation but have my eye on a few pieces of hardware down the road. I want something to grow into. Even though the price of the 37 has gone up, it's well within the budget of a hobbyist like myself. Thank you a second time.
And thank you for watching a second time as well! Happy to know this video helped, cheers!
Great video sir! This thing has convinced me to sell my Keystep Pro and buy a KS37. The KSP isn’t that ‘Pro’ for me and lacks functions I would’ve expected at launch... A year down the line and it still isn’t what Arturia promised. I’ve since bought a Digitakt so I reckon it can go coz I don’t need the sequencing aspect. New sub here for thee, I like your no nonsense approach, peace ✌️
Thank you so much my friend! I really appreciate the feedback and hope to keep getting better at this CZcams gig as time goes on. Best wishes and hope to see you soon!
I know this is your CZcams channel and your choice, but I'd love to see more hands on examples of why feature x is such a big deal. For example the strumming feature, why not show a 5 second clip where you demo it? It would make it so much more convincing and entertaining to watch than just a discussion about it. Thanks!
Thanks my friend! I’m still finding my footing in this youtube thing haha. I appreciate the feedback and think it’s a great idea to mix in more show rather than tell, so I’ll try to add that in future videos. Always great to hear from you bro, see you around soon!
I would have paid an extra 40 bucks for that power switch and real USB port alone. I worry about that flimsy little port on my KeyStep more than anything else.
Excellent overview, thank you for this.
As someone who just wanted a 3 octave keyboard for practice and meddle with synth a bit i prolly just buy the keystep 37.
The original KeyStep has one and only advantage over all the other keyboards on the market including KeyStep 37: it has the maximum amount of decently sized keys within a standard undertable computer keyboard bench width of 50cm.
Any better keyboard out there forces you to either put it ON the table where it is less comfortable to use and where it takes valuable space or to build a custom bench that takes much more time, money, effort and skill than just installing a standard bench.
For a music studio owner it is not even a problem but for a humble amateur who uses a keyboard just with his home PC and only once in while not having to do it is a very big advantage.
It would be nice to have something like a KeyStep+ with all the features of KeyStep37 but with the original amount of keys and the original size.
That’s an excellent point! I think that that definitely still is a major selling point for the OG. Thanks for stopping by my friend, see you around!
a little late to this video, but i felt exactly the same about keystep. I'm sure its great, but im a visual person and the Pro is amazing in that regard. Buying one in the future!
Fantastic video mate. 37 it is! Thanks! New subscriber ✌🏻😊
Thank you so much for watching! Enjoy the 37 and hope to see you soon!
@@MidlifeSynthesist you’re welcome! Thanks! I’ll be placing an order in a couple of weeks! Definitely 😊
@@MidlifeSynthesist it arrived today!!! Away to go make noise! 😊
Excellent video! Convinced me to just go for the 37 and not look at the original keystep.
Thank you! You won’t regret it, I promise! Happy holidays!
Strum mode is incredible. I saw they added that feature to novation’s launckey line in a recent firmware update. Have you by any chance noticed midi notes don’t snap to the grid in ableton when recording a clip that is sequenced by the keystep 37? I am struggling with this, and midi delay is not fixing it. Awesome video btw.
Good review. I have the original Keystep and a Beatstep Pro (BSP). I have been thinking about selling the BSP and getting the Keystep Pro to be the hub of my semi-modular rig. However, I also need something compact to use with my DAW and soft synths, but space is limited. The Keystep 37 gives me something to think about.
Hi! I haven’t used the beatstep pro myself, but from what I know about it, I think the beatstep pro + KS 37 would make a killer combo in a small space. Is there anything in particular you need from the KS pro that the BSP doesn’t give you? Keep me posted! Thanks for watching my friend✌🏻
Returned KS Pro, as you said bully, but mostly no handy transpose of a sequence (have to hold button). Might get 37 ... to sit on shelve with original KS for occasional use, with strum mode :)
Lol, #facts😅✌🏻
Advice sought by synth n00b! As of April 2021, Arturia increased all their keyboard prices (Amazon prices: $200 for 37, and $500 for pro). Pro still doesn't have strum.
I've found a Pro locally for $340, and can get a 37 for $220. Would you say the smaller footprint and strum mode are still worth it over the Pro?
Setup: I've got Ableton, a Launchpad Pro MK3 (four track sequencer and can control hardware midi), and I'm planning on getting a single synth module (yeah I know, that's how it starts), probably a Peak or a Minilogue XD, or maybe even a MicroFreak. That's where I want to stop, unless I find I need a drum machine to not have to be on my computer.
Would the Pro's sequencer or other features be helpful with so little gear, or redundant? The Pro's sequencer has such a good, deep interface. I am a little worried I'd miss strum knowing it exists. Or would I be set to jam DAWless on the 37?
I wanted to get the 37 but I use apps on my iPad quite often. The 37 supposedly requires additional power besides the iPad to power it. That means I have to pack more cords and a usb power pack. It’s a hassle and also the keystep fits in my backpack just barely
With the 37 and the Pro - is it possible to set the key-velocity to a fix value, let's say 127? With the Keystep it's not, and that's a no-go for me.
The original Keystep is the only option if you want to connect it to an iPad, without using external power, right? That should be mentioned. That makes it a winner for me.
Couldn't make up my mind so I got them both. The keystep37 had a few tiny features that the pro didn't have. Was worth the 2 Bill's!
The price of both increased to 150 and 200 😒
Hi! Can you maybe make a video actually using it, showcasing the workflow? I‘d really appreciate that.
I own a maschine mk3 but have no idea how i would use those 2 in conjunction, since the sequencer etc. only work in maschine (program), not in midi-mode.
Within the first 40 seconds I had to subscribe.
😍! Thanks! Welcome to the family!
more audio examples would be helpful, good vid tho!
Does anyone here use the KeyStep 37 primarily with VSTs? I own mostly soft-synths, but I like the strum and arp features on this midi controller even though I know it's more geared toward controlling hardware. Would I be better off with KeyLab or something else?
Hi bro! The original keystep and the 37 are an amazing way to control vsts quickly and dynamically. If you set up 16 midi/vst tracks in ableton and start live looping you can build huge tracks in a matter of minutes. Also is extremely fun. 100% would recommend the 37 for that👍🏼
There are of course, other controllers with more knobs of faders, but they are geared towards giving you more parameter mapping control for production, whereas the Keystep is more a performance controller. Keep me posted bro! Thanks for stopping by👍🏼
minilab (or akai mpk mini) is better for VST IMO. The 37's encoders are not endless which is a PITA (Novation Launchkey Mini III encoders are not endless either). Plus you get more knobs w minilab and they are just as import as actual keys for vst. Just use some arp software or arp built into daw.
@@alexwestconsulting thanks for your reply. I already own the Maschine mk3, so I wanted something with keys and a small form factor. I agree that I could use the arp in my DAW, but I like the idea of having those features conveniently located on the controller itself. My KeyStep 37 arrives this weekend! I will report back with my initial thoughts
@Cad Bane so far I really like it. The "lock-to-scale" function has been useful -- and even though I have the same functionality on my Maschine mk3, sometimes it's nice to play notes on a keyboard rather than pads (depending on the virtual instrument). The arp and strum functions are very fun; haven't had a chance to use the sequencer yet. I also like how easy it is to control Ableton with the "play/pause," "stop," and "record" buttons. Choosing a chord type and range of notes with the two dedicated knobs has been great for changing up arpeggios while recording.
All in all, I'm very happy with it. The only really annoying thing for me is when you move up or down an octave, the "Oct-" or "Oct+" lights will start flashing incessantly -- super bright and super annoying. Not sure if there's a way to turn that off. If not, it's a small price to pay for a good-sized, super-fuctional, easy to plug and play midi keyboard.
So, as a VST user, could use the 37 to trigger hardware and integrate it with my DAW at the same time for a live jam? Ie, trigger a sequence in my DAW and trigger a sequence in a Hardware synth on a separate midi channel,etc etc
What Elektron fits in well with the Keystep 37?
Is a Digitakt a good enough Brain for a live setup (I’ve heard it’s a great first Elektron without going for the cheaper Model Samples), or is a different Elektron better. I didn’t make out which one was in the vid.
I think the Digitakt is a great gateway drug into Elektron ecosystem. It's not as basic as the "models", and isn't as daunting as the octatrack, and it can certainly be the brains of a synth setup. But if you enjoy it and click with it, you are in for a whole new world of music making. Happy music making my friend!
HEY, THANKS! I have, Analog four mKII, Digitone, Minilogue XD, Accees Virus TI and TR8S Drum Machine, do you think I can control all from one Keystep 37? It won´t sustain any sequence on one midi chanell while creating another one for other right? But I could just record the sequences I am creating into the Electrons or Korg sequencers right? So if this is possible then the keystep pro won´t be necessary right? My only synth without built in sequencer is the Virus TI. Please let me know what do you think.
I have a 37 and a pro and I use my 37 the most. I’d recommend it to anyone, especially if you are into modular.
how about abelton use ?
Check out what a keystep could do with 1983's Profet: Model XI
It would be great to have diatonic chords functionality added
I'm a newbie to the synth world, so keep that in mind if I'm not making sense. Is there anything like this in a keyboard that doesn't require midi, as in a standalone keyboard that doesn't require being tethered to a computer?
I think they must've raised the price on this controller since you produced this video. It's now around $200 USD on Sweetwater, for instance.
yeah, instead of dropping the price of the 32.. they raised the price of the 37.
Hello everyone, Please is there a way to stop playback on sequencer when the clock in is from ableton?
Well, I asked for a 37 for Xmas, and got one. So now I have a Keystep ‘classic’ for sale, no reasonable offer refused...
Post it as “vintage” keystep, makes it more appealing lol. Happy music making in 2021 my friend!
Yamaha HS monitors are not designed to be horizontally opposed like NS10s, by laying them like that you are flipping the high frequency sweet spot to be a vertical line in between the speakers rather than a horizontal one by taking the tweeter off axis from the woofer and ruining the phase relationship of the highs to the lows.
Please put them the right way up.
I appreciate the info, however at the time we had been experiencing constant seismic activity so it was more important to me that they not topple over, as the fall would surely affect all frequencies🤣 Rest assured they are now on firmer ground and firmly standing vertical. Cheers👍🏼
Hate to be that guy, but orient those Yamaha monitors the right way! Horizontal speakers lead to combing, phase distortion, and a bad time :)
Thanks for the video!
Hi bro! I appreciate it👍🏼 they’re currently like that cause I get lots of seismic activity where I live and on the 11th floor things move and fall alot lol. I’m trying to get a sturdier solution so I can stand them up. Thanks for watching!
@@MidlifeSynthesist Okay yeah, that is fair! I'm sure you hear that a lot then. You might have good luck with a bunch of "museum gel" or double sided 3M tape, the really strong outdoor stuff. I too live in a seismic area (CA) and need similar measures!
@@Leo9ine that’s really helpful! I hadn’t thought of double sided tape as a solution! Maybe next video we’ll see properly set monitors lol, peace bro! All the best!
KSP needs an Unquantize button. KS37 too, why not.
If only the Keylabs had sequencers...
Everytime I turn on my tempest or prophet 10 I enter the honeymoon stage :P
Lol, I can totally relate
Going to get the 37 and sell my original
Hi! Analog Four MK2 + QuNexus or + Keystep 37? What's more handy? I have only QuNexus now (and A4). It's damn portable I ever seen but the UI is very limited :))
If somebody could compare (having both), I'll appreciate it!
I watched this really hoping you wouldn't say anything positive about the strum mode considering it's one of the things that is making me consider swapping it in for the original Keystep.
It really is a great upgrade, and not as costly as going for the PRO. I sold my pro for the 37 and haven o regrets. Believe me, you need strum mode in your life lol
Keystep, minilab or microlab? And why?
Would you suggest this for a beginner or should I go for mini lab? I want to learn to play keys mostly.
Hi bro! It depends. What other synths, vsts or controllers do you have?
@@MidlifeSynthesist I don’t have any other controllers and synths. This is my first and only one. I do have arturia analog lab, serum, Roland cloud etc. Vst.
The mini lab will automatically map to parameters in your analog lab which is pretty nice. But if you’re trying to learn how to play keys, you should consider full sized keys like the keylab mkII has. Or just a standalone full sized Yamaha keyboard, like the P45 which is affordable and the sounds and keys are great
Thanks for the review -- sadly the price went up to 199.99? ughhhh
Still feel this way now that you love the Oxi One?
Arturia should give you commission holy hell
I know right?🤣 lol. Thanks for watching!
I have just done swapped a geetar for an Arturia Keystep - I can't hardly wait to lern stuff like Bark and that other one... wos his name? Bate-Oh-ven, innit Oh Yes !!
I think it’s spelled Bait Oven😂 lol
i love you
Love you right back!
Does the 37 have slide and ties?
commenting for the algorithm
lol, much appreciated my dude!!
🤣
liking for the algorithm
good video... so whats the difference between the beatstep pro and the keystep pro? just keys?
i think the beatstep is monophonic in its non-drum part and the keystep is polyphonic
So the "Strum mode" sounds like something really special. But you didn't say what it accually is.
Lol, sorry for that, I kind of assume people watch loopop and sonic lab before getting here 😅 In short, instead of playing all the notes of a chord at the same time as in regular chord mode, this thing spaces them out, just like you would when you strum a guitar or finger the notes sequentially, but not in an arpeggiator kind of way. It’s very organic and musical, especially useful if you are not a particularly gifted or talented piano player. Definitely makes it worth the purchase for me. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!
@@MidlifeSynthesist Ah yes, thanks for explaining! Sounds kind of obvious now :D
Very nice feature. I've been thinking about geting the original, glad I waited :)
Great feature and demo. As of March 2021, the flagship Keystep Pro (KSP) does not support the strum function.
I’ll stick to my iRig keys 37. Maybe if that one beaks I’ll get this one.
Less the 37 keys, makes it really difficult to play chords and melody
909 🥳
its obvious you should buy the keystep 37 and the beatstep pro over the keystep pro if you want the keystepro for the sequencing
What's a good power adapter for this?
I’ve been using mine plugged into the MPC X or using the usb cable into a cell phone power adapter without any issues. Hope that helps!
@@MidlifeSynthesist It does! I tried a spare cell adapter, and it's working so far. Thanks so much for replying.
Just need an original. DAW does the rest. My deskspace is prime real estate.
keystep 37 now costs 225 from 165 wtf happened
Biden
The real question is this: Behringer Keystep or Arturia Swing?!
Lots of good chat but not one demo, of "Strum" for example. For those who want to buy a 37 what the hell`s a "strum". You could have demo`d it for us to know after praising it so much.
Why do you keep saying ‘you know’
I kinda can’t help it… you know?😅
@@MidlifeSynthesist try listening to people talk to each other. It well p*%%# me off big time. I believe people are not aware of this. Upper middle classes punctuated their sentences with ‘you know’. Lower classes (chav’s) ‘know what a mean’. One wonders when it started! Maybe some people/persons on TV, morning breakfast shows one might assume. Anyway know what a men Jimmy. 😂
Capísimo el presentador. Automatic subscribe, ah no si no, está diciendo.
Jajaja! Muchisimas gracias master🤘🏻
It seems none of the Keysteps are "pro". When Arturia announced a pro, I thought finally full sized keys. No. I am a practiced musician, organ/piano/synths for over 50 years now, I would never add a mini key controller to my 100% hardware rig. I love mini keys on synths today, it is so wonderful having a keyboard to sound design on, yet not take up the massive room full sized keys do. Minilogue, MicroBrute for example. Sound design and then connect a MIDI5PINdin and play remotely from a full sized keyboard...perfect.
I love my 37, but man, am I jealous seeing someone quickly jamming whole tracks on the Pro. Maybe a straight forward to use sequencer like Elektron or Toraiz Squid could do the same job (and of course more), but I really love the fact that the KS Pro has the integrated keybed etc. A wonderful all-in-one box to get an idea going.
I wonder what would happen if Arturia decided to invent a full-fledged groove-box sequencer. I think it would be serious competition for Elektron and others, since their interface design is so wonderful, the products feel so mature etc... 🤍
HI ! Today I was in the store and watched keystep 37. On some keys, the plastic creaks not by ear, but tactilely. Is this normal for this model?
Thank you! You helped me decide! Will go for the 37. I'm a beginner in music production and home recording with my Korg Volca Beats and Keys. Oh and thank you CZcams Algorithm!