Arturia KeyStep Pro Manual PDF
As an experienced Eurorack synthesist, the Arturia KeyStep Pro is an incredibly deep control hub that can unlock a host of creative possibilities in your modular rig. Here are some inspiring ways to patch and combine KeyStep Pro with other modules for unique musical results:
How: - KeyStep Pro offers four independent CV/gate/velocity (velo/mod) outs. Route each to a separate monophonic oscillator/voice in your rack (e.g., Mutable Instruments Plaits, Intellijel Dixie, Make Noise STO, or any 1V/oct VCO). - Patch the Gate outs to corresponding envelopes (e.g., Intellijel Quadrax or Make Noise Maths) and then into VCA inputs. - The Velocity/Mod output can be assigned per track—try modulating envelope decay, filter cutoff, or VCA amplitude/overdrive for dynamic expression.
Result:
Fully polyphonic modular playing and sequencing, each voice independently articulated and modulated with full keyboard velocity and aftertouch support.
How: - Place Track 1 in Drum Mode and patch the 8 Drum Gate outputs to a selection of percussion modules or gate-able voices (e.g., Endorphines BLCK_NOIR, Tiptop One, Mutable Peaks in drum mode, or any analog drum modules). - Program each Drum Gate track to a different step length using polymetric lengths (e.g., 15, 14, 13, 12 steps, etc.). - Add swing and time division shifts to taste!
Result:
Evolving, constantly phase-shifting modular drum patterns that go far beyond standard 16-step sequencing.
How: - Use the “Step Skip” and “Randomness” encoders in conjunction with polyrhythmic patterns for modular percussion. - Try patching the Random CV/Gate output to a clocked sample & hold or sequential switch for randomizing drum hit parameters (e.g., BIA timbre, pitch, filter cutoff).
Interesting Pairings:
- 2hp Euclid, ALM Pamela’s Pro Workout, Mutable Marbles, or Zularic Repetitor for algorithmic triggers—sync’d to or triggered by KeyStep Pro’s clock/gates.
How: - Use KeyStep Pro’s Control Mode to send MIDI CC to modules like Expert Sleepers FH-2 (MIDI to CV), Polyend Poly, or Mutable CVpal, and dynamically automate modulation within your modular system using encoders. - Simultaneously sequence modular, vintage MIDI hardware, and DAW instruments, letting you morph between setups on the fly.
Result:
Hybrid digital-analog control—daunting live improvisational or DAW-recorded sessions where the KeyStep Pro becomes the performance “brain.”
How: - Set up 3 tracks as arpeggiators on different scales/time divisions, and one as a melodic sequencer. Use each track’s CV/Gate outs for three melodic voices and one evolving bassline. - Use a sequential switch (e.g., Verbos Sequential Switch, Doepfer A-151) to combine or route melodies to multiple sound sources or effects. - Patch Velocity or Mod CV to random voltage processors, quantizers, or sample & hold modules to create evolving, semi-random pitch/gate patterns that stay musically in scale.
How: - Leverage KeyStep Pro’s dedicated clock and reset outputs. Use Reset Out for sequencers like Pamela’s Pro Workout, Rene, or Tempi to ensure tight, phase-locked pattern looping. - Use the built-in Looper Touch Strip to instantly shorten/lengthen sequences on all tracks in real time—create breakdowns and fills on the fly.
How: - In Utility or MIDI Control Center, set the Velo/Mod out to Aftertouch instead of velocity. - Patch to CV-controllable effects (e.g., Mutable Warps, Strymon Magneto), wavefolders, LPGs or filter cutoff CV. Use finger pressure to fade in timbral modulations live.
How: - Assign keyboard splits to different tracks (lower split = bass, upper split = chords, etc.). - Patch separate tracks’ CV/gate outs to different modular voices or even external MIDI synths for huge, multi-layered sound design.
How: - Use unused Drum Gate outputs to clock mod sequencers (e.g., Xaoc Batumi, Make Noise Rene) or to trigger envelope/LFO resets for rhythmic, percussive modulation effects.
Generic Module Types That Pair Well: - Quad VCOs (Instruo Třř, Verbos Harmonic Oscillator) - Multi-track envelope/VCAs (Intellijel Quad VCA, Quadrax) - Sequencers (Rene, Winter Modular Eloquencer) synced via clock/reset - Random/chaos generators (Mutable Marbles, Make Noise Wogglebug) - LPGs/filters with CV control - Modular delays/reverbs for FX automation (Make Noise Mimeophon, Magneto)
The Arturia KeyStep Pro can become the performance hub of your entire modular and digital/analog rig: polyphonic sequencing, generative structures, hands-on live control, deep MIDI–CV integration, and complex per-track modulation are all possible. The creative potential explodes when you combine it with algorithmic modules, analog voices, and creative utility/logic modules—your rig can become a living, breathing, evolving organism!