BeatStep is three instruments in one: a velocity- and pressure-sensitive pad controller, a 16-step analog sequencer, and a CV/Gate interface for hardware synths.

All in a compact, bus-powered unit.

Use it to trigger clips in Ableton Live, play drums into BFD or EZdrummer, or tweak parameters on your favourite plugin. Flip to sequencer mode and BeatStep drives MIDI drum machines, keyboards, DAWs, or — via its CV/Gate outputs — vintage and modern analog synths that have no MIDI input at all. It's one of the few affordable ways to bridge a modern USB/MIDI setup with an analog rig.

A great fit for:

• Producers who want hands-on step sequencing without opening a laptop
• DJs and live performers triggering clips, cues and effects on the fly
• Modular/analog synth owners who need a compact MIDI-to-CV/Gate bridge
• Anyone building a first controller setup on a tight budget

Key Features

• 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads (red = Control mode, blue = Sequencer mode)
• 16 assignable encoders (MIDI CC or NRPN/RPN)
• Built-in 16-step analog sequencer with pad-scale and playback-mode options
• CV/Gate outputs (1V/octave) for analog synth control
• USB (class-compliant, no drivers needed), MIDI Out, and standalone USB-powered operation
• 16 MIDI controller presets + 16 sequence presets, recalled instantly
• Editable via free Arturia MIDI Control Center software
• Transport controls sending MIDI CC or MMC — can be MIDI Clock master or slave
• iPad-compatible via camera connection kit
• Kensington lock port for securing on stage or in a studio

Huge Connectivity In A Little Box
Whilst most standard controllers are simply happy to connect to your computer, the Arturia Beatstep offers far many more options.

USB
The Beatstep of course offers up USB connectivity which is bus powered and features a USB class compliant I/O design, that makes it just as happy to hook up to you PC as our MAC or iPAD. This gives you the control options that you would expect to have from a regular pad controller, allowing you to control the transports on your favourite DAW, sequence your favourite plug-in, set up the encoders to modulate filters and eq’s or mixer channels.

MIDI
The BeatStep also has additional MIDI out as well, so you can use the pads to control an old drum module or the drum sounds on your workstation keyboard. You can also use the Step Sequencer mode to bring new life to your MIDI equipped synthesizers.

CV / GATE
Lastly the BeatStep has a standard 1 volt per octave CV output as well as a standard 1 volt per octave GATE output. This means you can directly interface them with older none MIDI capable kit or even the newer MiniBrute or MicroBrute synthesizers also from Arturia. By combining BeatSteps step sequencing capabilities with a modular synth, it allows for all manner of hands on control and pattern generation.

The Arturia MIDI Control Centre
The MIDI Control Centre software provides you with a fast and easy way to edit parameters and then export your presents to back them up or create archives of your favourite presents to share with others.

Specification

• Controller Mode: red LED / Sequencer Mode: blue LED
• 16 velocity & pressure-sensitive pads
• 16 assignable encoders
• 16 MIDI controller presets, 16 sequence presets
• Editor software: Arturia MIDI Control Center
• Clocking: internal or external
• Outputs: CV/Gate (1V/oct), MIDI Out, USB
• iPad compatible (camera connection kit required)
• Class-compliant USB — no drivers required
• Kensington lock port
• Bus-powered via USB, or standalone via USB power adaptor