Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk.2 – Review
The 37 Key KeyStep Gets Its Update
5,0 / 5,0 | 
The KeyStep 37 Mk.2 expands on one of Arturia’s most loved performance controllers with new features and improved workflows.
Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk.2 – Review
When Arturia announced the arrival of the Mk. 2 original KeyStep, many people wondered why they hadn’t updated the KeyStep 37 first. I imagine that this was because the 37 has a larger fan base, given its extended keyboard.
Key Features
- New OLED Interface Screen
- Mutate & Spice Generative Tools
- Quantised or Unquantised Sequence Recording
- New Generative Arp Patterns
- Additional Buttons for Quicker Navigation
- Additional MOD CV output
- USB-C Connectivity
The Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk.2
Well, those fans didn’t have to wait too long for their wish to come true because the KeyStep 37 Mk.2 is here and, no doubt, it will have its lovers and haters in equal measure, just as the Mk.2 KeyStep had. Just like its forebear, the KeyStep 37 Mk.2 has been improved upon and refined, whether you like it or not!
At first glance, the obvious difference is the removal of the Arp and Sequencer controls on the left. Even I will admit that these were supremely instant and gratifying, albeit limited in options, especially the Arp modes. But the Mk.2 actually has more immediate controls than its predecessor.
But what does the KeyStep 37 Mk.2 bring to the game? It remains a compact, light and powerful controller that will satisfy many needs, from DAWless jammers to EMOM’ers, bedroom musos to portable creation rigs.
What’s New in the KeyStep 37 Mk.2?
What it brings is more power, more fun and possibly, a more intuitive user interface that will suit many, and infuriate others. Many will state that the Arp/Seq rotary controls were easier to manage, to play with in dimly lit rooms and stages. But the KeyStep 37 Mk.2 actually has more lights and a detailed OLED screen.
What the Mk.2 gives you is a more powerful and immediate experience, and with a ton more visual feedback via the detailed OLED screen, something the Mk.1 could never do. For example, you can switch between the 16 different Arp modes, including 9 new generative options, simply by holding shift and choosing the corresponding key on the keyboard.
Spicier Arps
Arps can be set to reset for more rhythmic patterns, and there’s the fantastic Mutate function for some true, unique manipulation. Sequencing gets a boost too, with the option to flip between quantised or unquantised recording, and it too gets the Mutate feature.
As well as the Mutate feature, the Spice feature helps you add some controlled randomness into the rhythm of your sequences or arps, and when combined with the aforementioned Mutate feature, you can come up with some truly inspiring stuff!
All the usual suspects are here, such as the same slim keys featured in the KeyStep Pro with velocity and aftertouch, 39 LED lights above the keys for easy reference and guides, Bend and Mod touch strips (which work really, really well, by which I mean, Arturia have the calibration down so that touching the pitch strip in the middle won’t shift your perfectly honed arp or sequence up or down microtonally) and a raft of connectivity at the rear.
Connectivity
And about that connectivity. Just like the Mk.2 KeyStep, the KeyStep 37 Mk.2 now sports two CV Mod outputs that further expand the capabilities of this controller with your modular system. There’s still regular 5 pin MIDI IN and OUT ports, as well as Sync In and Out and a Sustain pedal input.
There’s no longer the option for mains power, with power and data connection now handled by a single USB-C port and there’s no Dip Switches for MIDI clock settings as these can now be handled via the Global settings menu.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- New OLED screen for superior feedback
- Mutate and Spice features for the Arp and Seq sections
- More Arp options, including Generative
- Extra CV MOD Output
Cons
- Fewer direct access Arp and Seq controls
- Knobs aren’t touch sensitive so you have to know what they’re changing before you turn them
- No External PSU – Must be USB powered
A Worthy Update?
As I hinted at earlier, the KeyStep 37 Mk.2 will probably be loved and hated in equal measure. Those who have committed the operation of the Mk.1 to their muscle memory will need to re-learn some, but not all, of their way around the KeyStep 37 Mk.2.
Those who are maybe new to the product, or who have its operation less ingrained in their brain, will take to it like a duck to water. The beauty of the KeySteps is their easy-to-understand operation and creatively useful functionality. I would, however, have liked Arturia’s touch-sensitive knobs on this. I find them really useful on their KeyLabs.
Should you dump your Mk.1 for a Mk.2? I guess that depends on whether you’re happy to tweak your knowledge in exchange for some seriously useful improvements. If the benefits outweigh the short-lived discomfort, then absolutely yes. The KeyStep 37 Mk.2 is a breeze to use and delivers inspiration and fun in equal measure.
More Information
The Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk.2 is available now for €179.00/£159.00/$177.00* and is supplied with a software package that includes Analog Lab Intro and Ableton Live Lite. You also get a USB cable included.
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