[NAMM] Arturia KeyStep keyboard & sequencer

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Arturia has announced the KeyStep, a portable USB MIDI keyboard with a built-in polyphonic sequencer.

Announced as “a new breed of portable musical tool combining the functionalities of a keyboard controller with a polyphonic step sequencer to control both analog and digital devices”, Arturia’s KeyStep is many things at once: a portable USB MIDI controller which also provides a musical playing experience, an opportunity to connect some MIDI modules without the footprint of a large keyboard, a device that offers the possibility to control modular and analog gear via CV/GATEs, a step sequencer with polyphonic capability that can sync to your favorite modern and vintage gear… And possibly many other things.

Just have a look at the feature list:

Arturia’s own Slimkey keybed with velocity and aftertouch
Arpeggiator mode: Up, down, inclusive, exclusive, random, note order, double up, double down modes
Sequencer mode: 8 polyphonic step-sequences with Rest, Tie, and Legato note entry
Rate control and tap tempo: REC, PLAY, and STOP buttons for performance control over the sequencer and arpeggiator
Sustain HOLD button
Sustain pedal jack
Chord play mode
SHIFT button selection: MIDI channel selection, GATE time, SWING values
DC jack for standalone operation
USB MIDI connects to computers and our MCC editor
MIDI in/out ports
Sync i/o ports: Supports 1 pulse per step, 2 PPQ (Korg Volca), 24 PPQ DIN sync, 48 PPQ DIN sync
Sync select switches: Internal, USB, MIDI, Clock
CV/GATE outputs:
- CV supports 1Volt per octave, Volt>Hz modes, Gate output 5V or 12V for modern or vintage gear support
- CV Velo/Aftertouch/Modwheel output
Capacitive-touch pitch bend and mod wheels
Each sequence can have 64 steps, each step can have up to 8 notes
Low power; can be powered by Apple iPad® (camera connection kit required)