In the wide world of modular synthesizers it can be daunting deciding where to start, and scrounging up the funds to take the plunge can pose an obstacle to many. The only thing you can’t do (which you can on the MicroFreak) is capture the result to a slot in the Sequencer.

But more than that it’s an inspiring musical companion and idea generator for any synth, sequencing workstation or DAW. Honestly I didn't really dig in to the sequencer and arpeggiator a lot as I bought this mostly for playing the keys, but from what I have explored they work perfectly well and the sequencer seems excellent. The sequencer primarily uses step‑entry mode, although there is a live record/replace mode which quantises to the nearest step. The 37 can do this and a lot more besides, being able to auto‑generate chords of various types, choose the number of notes, and transpose in key within a selected scale. If you’re looking a MIDI Controller that is easy to use, robust and seamlessly integrates with your studio setup via USB or sync with your external hardware via MIDI/CV, the KeyStep Range is for you.As far as I can see there are very few compact, three octave MIDI controllers around, and most smaller controllers have those silly tiny keys whereas this has somewhere a little larger which makes playing much nicer. Every aspect of KeyStep 37 enables you to truly savor the creative process, turning every improvised note or idea into a happy accident. Keys are a bit narrow and feel a little plasticky but otherwise the build quality is absolutely excellent. As with that controller, the KeyStep 37 features an eight-mode arp and a polyphonic sequencer with an eight-slot pattern memory. As with other ‘Step controllers, digital compatibility works smoothly, and Arturia’s MIDI Control Centre allows for extra customisation and flexibility.

Handily, the control software can be relied on to back-up and edit sequence patterns in a simple and familiar piano roll form. Andertons Music Company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm registration number 716155. Outside of our operating hours licences will take longer but will be delivered as soon as possible on the next business day. The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. These are Chord Strum, which will space notes in a chord out to emulate a guitar-like picking, and Velocity to Notes, which allows users to adjust the velocity for individual notes in a chord.You'll be using these tools, as well as an impressive responsiveness and streamlined workflow to craft your own signature sonics in no time at all!