Arturia’s KeyStep 37 MKII addresses the primary challenge of iPad music production: the lack of physical controls. While the iPad itself provides a powerful processing platform, finger-dragging on glass for note entry and parameter adjustment, while better than clicking the mouse, can still breaks creative flow. This 37-key controller bridges that gap with USB-C class-compliant connectivity, meaning it connects directly to any modern iPad Pro or iPad Air without drivers or external power—the bus power from the iPad keeps it running during extended portable sessions. The expanded 37-note range compared to the original 32-key model provides enough octaves for basslines and melodies simultaneously, essential for live looping in apps like Loopy Pro or AUM.
The four front-panel encoders transform how users interact with iPad synthesizers and effects. In Logic Pro for iPad or Cubasis, these can map directly to parameters like filter cutoff, resonance, envelope settings, or effect sends, providing immediate tactile control that feels like hardware. The OLED display shows parameter names and values, removing the guesswork of which control does what. For producers using iPad synths like Super J8 or Microwave, this physical interaction makes sound design intuitive rather than menu-diving on a touchscreen. The capacitive pitch and modulation strips offer expressive control missing from most compact controllers, ideal for lead lines in iPhone beat making sessions where screen real estate is limited.
Beyond basic control, the KeyStep 37 MKII functions as a standalone sequencer for the iPad setup. Users can program polyphonic sequences directly on the hardware, then trigger them to control multiple iPad synthesizers simultaneously via its eight-voice polyphony. The new generative tools—Mutate, Spice, and Dice—introduce controlled randomness to sequences, creating variations that can be recorded back into the iPad DAW for arrangement ideas. This turns the controller into a creative partner rather than just an input device, particularly valuable during travel or coffee shop sessions where deep screen focus isn’t practical. The built-in arpeggiator with 16 modes syncs perfectly to the iPad’s clock via USB MIDI.
For those integrating iPad with modular or other analog synth, KeyStep can act as a MIDI to CV interface, bridging the gap between software convenience and hardware flexibility. The four CV outputs (Pitch, Gate, Mod 1, and Mod 2) provide comprehensive connectivity for modular systems, making it perfect for bridging the gap between miRack or Audulus 4 and the hardware modular setup.
Some practical considerations for iPad users: while the KeyStep connects via USB-C, older iPads with Lightning connectors require Apple’s Camera Connection Kit. The unit is completely bus-powered, so no wall warts are needed—just one cable between iPad and controller. The compact size (approximately 50cm / 18 inches wide) fits easily in laptop bags alongside the iPad. However, the slimkey action, while playable, lacks the weighted feel of larger studio controllers. For the mobile producer prioritizing portability over piano feel, these tradeoffs are acceptable given the feature density.
- iPad-Ready Connectivity: USB-C class-compliant, bus-powered—one cable operation with modern iPads
- Tactile Control Surface: 4 assignable encoders with OLED display for direct parameter manipulation in AUM, Cubasis, or GarageBand
- Expressive Performance: 37 velocity-sensitive Slimkeys with aftertouch, capacitive pitch/mod strips
- Creative Tools: Polyphonic step sequencer (8-voice), 16-mode arpeggiator, Mutate generative functions for on-the-go idea generation
- Compact Footprint: 18-inch width fits in laptop bags, ideal for travel and mobile studios
Price: $199.00
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