Arturia KeyStep Mk2

Arturia KeyStep mk2 is a compact hardware controller and sequencer designed for DAWless workflows and hybrid setups. It features a 32-note Slimkey keyboard with velocity and aftertouch, touch controls for pitch and modulation, an OLED display with a clickable encoder, and an advanced sequencing and arpeggiation engine with real-time generative functions. It is designed as a central tool to drive hardware synthesizers, modular systems, software instruments, and mixed configurations.
Demo of Arturia KeyStep MK2
by Giaga Robot
Keyboard, controls and interface
KeyStep mk2 features a 32-note velocity-sensitive Slimkey keyboard with aftertouch, optimized for expressive use while maintaining a small footprint. The capacitive strips dedicated to pitch bend and modulation allow for continuous and precise control, ideal for controlling analog and modular synthesizers.
The interface is completed by an OLED display and a central clickable encoder with a Back button, which allows direct access to editing settings and transformations without relying on external software. All main operations can be performed directly from the hardware.
Sequencer and arpeggiator: advanced creative flow
The integrated polyphonic sequencer supports up to 64 steps with real-time recording, step recording, and unquantized mode, allowing you to capture natural grooves or well-defined rhythmic structures. Multiple patterns can be chained to create complete songs or extended structures for live performance.
The arpeggiator offers 16 modes, including generative variants, with the ability to transform pre-recorded sequences into dynamic arpeggios via the Phrase Arp function. This approach allows existing material to be reused as a basis for developing new musical ideas.
Generative functions: Mutate, Spice and live transformations
KeyStep mk2 introduces advanced generative tools designed for the continuous evolution of your ideas. The Mutate function allows you to instantly transform sequences and arpeggios, introducing melodic and rhythmic variations without interrupting playback.
The Spice and Dice controls allow you to dose the amount of randomness applied to the pattern, maintaining a balance between control and unpredictability. Other transformation tools include real-time note length modification, transposition, pattern doubling, and overdub with extended length.
Scale and Chord Modes
Scale and Chord Modes help maintain musical consistency during composition and improvisation. Scale Mode allows you to lock the keyboard to a selected key, avoiding out-of-scale notes, while Chord Mode allows you to play and record complex chords with a single key, with expressive voicings derived from the KeyLab series.
Connectivity and integration in setups
KeyStep mk2 is designed to integrate with any musical ecosystem. Connectivity includes USB-C for MIDI and power, MIDI DIN In and Out, Sync In/Out, and a pedal input. The four CV outputs (Pitch, Gate, Mod 1, Mod 2) are assignable to velocity, aftertouch, mod wheel or other sources, ensuring expressive control of modular systems.
A dedicated power switch and Kensington lock support complete its features, making KeyStep mk2 suitable for both studio and shared space situations and live use.
Included software and workflow
KeyStep mk2 comes with Ableton Live Lite and Analog Lab Intro, providing an environment where users can immediately start playing and using music production software. Arturia MIDI Control Center allows advanced management of MIDI assignments, response curves, and global parameters, complementing the hardware workflow with software tools.
Arturia KeyStep mk2 Technical Specifications
- Type: MIDI / CV hardware controller and sequencer
- Keyboard: 32 velocity-sensitive Slimkey notes with aftertouch
- Controls: capacitive strips for pitch bend and modulation
- Display: OLED with clickable central encoder and Back button
- Sequencer: polyphonic up to 64 steps with pattern chaining
- Recording: real-time, step recording and unquantized
- Arpeggiator: 16 modes with generative functions and Phrase Arp
- Generative functions: Mutate, Spice, Dice, live transformations
- Musical modes: Scale Mode and Chord Mode
- MIDI connections: MIDI DIN In and Out
- USB connections: USB-C for MIDI and power
- CV/Gate connections: CV Pitch, Gate, Mod 1, Mod 2 assignable
- Sync: Sync In/Out
- Pedals: sustain/expression input
- Security: power switch and Kensington slot
- Included software: Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, Arturia MIDI Control Center
- dimensions and weight: 484x145x50mm; 1.1kg
To get the included software:
Create an account and register the instrument on the Arturia website. (click here)
NB: Software applications are included free of charge for promotional purposes and may vary over time without notice. Algam EKO is solely responsible for the hardware instrument and cannot provide technical or commercial assistance for the free software provided or third-party software used with the product. For software support, consult the manual or online guide of the software used.
NB: The use of authorization codes, i.e. the download and activation of the free software provided, voids the right of withdrawal.