ARTURIA BEATSTEP

[Broadwave]

Hmmm… There ARE a few issues. The overall CV output is too high by 2V. I'm having to transpose everything down 2 octaves via my modulars CV mixer.

The gate output is also too low, and that has to be amplified to trigger the 2600 (strange… they don't seem to have to do that on their demo vid!)

I've voided the warrantee by taking the back off and readjusting the scale trimmer. Luckily there is one, but at least it now outputs the correct 1V/Oct and I don't have to recalibrate my VCOs.

Apart from that, it's quite good.

[Kevin Nolan]

Can you save / back up sequences to computer? and - can sequencer notes be transmitted by MIDI to be recorded by a DAW?


@Bertotti: How do you find the QuNexus and what do you use it for? I'm very interested in it for it's polyphonic aftertouch and intend buying one ( in the next week or two). Would appreciated your thoughts on it.

[Bertotti]

In a nutshell I do like it. I use it for pads and and synths when I am on the road, very durable toss it in a bag and use it with my iPhone or iPad or computer. Pads on the Kronos. I intend to use it for Karma as well. I do not use it for anything needing good velocity. It can be calibrated but never the less it is drum pads in a keyboard layout the sensitivity for me isn't there. I like the after touch and poly phonic after touch, which has potential and I really like. I also like the way you can tilt the pad for more control. Back to velocity, forget using it for pianos. I returned one and got a second which calibrated much closer for sythns it is the bee's knee's! Organs even better, tie a modulation into the after touch or tilt and it is even more fun! I even like the little bend button but it not liked by many it really does take a special touch to work well but it isn't a very fine control. I would buy it again or the QuNeo. I haven't had a chance to try one. QuNexus will also do cv but you will need to construct a simple circuit, if I remember correctly, I did not get into cv as I have nothing that has cv.

[Broadwave]

Can you save / back up sequences to computer? and - can sequencer notes be transmitted by MIDI to be recorded by a DAW?

Hi Kevin, Yes there's an app you can download from Arturia - MIDI Control Centre.

It syncs with the Beatstep and saves/transmits all data. You'll definitely need the software to program CC/NRPN commands to the encoders and pads when using it as a standard MIDI controller.

You can also create sequences with it and access parameters that are not available on the Beatstep itself (sequence gate length, legato etc.)

BTW, I mentioned in an earlier post that there was only 4 memory locations… It's actually 16.

[Bertotti]

I am curious how good the velocity sensitivity is on this Beatstep? Like above the velocity on the QuNexus drives me nuts. Everything else I love. I will say keep in mind pads react like pads you want keys buy real keys.

[RKfan]

If it's anything like the Spark/ SparkLE the velocity sensitivity should be pretty good (for pads).

[RKfan]

Arturia have just released Spark 2 - got free upgrade since I bought a Spark LE at Christmas. This is a real improvement on the GUI and includes a modular synth too.

Just started playing with it but so far its looking really good!