Arturia BeatStep Pro

Arturia’s original BeatStep is a standalone
MIDI step sequencer that can be used to
trigger both hardware and software. We liked it
in our review (7/10,
206) but felt its single
monophonic sequencer held back its potential.
With the new BeatStep Pro, our concern hasn’t
just been addressed, it’s been built upon beyond
all expectations.
BeatStep Pro features three independent
step sequencers and a set of general purpose
MIDI controllers. Two of the sequencers are
monophonic, intended for rifs, basslines and
the like, while the third is for sequencing up to 16
channels of drums. All three are programmed
with 16 velocity-sensitive pads (with aftertouch),
16 step buttons and 16 rotary knobs.
Step by step
The two monophonic sequencers are
functionally identical, and all three sequencers
share some common features. The number of
steps in each is set independently of the others,
to 16, 32, 48 or 64, with manual adjustment of
the sequence end point allowing for odd
numbers – 15, 31, 47 or 63, for example.
Sequences are programmed or recorded in real
time using 16 step buttons (an improvement on
BeatStep, which could only be step
programmed). The system also lets you choose
from a range of scales or, via the accompanying
software editor, deine your own, consisting of
as many or as few notes as you like. There’s no
pre-quantise, though, so while performances are
automatically quantised when you play them
back, true live performance is trickier than with,
say, Push and Ableton Live.
For post-performance editing, the 16
numbered rotaries correspond to the matching
step numbers, and adjust things like the note of
each step, Shift (nudging notes slightly of the
timing grid), Velocity (efectively step volume)
and Gate (the length of the note). Using this
simple system, even a total novice can create
sequences in minutes – it’s great.
The drum sequencer, so sorely lacking from
Arturia
BeatStep Pro £185
The original version of this MIDI step sequencer was an admirable
concept that failed to deliver on its potential. Have lessons been learned?
“Sequences are
programmed or
recorded in real
time using
16 step buttons”
the original BeatStep, comes next, enabling you
to craft whole live performances entirely from
the one unit. It can be programmed in the
traditional select-drum-and-engage-steps-for-it
system, or by recording patterns live using the
pads, and it works just like the melodic
sequencers, but across 16 channels.
Up to 16 sequences can be stored in memory
per sequencer, and the whole lot can be saved
into 16 global preset slots. MIDI channels can be
individually assigned for each sequencer, but
not for individual sequences, which would have
been a nice touch, allowing live performers to
instantly access other devices/instruments,
simply by changing sequence.
One particularly cool feature is the
Randomiser, which uses Randomness and
Probability controls to ire of random notes, the
former determining how far from your
programmed notes to stray, the latter deining
how often that straying happens. It’s a fantastic
addition, particularly with a user-deined scale
or drum kit, and especially when used in a live
setting (see All a question of performance).
What a DIN
Perhaps the most obvious targets for BeatStep
Pro’s sequencers are hardware synths and
samplers, but we had just as much fun
94 / COMPUTER MUSIC / Autumn 2015
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