Arturia KeyStep 37 mk2 — A Smarter Creative Hub for Hybrid Setups
Arturia has leveled up one of the most loved compact controllers with the KeyStep 37 mk2, a next-generation sequencer and MIDI keyboard built to keep inspiration flowing without slowing you down. Designed for hybrid studios, DAW users, and modular enthusiasts alike, it bridges hardware and software in a way that feels natural and immediate.
Hands-On Where It Matters
At its core, the KeyStep 37 mk2 features a 37-note Slimkey keyboard with velocity and aftertouch, delivering expressive playability in a compact footprint. The updated interface includes a crisp OLED display, four mode-aware encoders, and dedicated transport controls, making it faster to navigate sequences, tweak arpeggios, and shape ideas without diving through menus.
Generative and Musical Tools
This is where the mk2 expands the creative potential.
The Mutate, Spice, and Dice functions introduce musical variation and rhythmic movement on the fly, making it easy to evolve patterns or spark new ideas during a session. Chord and Scale modes help you stay in key while unlocking rich harmonies with minimal effort. The updated arpeggiator and sequencer support pattern chaining and real-time performance manipulation, giving producers and performers more flexibility when building arrangements.
These tools are especially powerful when sketching in Ableton Live, Bitwig, Logic, or when jamming with hardware and modular systems. The workflow encourages experimentation without breaking your creative flow.
Connectivity That Keeps Up
The KeyStep 37 mk2 continues to shine as a central hub for modern and vintage setups alike.
USB-C provides reliable connection and power for DAW integration. Full-size MIDI DIN In and Out allow seamless communication with external gear. CV/Gate outputs and analog sync I/O make it a natural fit for Eurorack and classic hardware rigs. A sustain or expression pedal input rounds out performance options for players who want even more control.
Why It Matters
The KeyStep 37 mk2 strikes a balance that many controllers miss. It is compact yet powerful, straightforward yet deep. With improved visual feedback, expanded creative tools, and flexible connectivity, it serves equally well as a studio sketchpad, live performance controller, or sequencing brain for a hybrid setup.
For producers looking to spark ideas quickly and keep momentum moving, the KeyStep 37 mk2 feels like a thoughtful evolution of an already essential piece of gear.
