Arturia KeySTEP 37 Mk2 – Plus comparison to Mk1
The Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk2 has officially arrived, solidifying its place as the “Swiss Army Knife” of the MIDI controller world. Building on the massive success of the original KeyStep 37, this Mk2 iteration introduces professional-grade features previously reserved for the flagship KeyStep Pro, all while maintaining its portable, backpack-friendly footprint.
Overview: A Modern Nerve-Center
The KeyStep 37 Mk2 is designed to be the bridge between your digital and analog worlds. Whether you are controlling a DAW like Ableton Live, sequencing a vintage hardware synth via MIDI, or patching into a Eurorack modular system, this controller handles it all with ease.
The most striking upgrade is the inclusion of a high-contrast OLED display and four context-sensitive encoders. This duo removes the guesswork of the previous generation, allowing you to edit sequences, chords, and scales directly on the hardware without ever needing to open a computer application.
Key Features
- 37-Note Slimkey Keyboard: Velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch provide expressive playability that punches above its weight class.
- Generative Tools (Mutate, Spice & Dice): Borrowed from the MicroFreak, these tools allow you to instantly transform sequences and arpeggios into new musical ideas with a single button press.
- Advanced Sequencer & Arpeggiator: An 8-voice polyphonic sequencer (64 steps) with pattern chaining, and a new 16-mode arpeggiator featuring “Phrase Arp” for complex melodic textures.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Now featuring USB-C, a dedicated power switch, and a second assignable CV Mod output (Mod 1 and Mod 2), giving modular users four total CV outputs (Pitch, Gate, Mod 1, Mod 2).
- Visual Feedback: Individual RGB LEDs above every key show sequence progress, scale notes, and chord positions in real-time.
It’s easy to get lost in Arturia’s current lineup, especially with the “Mk2” badge now appearing across multiple sizes. The jump from the original KeyStep 37 to the Mk2 is significant, but the distinction between the KeyStep 37 Mk2 and the smaller KeyStep Mk2 (the 32-key version) is equally important for your studio workflow.
Here is the breakdown of how these three controllers compare:
Comparison Table: KeyStep Evolution
| Feature | KeyStep 37 Mk1 | KeyStep 37 Mk2 | KeyStep Mk2 (32-key) |
| Key Count | 37 Slimkeys | 37 Slimkeys | 32 Slimkeys |
| Aftertouch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display | None (LED Segment) | High-Res OLED | High-Res OLED |
| Encoders | 4 standard knobs | 4 Contextual Encoders | 1 Main Encoder |
| Connectivity | Micro-USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| CV Mod Outputs | 1 (Mod) | 2 (Mod 1 & Mod 2) | 1 (Mod) |
| Generative Tools | None | Spice, Dice & Mutate | Spice, Dice & Mutate |
| Arpeggiator | 8 Modes | 16 Modes (Phrase Arp) | 16 Modes (Phrase Arp) |
| Visual Feedback | LEDs above keys | RGB LEDs above keys | RGB LEDs above keys |
| Scale Mode | Limited (via shift) | Expanded + On-screen | Expanded + On-screen |
| Power Switch | No | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- KeyStep 37 Mk1 vs. Mk2: The biggest upgrade is the OLED screen and the Generative Tools. On the Mk1, you were essentially “flying blind” when adjusting parameters. The Mk2 brings the “Spice and Dice” features from the MicroFreak/KeyStep Pro, allowing for much more creative, happy accidents during sequencing.
- KeyStep 37 Mk2 vs. KeyStep Mk2 (32): While they share the new OLED screen and USB-C tech, the 37 Mk2 is the superior studio centerpiece. It gives you those four dedicated encoders for real-time MIDI CC control (perfect for tweaking VSTs) and an extra CV Mod output, which is a game-changer for complex modular rigs.
- Connectivity: Both Mk2 models have finally moved to USB-C and added a physical power switch—a small but very welcome “quality of life” improvement for those tired of unplugging cables to turn gear off.
Get the Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk2 at Thomann > You can purchase the new KeyStep 37 Mk2 directly from Thomann, one of the world’s leading music retailers.
👉 Click here to Buy (Affiliate Link) (costs no more – supports Synth Geekery)
Pricing & Availability
The KeyStep 37 Mk2 is positioned as a high-value mid-tier controller. Below are the approximate retail prices:
| Currency | Estimated Retail Price |
| USD | $229.00 |
| EURO | €229.00 |
| UK (GBP) | £189.00 |
| AUD | $349.00 |
Summary Table
| Feature | Specifications |
| Keybed | 37 Slimkeys with Velocity & Aftertouch |
| Sequencer | 64-step, 8-voice polyphonic, 64 pattern slots |
| Arpeggiator | 16 modes (including Phrase Arp & Generative) |
| I/O | MIDI In/Out (5-pin), Sync In/Out, Sustain/Expression |
| CV Outputs | 4 x 3.5mm (Pitch, Gate, Mod 1, Mod 2) |
| Digital Connection | USB-C (Bus powered or DC) |
| Weight | 1.09 kg (2.4 lbs) |
| Software Bundle | Analog Lab Intro, Ableton Live Lite |
Get one here: https://clickfi.re/DSCBiVYp
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