Arturia Beat Step

Looks like a winner. For $99. 16 knobs, 16 pads, step sequencer, midi, cv, editable with the ipad, use the knobs and pads for something else while the sequencer runs in the background.

Even if the sequencer is very limited, it’s at least a waveshapable cv LFO.



For that kind of money it’s bound to be limited but it does look a sexy a little thing!
Dimensions look kinda op-1, from the pic anyway.

$99,- for a CV sequencer that is portable and has velocity sensitive pads!

I double dare any of you spoiled brats to complain about it’s limitations .

Whoa! This is killa! Just wrote it off as Spark Le Jr. Gives the Qunexus a run for its money. Keys or Pads, well that’s personal preference. But this thing has knobs and a built in sequencer, very generous of Arturia to pack all that in and sell it so cheap.

quite excited about this… wonder if you could store unquantized patterns.
went through the specs but didn’t find a clue - I suppose sequencer data will be stored but it’d be really cool if it would save finger drummed beat snippets.

… this and my MD will be the power of the universe on the tips of my finger

Lol not complaining here but I don’t think the velocity sensitivity will apply to the CV and gate outputs. Gate will be either on or off. However I can still see myself getting a few of these. It’s a winner at the price it is.

lol the only thing I think it lacks is USB Host for MIDI over USB, but for the price I’m not complaining that it’s missing. Can’t have everything for $99 street.

the specs on the arturia site

[ul]
[li]Mini USB in/out (DC in for standalone operation)[/li]
[li]3.5mm MIDI output[/li]
[li]3.5mm CV & Gate outputs[/li]
[/ul]

This is already incredibly useful. You could have both DC bus power, MIDI in and out coming straight off a laptop. MIDI out to a synth or to MIDI to CV convertor (for modular gear) and then dedicated CV/Gate outs to more analogue gear. Effectively being able to control 2 voices with one sequencer (much like the A4). And all at once we are told

Arturia site also says “TWO IN ONE AND BOTH AT ONCE”

and goes on to say

"Yes, that is right. You could be using the CV/gate output from the step sequencer playing your MiniBrute and then switch to CONTROL mode and have it controlling clips on Ableton Live and using the encoders to manipulate your VST version of SEM V.
Maybe playing the drum sounds on a vintage Roland drum module via the MIDI output and sequencing a SH-101 using the CV/GATE in SEQ mode is more your style.

What if you want to step sequence Jupiter 8V on MIDI ch 1 while controlling the MMC transports in Logic and playing the drum sounds from BFD on MIDI ch 10 both via USB? You can do that as well.
The combinations are truly limitless."

Sounds like a winner to me. If one goes down well I will probably want two… or more :+1:

Play with it a NAMM. quite nice. my only problem is the make changes you need to go through a computer. But in general it feels good. it is really solid. which is nice this day in age of plastic sh!t.

Thinking about grabbing one of these when they are available!I think it would make a great companion for my Doepfer Darkenergy!

So, everybody ordered one? Are they delivered? Any comments on the feel of the pads and the actual dimensions of this thing?

:+1:

tried to grab one while being in Europe but the shop I tried told me it won’t be available before end of April. this will be my last gear purchase (cough)

Who has one?
How are the controller functions?
What about the sequencer?
Any feedback?

not sure this is available yet, at least by thomann, it says 30.5 :expressionless:

Available and in stock in USA…
Weird, it is a French company :smiley:

Yeah I picked it up last week. It is useful on other equipment you make them a 20% closer to an elektron device…

Just got it from GC with a 15% rebate (Memorial day!!!).
This thing is awesome!!
The whole unit looks and feel solid.

For few bucks you have 16 pads - 16 knobs -16 memory with a super fast navigation. Once set up you can do a lot very quickly with a good workflow.

The sequencer is ok, looks pretty handy once you are used to.

Hopefully this quick feedback will help some of you.
Honestly, just for the controller functions I would advise to get it.

got mine today from the good old thomann :slight_smile: and i’ve to say i like it.
i wasn’t expecting such a quality in a product that’s less than €100 and comes with all these features.
i don’t have analog modules though, but the CV/GATE out was one of the things that pushed me to buy it (CV to MIDI, mmm :joy: :slight_smile: )
the pads do feel good and respond well to touches,it’s new so i’m expecting they’ll probably wear out in the long term…but i’ve to say, i think i’ll use the ones on the BS instead of the ones on the AR :expressionless:

i’ve played with it for about ten minutes but i think it’ll become a good companion to my machines and although it does need power from the USB (or a USB charger) and MIDI IN is only available when connected to a computer, it’s worth checking it out.

Anybody use it with a Digitakt ? I’m looking for a small device with pads to play on DT without buying USB Midi Host. This look fine with midi out and 16 pads.

Some people:
https://www.elektronauts.com/search?q=digitakt%20beatstep