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Arturia BeatStep Pad Controller and CV/Gate Sequencer

USB/MIDI/CV Controller and 16-step Sequencer, with 16 Velocity/Pressure Sensitive Pads, 16 Encoders, and 16 User Presets
$99.00

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Arturia BeatStep Pad Controller and CV/Gate Sequencer
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A Controller and Sequencer Combined

Much more than just a USB pad controller, the BeatStep is ready to serve as a master sequencer for your MIDI or CV-equipped hardware! You've got 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads, perfect for both finger drumming and expressive playing. Assign the 16 encoders to whatever parameters you like, and save up to 16 of your custom setups. Best of all, a built-in step sequencer lets you program 16 different sequences with 16 steps each, ready to control your MIDI or CV gear all by itself!

Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer Features:
  • Powerful control surface with built-in 16-step sequencer
  • Control and sequence software via USB, or hardware via MIDI or CV
  • Velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads for expressive performances
  • 16 assignable encoders for real time control of virtual instrument parameters
  • Save and recall up to 16 customized control layouts

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Sequencer and Controller
  • Sequencer: 16 sequences, 16 steps each
  • Pads: 16 x velocity/pressure-sensitive backlit pads
  • Encoders/Pots: 16 assignable
  • MIDI I/O: Out (1/8" to 5-pin DIN adapter included)
  • USB: 1 x Mini-B
  • Other I/O: 1 x 1/8" CV out, 1 x 1/8" Gate out
  • Software: MIDI Control Center
  • Compatibility: Standalone, VST 2.4, VST3, RTAS, AAX, AU
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.7 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 or later
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered
  • Height: 0.6"
  • Width: 12.8"
  • Depth: 5"
  • Weight: 3 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 430101

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Just what I needed

I was looking for something reasonably priced and well built to pair with my Beat Buddy and to help create midi drum pattern files for it. But it's become useful in many other ways due to its versatility. Five stars.
Rated 4.5/5

Arturia BeatStep

Great controller all around ... A great creative start for musical ideas
Music background: Hobbyist
Rated 4/5

Great Controller, Mixed Step Sequencer

I have grown to rely on this unit for many elements in my live show. The pads feel great and issues polyphonic aftertouch, which is a feature that makes the unit worth the price alone. Editing the assignment is straightforward with the software. The knobs feel good, certainly for a $99 device but I'm not hugely fond of endless encoders, especially when the device itself cannot handle values above 127. This is one of my biggest gripes, NRPNs above 127 can't be used, so there goes my hope of programming my Mopho's Step Sequencer. I also would like it if the unit could program SYSEX, but alas it cannot.
I thought I was going to use this for it's Step Sequencer functionality but so far have yet to be wowed by it. It doesn't sync to Logic properly, restarting where you stopped rather than from the first step. It can't be transposed from a keyboard and there is no way to set a tempo in to the sequence. With no display that makes it not terribly useful unless this is the master clock. It also would be nice to be able to import MIDI sequences to it. The lack of MIDI in doesn't bother me as much as some users, USB is fine.
Most of these issues can be address with future firmware upgrades, and I hope they are. Arturia doesn't have the best record of continuing to work on released products.
I know that I'm pointing out the flaws, but I have to reiterate, I like this product a lot. The construction feels very solid and hopefully will last.
Music background: performer, composer, synth head.
Rated 3.5/5

Ok for the Price

Got the BeatStep to use as a MIDI mixer controller for the Arturia 16Rig, thinking the 16 encoders and 16 buttons would be able assignable to control all 1-16 inputs on the 16Rig. Not really what it was intended for... I just wanted to use it as a mixer to mute and control faders of each channel.

It kind of works, except 2 issues:

1. The Arturia 16Rig's current MIDI capabilities prevents simultaneously controlling all 16 inputs via MIDI--you must bank PREV/NEXT in 8 channels. Not the BeatStep's fault, just know this if you get a BeatStep thinking you can control all 16 channels of your 16Rig. Only 8 at a time. I guess I could assign the other buttons and encoders to solo and pan.

2. Even though documentation says the STOP and PLAY buttons are assignable, they must be outputting multiple messages because I cannot get them to assign and control anything on the 16Rig. This means everything under the larger encoder is useless to me.
Music background: The Carrington Effect
Rated 3/5

Meh

First, I'd like to start off by saying how well built this controller is. Like a lot of Arturia stuff, it's built like a tank. Sturdy, metal and plastic, tough construction. But, it's not the quality of the controller. And, it's not the functionality. It's more of the use of it. I'm a key's guy. But, I also like my pads for drumming away on things and making some complex drum loops/patterns. The Beatstep is....tedious. I could plot a better arrangement of notes on a keyboard, do it much faster, and have it sound all around better. As a drum machine, it's pretty much non existent. It definitely is setup as a sequencer. But, again, you could use a mouse click or keyboard and do it a lot faster and nicer. So, assembly wise it's great. Usefulness? Meh.
Music background: Enthusiast
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