Arturia BeatStep

A Compact Universal Genius

BeatStep is an extremely compact and mobile pad controller for controlling MIDI instruments and DAWs, triggering clips in Ableton Live, or playing drum software like EZDrummer or FXpansion's BFD. BeatStep is also musical! With its 16-step sequencer, you can quickly generate musical phrases and send them via MIDI Out to your MIDI synthesizers or through USB to your software on a computer or iPad. Additionally, its CV/Gate interface allows you to control analog synthesizers such as the MiniBrute, MicroBrute, or modular racks.

Step Sequencer

In SEQ mode, the 16 pads correspond to individual sequencer steps, with the 16 knobs defining the pitch of each step. 16 memory slots allow for instant recall of your favorite patterns, while the various pad scale, playback, and division modes enable playful performances. These features, combined with MIDI, USB, and CV/Gate connectivity, create a hardware sequencer that can effectively handle your entire setup, whether it includes analog synthesizers, software instruments, or MIDI hardware.

Controller Mode

The 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads can send MIDI CC messages, program changes, polyphonic aftertouch, bank changes, and note on/off commands. Whether you are firing clips with BeatStep, changing effects in real-time, or controlling the transport buttons of your DAW, the 16 endless encoders, 16 pads, and 16 preset memory slots make BeatStep ready for any studio or live situation. Through the USB interface, BeatStep can also be synchronized to MIDI clock and used as a MIDI to CV/Gate interface. And with a Camera Connection Kit, BeatStep transforms into perhaps the most versatile performance controller for your iPad.