ROAD TEST
Arturia BeatStep Pro Controller & Sequencer
By Paul Lau
After reviewing Arturia ’ s BeatStep last year , I was so excited to try out this new incarnation , the BeatStep Pro . For those new to controllers , this is a device that can trigger and program performances with musical software and hardware devices like keyboards or sound modules .
Upon initial inspection , the BeatStep Pro – which has a slightly larger profile than the initial version – feels very sturdy and the continuous knobs and pads are solid . The layout is intuitive and easy to figure out at a glance . The easiest way to use this controller and to start assigning the pads and knobs is to download the MIDI Control Centre software and the latest firmware .
So what makes this super-efficient , compact unit so cool ? I ’ m going to break it down into two parts : the control software and the unit itself .
Software Let ’ s start with how the software is laid out so we can see why this is a very logical and powerful “ brain ” of a controller device . There are five sections dividing the overview and use of the software : Project , Sequencer 1 , Sequencer 2 , Drum , and ControllerMap .
Project is the starting point and cataloging of your session . Here , you can save and recall your work ( up to 16 Projects ) as well as set your tempo , plus the amount of “ swing ,” “ randomness ,” and “ probability .” Next , there is not one but two independent sequencers with 16 tracks each . Here , you can also manually plot your notes and performance by mouse , especially for those that feel like they may be harder to play and instead prefer the graphical visual representation .
With each track at this stage , you also have individual independent control over the swing , random , and probability values . Other controllable features include : different sequencer lengths , time division , on-off triplet noting , and transposing . What I thought was really cool was the Playback direction of each track – you have Play Forward , Play Backward , or Play Back & Forth . The Drum Sequencer section also has the same programming versatility as the other two independent sequencers , this section laid all out with 16 pads with 16 tracks .
I think you ’ re getting the picture that the creative variations here are virtually limitless ! The ControllerMap section is very easy to use and is essentially a visual representation of the BeatStep Pro , in which the StepPads , Pads ,
and Knobs are assignable and programmable , i . e . MIDI ports , MIDI channel , Mode , MIDI CC , Play Mode , and On / Off Values .
Hardware Now , moving on to the hardware unit , there are 16 touch-sensitive pads , 16 step sequencer pads , and 16 continuous knobs . Additionally , there are three continuous knobs for swing , randomness , and probability , a tap pad , and a transport to control any type of recording software you may be using . There are also four sections on the unit to quickly activate and access the Project , two Sequencer , and Drum Sequencer sections .
Now , the heart of the unit and what makes it so unique and powerful is the number of built-in hardware connections . On the back of the unit , let ’ s start with MIDI in and out , clock in and out , eight individual drum gate triggers , and two independent Sequencer CVs , which control pitch , velocity , and gate .
Now with all of that said , how do we make use of it all ? As I said earlier , as far as software , whether you ’ re using the Arturia software or your own , like Ableton , Logic , FL Studio , etc ., the USB connection will allow you to connect with the library of instruments within your software and play and record your performances , which is limited only by the processing power of your computer . The key is connecting a number of external hardware sound generators through these connectors and creating independent sequences .
Where the magic lies is in the ability to have all these devices , after being programmed , all play in sync ! And while they are playing , you can also manipulate any of the sounds and any editable parameters via the BeatStep Pro ! It ’ s like having the best of both worlds at the same time .
The BeatStep Pro allows you to easily create on the fly and deliver performances that could be very spontaneous and inspirational . Especially in live applications , the BeatStep Pro delivers . This is one of the best compact controllers I ’ ve ever used ; it ’ s like a Swiss army knife in the world of multi-use controllers and sequencers . This is a great tool for a variety of music makers . Check it out . You won ’ t be disappointed !
Paul Lau B . Sc . Musician / Producer / Film Composer MIDI / Digital Audio Specialist ( www . docaudiotechs . com ) Managing Director of PowerMusic5Records ( www . powermusic5 . com ) Member of the Cool Christian Pop Band Scatter17 ( www . scatter17 . com )
22 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN