Arturia — Keystep Pro
Arturia KeyStep Pro – Full User Manual PDF
Arturia KeyStep Pro – Eurorack Cheat Sheet
(Controller/Sequencer for Modular & MIDI Gear - Essentials Guide)
Hardware Overview
- Type: 37-key MIDI/CV controller & sequencer
- Power: 12V DC, 1.0A (Center Positive)
- Computer Connection: USB MIDI Class Compliant
- Standalone: Yes (DC power jack)
I/O Connections
Analog Voice Outputs (for Modular)
- Voice Outs (1–4):
- Pitch CV (1V/Oct, 1.2V/Oct, or Hz/V)
- Range: 0–10V (assignable per voice)
- Set in Utility/MIDI Control Center
- Default: 1V/Oct for Eurorack
- Velo/Mod CV (velocity or aftertouch, assignable)
- Range: 0–10V (max settable 1–10V)
- Default: Velocity
- Gate CV
- Range: 0 or +5V/+10V (V-Trig, S-Trig selectable)
- Default: +5V (V-Trig)
Drum Gates (Track 1/Drum Mode)
- Outputs 1–8:
- Trig/Gate: 0V/+5V (or +12V, S-Trig assignable)
- For triggering modular drums or EGs
- Drum outputs map to the lowest 8 keys
- MIDI Note assignment customizable
Clock Section
- In: Accepts 1 pulse/step, 2/step, 24ppq, 48ppq (0–5V)
- Out: Outputs settable clock types (same rates, 0–5V)
- Reset Out: +5V, 4ms pulse (when STOP/RESET sent)
MIDI Section
- MIDI In: 5-pin DIN
- MIDI Out 1/Out 2: 5-pin DIN (x2)
- Can send/receive all MIDI notes, CCs, sync, transport
USB MIDI
- Type B port
- Class compliant – driverless. Can power via USB but hardware recommends using power supply for modular/CV use.
Power
- 12V DC, center positive, 1A, barrel connector
Controls
Knobs/Encoders
Main Encoders (x5, touch-sensitive):
1. Pitch
2. Gate length
3. Velocity
4. Time Shift
5. Randomness
- Function depends on mode:
- Seq/Drum: Encode step parameters
- Control Mode: Send MIDI CCs (assignable)
Tempo/Fine
- Set project/global tempo, or shift for fine adjust
Swing/Offset
- Set swing per-sequence/project (+track offset with Shift)
Metronome Level (back panel)
- Retractable knob
Buttons
- Transport: PLAY, STOP, RECORD/QUANTIZE
- Step (16): For programming, selecting, copy, page select (for steps 1–64)
- Track (1–4): Select sequencer/track
- Seq/Arp/Drum: Toggle track mode (Track 1 = Drum, 2-4 = Arp)
- Pattern, Scene, Chain: Pattern and arrangement management
- Mute/Solo: Per-track
- Overdub, Tie/Rest/Chord, Hold, Transpose, Shift
- Looper touch strip: Live loop length & position
Keybed
- 37 SlimKeys, velocity + aftertouch
- Oct +/−, Pitch strip, Mod strip: Touch controls
CV/Gate, Input/Output Reference & Voltage Ranges
| Jack Name |
Type |
Signal |
Voltage Range |
Notes |
| Voice 1–4 Pitch |
Output |
CV (1V/Oct, etc) |
0–10V (default) |
Eurorack, Buchla, Hz/V assign. |
| Voice 1–4 Velo/Mod |
Output |
CV |
0–10V (default) |
Velocity or Aftertouch |
| Voice 1–4 Gate |
Output |
Trigger/Gate |
0/+5V (default), +10V |
V-Trig/S-Trig select |
| Drum 1–8 |
Output |
Trigger/Gate |
0/+5V (default), +12V |
For modular drum triggers |
| Clock In |
Input |
Sync Pulse |
0–5V (typical, TTL) |
1step to 48ppq |
| Clock Out |
Output |
Sync Pulse |
0–5V (typical, TTL) |
Configurable ppq |
| Reset Out |
Output |
Gate |
+5V/4ms pulse |
Step/sequence reset |
| MIDI In |
Input |
MIDI DIN |
— |
Standard MIDI |
| MIDI Out 1/2 |
Output |
MIDI DIN |
— |
Standard MIDI |
| USB |
Bi-dir |
USB MIDI |
— |
Sends/receives MIDI |
| Sustain |
Input |
Footswitch |
— |
Momentary |
| Metronome Out |
Output |
Audio (click) |
Line level |
For click track |
| Power |
Input |
12V DC, 1A |
— |
2.1mm ID, 5.5mm OD, C+ |
Key Performance Functions
- Four Sequencers or three + drum sequencer
- Poly sequencing: Up to 16 notes per step
- Step input, realtime input, overdub
- Arpeggios: 3 tracks, multiple modes, scales/octave/patt
- CV Assign: Route any track to any CV out
- Drum Triggers: Track 1 only, polymeters possible
- Instant pattern change, pattern chains/scenes
- Flexible clocking: MIDI, DIN, analog
- SHIFT shortcuts everywhere: Step operations, scale, root, CV assignment, pattern ops, time division...
Programming & Performance Quick Tips
- Connect to Modular:
- CV/Gate as described above; set correct standard (1V/Oct, V-trig, etc) in Utility or MIDI Control Center
- Use Drum Gate outputs for triggering modular drums
- Split keyboard: Two tracks, upper/lower split (hold two Track buttons, set split note)
- Assign CV:
SHIFT + G#/A/A#/B (top octave): Route track to any CV voice(es)- Set scales quickly:
SHIFT + Key (upper row, blue text) for scale select, root, and custom scales- Polyrhythms:
- Track length, polymeter per Drum track (Drum mode Poly)
- Pattern management:
- Copy, paste, clear, undo, chain, scenes all accessible with dedicated/shift + buttons.
Control Summary (Knobs, Buttons, Controls)
- Knobs/Encoders:
- 5x Encoder (Pitch, Gate, Velocity, Time Shift, Random), 1x Tempo, 1x Swing
- Metronome level (back panel)
- Switches/Buttons
- Per above - Transport, Track select/mode, Pattern, Scene, Chain, Step, Mute, Solo, Utility, Control, Overdub, Hold, Chord, Tie/Rest, Octave, Looper
- Touchstrips: Pitch, Mod, Looper (horizontal)
SHIFT + [Key]
- Pattern direction, scale, root, time division, chord mode, CV routing, clear, nudge, quantize, transpose, step skip, etc.
Useful Links
Modular Setup Reminder
- Always power off before connecting CV/Gate!
- Confirm voltage/trig standard with your synthesizer's documentation.
- Use MIDI Control Center or Utility menu for advanced configuration.
This cheat sheet covers essentials for modular/Eurorack users. For deep dives (scenes, DAW integration, firmware-specific features), refer to the full manual above.