NAMM 2014: BeatStep Sequencer/Controller by Arturia

Arturia announced at NAMM 2014 the BeatStep, a complex and versatile portable pad controller and step sequencer.

Press Release:

Arturia’s BeatStep offers a new degree of functionality and performance for a portable pad controller.

BeatStep is highly versatile, capable of triggering clips in such applications as Ableton Live, it also allows you to play drums in conjunction with such applications as BFD or EZDrummer.

BeatStep is also a 16-step analog sequencer for creating all kinds of musical phrases to be sent to analog synthesizers, MIDI drum machines, MIDI keyboard devices, or computer programs. Its vast connectivity allows you to interface BeatStep with a computer or iPAD using USB, a drum module using MIDI or an analog synthesizer equipped with CV/GATE.

Main Features :

• MIDI controller Mode – RED LED MODE
• Step Sequencer mode – BLUE LED MODE
• 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads
• 16 encoders
• 16 MIDI Controller presets
• 16 Sequence presets
• Works with MIDI Control Center Editor
• Internal and External clocking
• CV outputs
• USB I/O
• MIDI output
• iPAD compatibility (using camera connection kit)
• Transports can send MIDI CC or MMC
• Kensington Lock
• Standalone MIDI or CV operation when powered via standard USB power adaptor
• USB Class compliant (no drivers)

The Arturia Beatstep is expected to ship at the end of March 2014, priced at US $129 / EURO 99.