Description

Arturia BeatStep is a production and performance controller that combines 16 backlit velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, 16 assignable "endless" rotary encoders, and a 16-step step-based sequencer. It is designed to control software instruments via USB, MIDI hardware via MIDI output (with included minijack to 5-pin MIDI adapter), and analog/modular synthesizers via CV and Gate outputs, synchronizing modern and vintage setups in a single compact, USB-powered surface.

BeatStep is a mobile yet complete solution for those working with DAWs, external MIDI instruments, and analog systems. The combination of pads, encoders, and transport controls allows you to play rhythmic or melodic parts, automate parameters, and manage playback functions without having to switch devices. Its architecture allows for immediate switching between two operating logics: Controller (CNTRL) and Sequencer (SEQ), also recognizable by the LED color (red for CNTRL, blue for SEQ).

Control surface: pads, encoders, and transport

The 16 backlit pads are velocity- and pressure-sensitive: they can send MIDI notes, control commands, and, in SEQ mode, enable/disable the sequence steps. The 16 "endless" rotary encoders can be assigned to MIDI CC for controlling virtual instruments, effects, and hardware; in SEQ mode, the encoders determine the pitch of the corresponding step. The main encoder (LEVEL/RATE/TRANSPOSE) performs multiple roles: in CNTRL, it manages a master parameter (level by default), in SEQ, it adjusts the tempo and, in combination with SHIFT, transposes the entire sequence chromatically.
The PLAY/STOP transport section can control the sequencer and send MMC (MIDI Machine Control) messages or other configurable messages for integration with DAWs that do not natively respond to MMC commands. The PLAY button also functions as PAUSE/CONTINUE, useful for musical restarts and tension management in performances.

16-step sequencer: editing, scales, and musical behavior

In SEQ mode, BeatStep becomes an "analog-style" step-based sequencer: the pads control step activation and, with key combinations, allow you to set fundamental parameters such as playback direction (Forward/Reverse/Alternate/Random), rhythmic division (1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32), and pattern length (1 to 16 steps). Changes can be made even during playback.

The Scales (Chromatic, Major, Minor, Dorian, Mixolydian, Harmonic Minor, Blues, User) act as an input "filter" for the encoders: they do not automatically rewrite already set notes, but guide pitch selection when editing steps, reducing the risk of choosing off-key notes during a performance. The User Scale allows for defining a custom scale via software.
BeatStep sends the All Notes Off command by pressing STOP three times. Advanced parameters such as Swing, Gate Time, and Legato modes (Off/Legato/Legato Reset) are accessible from the software and allow for finer groove and articulation sculpting.

Sequencing and stand-alone mode

Thanks to its CV and Gate outputs, BeatStep can control analog and modular synthesizers. It can be powered by a standard USB charger, allowing you to use presets and sequences without a computer connected to the computer in stand-alone mode.
On the CV/Gate front, BeatStep sends 1 Volt/octave signals (from 0V to 7V) and 8V Gate. Considering the monophonic nature of CV/Gate, when sending notes from a DAW's MIDI track, the priority is on the lowest note: for consistent results, it is advisable to avoid polyphonic data on the channel destined for CV/Gate.

Presets and workflow: internal memories and MIDI Control Center

BeatStep can store and recall up to 16 configurations. From the front panel, RECALL/STORE allow you to load or save presets (CNTRL) and sequences (SEQ) by pressing the button and choosing a pad. The CHAN button allows you to quickly set the global MIDI channel by selecting a pad, and in SEQ, a combination (SHIFT+CHAN) is available to set the sequence length.
With Arturia MIDI Control Center, you get detailed editing: MIDI assignments for pads and encoders, preset creation, memory management, and global parameters such as encoder acceleration (Slow/Medium/Fast) and pad velocity curve (Linear/Logarithmic/Exponential/Full). The software also allows for managing sequencer parameters not available from the panel, such as Swing, Gate Time, Legato, and defining the User Scale. Operational note: when a preset is sent from the software, CNTRL and SEQ are overwritten together in the same memory, while from the front panel they can be managed separately.

Arturia BeatStep Technical Specifications

- Type: MIDI / CV controller with step-based sequencer
- Control surface: 16 backlit velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads; 16 "endless" rotary encoders; master LEVEL/RATE/TRANSPOSE encoder
- Operating modes: CNTRL (Controller) and SEQ (Sequencer), LED indication (red for CNTRL, blue for SEQ)
- Sequencer: 16 steps; step enable/disable via pad
- Pattern Mode (direction): Forward, Reverse, Alternate, Random
- Step Size (division): 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32
- Pattern Length: 1 to 16 steps
- Scale for encoder input in SEQ: Chromatic, Major, Minor, Dorian, Mixolydian, Harmonic Minor, Blues, User (definable via software)
- Transport: PLAY/STOP with MMC (configurable); PLAY with PAUSE/CONTINUE function
- All Notes Off: press STOP 3 times (MIDI)
- Memories: up to 16 recallable presets/configurations from the panel
- Global MIDI channel change: CHAN button + pad (1–16)
- Synchronization: master/slave via EXT SYNC; clock send/transmit via USB and MIDI Out
- MIDI over USB: class-compliant device
- MIDI: output via included MIDI adapter
- CV/Gate: CV 1V/Oct (0V–7V); Gate 8V
- Software included: Arturia MIDI Control Center
- Dimensions 324 x 127 x 16 mm; Weight 0.9 kg

To get the included software:

Create an account and register the instrument on the Arturia website. (click here)

NB: The software applications are included free of charge for promotional purposes and may vary over time without notice. Algam EKO is exclusively 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.