There are some limitations of how the KS37 arp/chord strum features work with the CV/Gate outputs … wonder if that has changed here
For me biggest improvement is that you can set it up without computer and power switch. More controllers should be like that. But I still much prefer KS37. Knobs, 3 full octaves and quick midi channel switching with shift+key are essential for me, I also find keyboard leds very useful. But other than that, this is quite nice improvement over the OG KS, especially if you use it’s sequencer (I don’t).
5 Likes
I have 3 music tools I’ve had forever and will never get rid of. LPP mk3, Beatstep Pro, and Keystep 37. Might put em away for months on end but will bring them out off and on for so many different uses. This new one is too small, the 37 is small enough.
2 Likes
My keystep 37 has aftertouch already, does the 32 not?
A 37 version would have been an insta-buy for me: Three full octaves and… NO MORE BLINKING OCTAVE LEDS!!! 
1 Like
I’d love my 37 to have spice and dice. Was using a Minifreak as a keyboard for awhile just to have that but changing channels is too annoying that way.
2 Likes
New one yes, old one no.
Assuming it’s a matter of time for the 37. We’ve had the lab series, now the first Keystep, so it would make sense. Hold on for a bit and it’ll be along I’m sure.
Keystep Pro with 37 full size keys. 6 tracks, 2 of which can be drum/trigger tracks. 6 each cv/gate/mod outs. 128 step sequences. Etc, etc. Perfect.
1 Like
Interestingly there are quite a few comments on the initial release videos saying “nice, but waiting for the 37 key version.”
That got me thinking about if there’s a reason they didn’t update the 32 and 37 version together. If they were going to be identical in terms of features, it would make sense to launch them as a pair. So the only thing I can think behind not launching the 37 at the same time would be a couple of bells and whistles for the 37 still in development. I’m wondering if the 37 will have the 4 encoders again. I also imagine they want to capture as many sales for the vanilla Keystep, which might be trickier to do if the 37 was also released at the same time.
There is of course always a case for the extra 5 keys. But there is a pretty nice feature in here. From the manual:
4.1.6. Voicing
This mode adds variation to the Chords. With Voicing on, KeyStep 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. Bass 1–3 add a bass note 1, 2, or 3 octaves down.
So if you play a chord in, using the chord mode, you can “fake” not having a few more keys by having a low octave. This would matter if you want to personally play this in with 2 hands, but less so if you value it as a generative idea sketchpad. So yeah I think they’ve done a good job of making the smaller key version as compelling as it can be.
1 Like
This bass 1-3 mode is really awesome as that’s what I usually do with three full octaves (add a bass note). And since I’m looking for the most compact (but still playable) MIDI keyboard you just convinced me to check out this Keystep MK2. Looking forward to try out the mutate and spice functions as well!
2 Likes
Yeah sounds like it’s tied to chord/voicing mode, but it still opens up the playability and options a bit. Novation talk about this on the Launchkeys, where you play the keys in one octave and set the pads to a bass note as a way around the limitation of (say) 25 keys. Tried to do some more digging into this one as it defintley checks a lot of boxes. Some thoughts…
This did come up in a review actually. The basic jist seems to be the OG is set and forget, but with the Mk2 some features are behind an extra button press, so that’s worth keeping in mind.
Akai just increased the size on their keys on the MPK Mini, so an MPK Mini plus with bigger keys, would start to get close. Not much else though.
Think this means the Minilab 3? If yes, the Minilab strangely is not all that mini because of the depth. It would work best placed next to other gear if you needed encoders and faders, but didn’t care about the seqencer. With the Keystep, you have more room to put it in front of hardware. 32 keys is cool for writing and if you’re not a player like me, the idea of playing everything together is a bit of a pipe dream rather than a reality. So one pass for bass, one for chords, leads and so on.
Arturia had more basic arp features, but by porting the goodies from Mini/Microfreak, they’ve leveled up there for sure. For small keys, the Arturia slim ones are absolutely superior to Novation, imo. Their Minilab has proper sized encoders and faders too. But the pads aren’t nearly as good as Novation.
A really good and flexible combo would be one of each (assuming hybrid workflow). Keystep gives you hands on and generative control over sequencing of hardware, , but no DAW control or pads. and the Launchkey gives you more hands on control over a DAW and specifically Ableton.
2 Likes
Not Minilab 3, Keylab 25 is discontinued controller, it even had aftertouch.
2 Likes
I would spend 250-300 on a polytouch keystep 37 mk2 with all these features and dedicated spice/dice controls like microfreak has without question. just in case Arturia was wondering. I don’t need or want the pro, I just want the 37 to be the most luxurious 37 mini-key midi keyboard ever and stay the same size it is now.
1 Like
Oh wow! Never saw that one before
I thought by now the big names in MIDI controllers would be offering Bluetooth MIDI. Seems like a missed opportunity.
2 Likes
I really long for a thread on a new piece of gear where people can look at all the new features/improvements/innovations and appreciate it…whether that piece of gear is for them or not in their workflow. It’s so tiresome lately, the amount of people who seem to think they’re experts because they can spot the one thing that (to them) is ‘missing’ and ignore every good thing. What a sad preoccupation to have as a hobby.
I have the regular Keystep and am not certain I need the upgraded one soon or not. But it is a clear upgrade from where I sit.
8 Likes
Criticism of criticism has a long history. But if you want to feel better about humanity, read or watch reviews of gear from the '80s or '90s and also check the old SoundOnSound articles. Most of the published stuff was ever so thinly veiled sales literature, but it wasn’t entirely useless.
Glass half full: it’s a fine antidote to GAS 
1 Like
Ah yes, I seemed to have gotten the names mixed up there. Indeed, I meant the Minilab 3. It’s too deep, and I have no need for faders and two rows of encoders on an otherwise tiny keyboard. Just 1-4 encoders would be more than enough (plus mod and pitch strips/wheels).
1 Like
Nah, man. I see too many who just troll threads, find one or two things to criticize and dismiss the entire product because they found the ‘missing’ thing. Fuck that.
3 Likes