Test: KeyStep Pro Chroma

There is now hardly any studio that doesn‘t have at least one KeyStep in it, because Arturia‘s small keyboards with built-in sequencer and CV/gate connection for Eurorack & the like are simply too practical. However, the Pro version hasn‘t really caught on yet, so will the Chroma model and new firmware 2.5 do the trick?

The KeyStep Pro is basically an extended BeatStep Pro with keyboard. The keyboard will be familiar from the smaller KeySteps. The 37 slim keys offer good playing feel; velocity and aftertouch are implemented cleanly. LEDs above each key provide visual feedback. There are two touch strips for modulation and pitch bending. There are 5 controls that are used to set the Pitch, Velocity, Length, Timing and Playback Probability of the individual steps. In Control Mode, the knobs send selectable MIDI CC to control the parameters of a plug-in in a DAW or a hardware synthesizer.

Four tracks

Each track comprises up to 64 steps and can be used as a monophonic or up to a 16-note polyphonic sequencer for melodies. You can record in real-time or in Step Mode. Track 1 can also be used as a drum sequencer with up to 24 tracks in selectable lengths. Tracks 2-4 work alternatively as an Arpeggiator, whereby arpeggios and chords can also be recorded and further processed as a sequence.

A two-digit display for each track provides information about the current step, while the OLED display can be used to read the set values and to make further settings adjustments. For the analog and modular faction, the KeyStep Pro offers USB and MIDI inputs/outputs, as well as individual CV outputs for Pitch, Gate and Modulation/Velocity for each track. The four „voices“can even be switched together to polyphonically control your Eurorack. There are also eight trigger outputs that can be assigned to individual tracks of the drum sequencer, as well as Clock IN/OUT including a Reset Output.

With the new firmware update to 2.5, the KeyStep Pro reinforces its position as the center of a DAW-free setup: Each pattern of each track can now send individual ProgramChange commands and, therefore, switch the sounds of the connected sound generators. This allows for more complex arrangements because the four tracks are no longer limited to one sound each and you still have both hands free to jam and don‘t have to switch anything.

Fixed Velocity ensures that an adjustable fixed value for the velocity is recorded during live recording via the keyboard or step input in order to have a constant basis for later changes with the velocity control. Unfortunately, its counterpart, the recording of the varying velocity played, only works for live recording and not for step input.

A practical feature for live jamming is Transpose-Latch, which, once activated, allows you to change the pitch of the sequences via the keyboard without having to keep the Transpose button pressed as before. However, even with FW 2.5, there are still a few minor bugs and feature requests we have for the next update.

Chroma with Track Colors

The Limited Edition Chroma model, which we had here for testing, basically has the same functionality as the previous KeyStep Pro and is delivered directly with the FW 2.5 version. However, Arturia has made visual improvements to the Chroma. The futuristic dark design in contrast to the bright blue LEDs makes it easier to read. There are also individual track colors to visually differentiate between the four tracks. This makes operation much clearer and reduces operating errors, as all illuminated buttons follow the track color. And the pots also feel easier to grip than on its predecessor.

Verdict

The KeyStep Pro Chroma offers a compact 4-track sequencer with numerous extras and can manage complete live performances on its own as a self-contained control center. The easy-to-connect keyboard shows its strengths, above all, when combined with Eurorack modules and other analog synthesizers. The new ProgramChange function also improves the integration of digital sound generators.

The new Chroma model not only looks more stylish, but also makes it easier to operate in difficult lighting conditions, for example, on stage. ⸬