Description
SynthForSale proudly features Arturia, a name synonymous with quality. The Arturia KeyStep mk2 stands out as a refined and capable piece of gear, designed to inspire.
The KeyStep mk2 is a versatile and portable sequencer and controller designed to inspire creativity in every environment. Combining expressive playability with powerful sequencing capabilities, it caters to both studio and live performance workflows. Its 32‑note velocity‑sensitive Slimkey keyboard with aftertouch ensures expressive control, while pitch and modulation touch strips provide dynamic real-time shaping. With built-in chord and scale modes, generating musical ideas becomes effortless. Compared to the original KeyStep, the mk2 introduces a full OLED display, additional generative tools, pattern chaining, and USB‑C connectivity, providing a more immersive and flexible workflow for both live and studio settings. The polyphonic step sequencer and 16-mode arpeggiator allow for complex compositions on the fly, while performance tools such as mutate, spice, dice, and tie/rest steps encourage spontaneous creativity. Slim, rugged, and travel-ready, it offers studio-grade features without the bulk, making it a compelling upgrade for musicians who want deeper sequencing and expressive control.
Key Features
- Expressive Keyboard:
The 32‑note Slimkey keyboard with velocity and aftertouch provides nuanced control. Unlike the original KeyStep, the mk2 allows more dynamic expression with touch strips and aftertouch mapping. - Advanced Sequencing:
Polyphonic step sequencer, 16‑mode arpeggiator, and generative performance tools enable complex compositions. The original KeyStep lacked pattern chaining, mutate, and spice/dice functions. - Comprehensive Connectivity:
Includes USB‑C, MIDI DIN In/Out, CV/Gate outputs, Sync I/O, and a pedal input. Compared to KeyStep 1, USB‑C and assignable CV outputs make integration with modern setups easier and more reliable.
Playability and Performance:
The KeyStep mk2 provides hands-on control with chord and scale modes, one-touch chord triggering, and intuitive pitch/mod strips. Performance tools like mutate, spice, and dice allow live reshaping of sequences, giving far more flexibility than the original KeyStep, which offered only basic sequencing and no generative options. This makes improvisation, live jams, and studio experimentation smoother and faster.
Creative Sequencing:
The mk2 is a generative composition powerhouse. Its polyphonic step sequencer supports up to eight voices per step, while nine generative pattern styles and 16 arpeggiator modes expand creative possibilities. Pattern chaining allows full-track creation on the fly. By contrast, the original KeyStep had fewer arpeggiator modes, limited pattern memory, and no advanced generative tools, making the mk2 ideal for musicians who want evolving, complex sequences without extra hardware or software.
Compact Design and Connectivity:
Small and travel-ready, the mk2 delivers studio-grade features in a rugged form. USB‑C ensures fast power and DAW sync, while full-size MIDI DIN, Sync I/O, and assignable CV/Gate outputs offer broad hardware compatibility. The original KeyStep lacked USB‑C, had fewer performance tools, and no OLED display, making setup and integration less flexible. The mk2 closes these gaps while remaining equally compact and portable.
Specifications
- 32‑note Slimkey keyboard with velocity and aftertouch
- Polyphonic step sequencer with up to 8 voices per step
- 16‑mode arpeggiator
- Chord and scale modes
- Pitch and modulation touch strips
- Assignable CV/Gate outputs: Pitch, Gate, Mod 1, Mod 2
- USB‑C connection for power and DAW sync
- Full-size MIDI DIN In/Out
- Sync In/Out
- Pedal input
- OLED display with push encoder and Back button
