The original Keystep 37 is probably my most used MIDI controller, and now the new MK2 is here.
In this video, I go over its many new features compared to the original Keystep 37, and to the recently announced Keystep 32 MK2.
In a nutshell, control-wise, the KeyStep 37 MK2 is very similar to the KeyStep MK2, except for the section with the 4 additional encoders and two new buttons – and indeed it generally works the same way, except for new features unlocked with the new encoders, far beyond simple CC controls
Then, compared to the original KeyStep 37, the MK2 has all the innovations the KeyStep MK2 introduced, including the ability to generate new arp patterns using mutate and spice and save them to the sequencer if you came up with an interesting arp pattern you like, and vice versa, if you came up with an interesting sequence, whether on your own or using the generative mutation tools, you could use it as a source for an arpeggiator pattern, and swap out its notes in real time.
The KeyStep 37 MK2 also improves on the generative mutation features of the KeyStep 32 MK2 by adding control over new parameters via the encoders and a new randomization option for the sequencer.
Also new compared to the 37 is the small but very useful screen, compared to only a 3-digit display on the original Keystep 37, unlocking more features and effectively meaning you no longer need to use software to configure various settings. All the details in the video below:
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
2:30 vs 32 MK2
2:50 Encoders
3:35 CC controls
4:25 Param controls
4:45 Ratchets & rand
5:30 Arp controls
6:10 Chord controls
7:00 Seq controls
7:40 Menu controls
8:00 Mutate news
9:15 Key LEDs
9:50 I/O
10:40 CV LFO & env
12:05 Build & keys
12:50 Arps 1-6
13:30 Arps 7-15
15:00 Seq to arp
16:30 Arp to seq
16:50 Step seq
17:35 Live rec
18:15 Automation
18:45 Transpose seq
19:20 Chains
19:55 Spice
20:40 Scales
22:30 Chord fun
24:25 The editor
24:45 Pros & cons