NAMM 2015: Arturia unveils BeatStep Pro step sequencer/controller

NAMM 2015: If you've have told us a few years ago that hardware step sequencers would soon be back in vogue we'd have laughed in your face, but as more and more of us re-embrace hardware, their popularity is very much on the rise.

At NAMM, Korg has announced the SQ-1, and now Arturia is bringing you a pumped-up version of its BeatStep step sequencer/controller, known as BeatStep Pro.

Sporting two monophonic step sequencers (with up to 64 steps per sequence), a 16-track drum sequencer (that's one track per pad) and a wealth of connectivity options, it's designed to integrate with a wide range of analogue and digital gear. And, of course, it can also be used as a MIDI controller for your DAW.

Specs are below, and you can read the full story on the Arturia website. BeatStep Pro will ship in the Spring priced at $299/€249.

Arturia BeatStep Pro main features

2 monophonic step sequencers

  • Up to 64 steps per sequence
  • Note, velocity and gate time settings per step
  • Note tie

16-track drum sequencer (one track per pad)

  • MIDI controller mode
  • Fully customizable for knobs, step buttons and velocity and pressure sensitive pads
  • Send MIDI CC, note data, program changes
  • 16 Projects, each with 16x2 sequences, 16 drum sequences and a controller map.
  • Performance controls
  • Randomizer with Amount and Probability settings
  • Real-time looper/roller touch strip
  • Independent swing amount per sequence
  • Touch sensitive knobs
  • Tap Tempo

Connectivity

  • CV/GATE outputs (1 volt per octave CV, 10 volt gates)
  • 8 drum gate outputs
  • Clock sync with multiple standards
  • MIDI In/Out with supplied MIDI adaptors
  • USB class compliant
  • Kensington lock
Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.