BeatStep Pro

Arturia BeatStep Pro is a hardware sequencer and MIDI controller designed to bring synthesizers, drum machines, modular systems and software instruments into one performance setup. Two monophonic sequencers handle melodic parts, while a separate 16-track drum sequencer lets you programme percussion one instrument at a time. Velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, touch-sensitive encoders and a real-time looper/roller strip put pattern editing and performance controls within reach. With USB-MIDI, MIDI input and output, pitch CV, gate and velocity outputs, plus dedicated drum gates and clock connections, BeatStep Pro can serve as the sequencing hub for a computer-based studio or a standalone hardware rig.

Key features

• Two independent monophonic sequencers with up to 64 steps each
• 16-track drum sequencer with one track per pad
• Per-step pitch, velocity and gate length, with note ties for melodic sequences
• 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads and 16 touch-sensitive encoders
• 16 projects with 16 patterns per sequencer and a controller map per project
• Adjustable swing and a randomiser with amount and probability controls
• Real-time looper/roller touch strip for fills and variations
• Pitch CV, gate and velocity outputs for both melodic sequencers
• Eight dedicated drum gate outputs for compatible percussion modules
• Class-compliant USB-MIDI, MIDI In and Out, and hardware clock synchronisation
• Customisable MIDI Control mode and editing through Arturia MIDI Control Center

Overview

Included Content

• 1 × Arturia BeatStep Pro
• 1 × USB cable
• 2 × MIDI adapters
• 1 × Clock adapter
• 1 × Anti-ground-loop adapter
• Quick Start Guide and registration card

Arturia also lists Ableton Live Lite and Analog Lab Intro as software downloads supplied with BeatStep Pro.

Creative Tools

• Run a bass line and a lead on the two melodic sequencers. Send each part to a different instrument, then adjust pitch, velocity and gate length per step to give each phrase its own articulation.
• Programme drums across 16 tracks, using the pads to enter hits in real time or the step buttons to place them precisely. Keep kick and snare parts steady while developing variations on the hi-hat and percussion tracks.
• Connect a modular voice through pitch CV, gate and velocity. Use the eight drum gate outputs to trigger compatible percussion modules alongside a drum machine controlled over MIDI.
• Use the looper/roller strip to repeat part of a sequence or add a drum roll during a transition. Release it to return to the running pattern.
• Adjust swing to change the feel of a sequence, or use the randomiser’s amount and probability settings to introduce occasional variations without reprogramming the pattern.
• Save different patterns for sections of a song or live set. Keep alternate bass lines, drum fills and breakdown patterns in the same project so they are ready to recall during a performance.
• Map pads, encoders and step buttons in MIDI Control Center. Assign them to software instruments or compatible hardware parameters, then use Control mode for tasks such as playing samples or adjusting a filter.
• Synchronise a mixed setup using USB-MIDI, DIN MIDI or the clock connections. Run the sequencer from a computer over USB, or use a separate USB power adapter for a standalone hardware session.

Ideal For

• Electronic musicians and beatmakers
• Modular and semi-modular synthesizer users
• Live performers who sequence multiple hardware instruments
• Producers combining DAW instruments with external synthesizers and drum machines
• Musicians building a standalone hardware setup with MIDI, CV and clock synchronisation