It’s a good choice: the notch is sufficient to identify semitone advances yet smooth enough not to hamper those innocent spinning pleasures. I especially like the random function, which can breathe new life into a set of sequenced notes by altering direction, volume, and duration. Instead of looping it repeats the events assigned to pads held down, but is clever enough not to repeatedly send MIDI program changes, if you defined that particular MIDI event. Either Record in real time using the velocity sensitive pads, or get the classic drum machine vibe using the step buttons.

The knobs are designed for the onboard sequencing of the unit, and don't work well when MIDI controlling other parameters. Also, the unit weighs much more than you'd expect from looking at it, which gives an impression of solidity and says this is pro gear, not some kind of disposable piece of plastic destined for landfill in a few years. The system also lets you choose from a range of scales or, via the accompanying software editor, define your own, consisting of as many or as few notes as you like.

And the color of the backlit Step buttons will always match the current sequencer, so you’ll always know which sequence is being edited.

Superficially resembling a typical drum pad–based controller for software synths and DAWs, the BSP is a slimline tablet of metal and off–white plastic. It's by no means an essential purchase, but if you want an exciting and inspirational new way to play, program and perform music, we wholeheartedly recommend you take it for a spin. So Arturia has taken their original concept, listened to their users, innovated wildly, and created a live sequencing product that integrates beautifully with almost any rig. It seems that a couple of years ago (2017 I think), a new firmware update came out which needed to solve all these problems. You can therefore use the roller functionality to accompany running patterns, manually firing off notes or samples on gear that isn’t being explicitly sequenced.With 16 slots for projects, which comprise 16 sequences each for both melodic sequencers and the drum sequencer, you can compose an entire setlist worth of material using a single BeatStep Pro.

Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. Well to be honest either I am thick as shit and cant figure this out or it isn’t possible for the most part. The melodic sequencers offer up to 64 steps per sequence, 16 sequences per project and 16 projects, making them the most impressive step sequencers ever made. All three are programmed with 16 velocity-sensitive pads (with aftertouch), 16 step buttons and 16 rotary knobs.It’s thanks to this extensive connectivity that the Beatstep Pro is able to span generations of gear, sequencing CV or MIDI, in the box or out. You will hear a constant drone coming out of your modular, and it puts out a constant voltage that transposes your notes too heh. As you enter notes, the X0X-style buttons light up to reflect your sequence, which is a lovely touch.

Other gear that has less extensive options may require more elaborate methods- for example, an iPad app that can handle the remapping and rechanneling. BeatStep Pro features three independent step sequencers and a set of general purpose MIDI controllers.You can also instantly change the last step of a sequence, allowing you to quickly shift from a half-bar loop to a full measure, or to create interesting polyrhythms with more exotic sequence lengths.