Arturia Keystep VS. Native Instruments M32

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Special Thanks to 🤘
Paul Duran

[StephanieSante]

I own both. Agree with you in most points. However, the real shortcoming of the M32 is the ultra small window and KK still not being resizeable after all these years (very limited sizing) including many of the KK plugin windows. I would also add the unit is so light that when you use the 4 way encoder the unit can move quite abit since there is little weight to hold it down. Keys are definitely better than Keystep. But Keystep does have alot of features if you require those features and they work quite well. It also has enough weight that it does not slide around.

BTW: The M32 is not completely integrated with Maschine. I have that as well and a Maschine MK3 and all up to date. For instance if you are using Machine standalone and have say the Scale Mode set to Am, and then play the line on the M32 it will not be in Am. For Maschine to record the features like Scale, Arp, Chord, etc. you must choose that on the M32 and then play that into the Maschine Software. Again the little window is not very helpful and although the knobs are touch capacitive you still have only one small view port. I have owned a KK S48 MK2 and that was awesome. If I had room in my studio I would gladly buy that again. That has the best key and the functionality vs features actually are quite optimal.

[Kricen]

I got them both as well. M32 for computer and Keystep for hardware synths. I like that they are not too mini, still quite playable and great for small space.

[grooverkitty]

I love my keylab! (*keystep!!)

It’s really convenient; I keep it nearby at all times to connect to my Blofeld, and maybe to my OP-Z, and to my PC to control Renoise. It always changes its job! I got mine specifically for the big MIDI sockets.

I don’t use the arp or the sequencer much (ever) either lol

[jacksonsmith]

You can still connect the m32 to a hardware synth through a DAW. I find that preferable cause you can easily edit the midi.

[Worldwave]

Keystep & Beatstep are my lil babies <3 I have a beatstep and a Hermod+ROLI blocks which I use for my synth :)

[AliHammoud]

I've been desperately looking for a comparison between these two controllers, thanks! ❤️ ☺️...In this I'm going for the Keystep 😬

[marxxell]

Appreciated this review and really think the community needs opinions like this to help steer good choices. Wondering if you consider the Keystep’s after touch a useful feature. I think things like that have made it a quality hands down purchase for synth workers like myself.

[icespa]

Thank you for the straight dope on key quality and expression. I now know that NI M32 keys are awesome !!!

[quantumnexus]

I have a keystep and more often than not, I use it as a small midi controller that easily fits on my PC desk to mess with synth sounds on my VSTs. When I find something I like, I can turn around and play on my bigger controller. But still, I kind of want the M32 since it has those 8 knobs. BTW, I think there's some cool sequencing that you can do with the Keystep, but I honestly don't use it near as much as I thought I would. Edit: Also, I'm pretty impressed with the Keystep for the low cost. You could just jam along with a little sequence and even if that was your only keyboard, you could have some fun.

[javymontoya]

"I would rather have some nice playing keys, than all these extra features that I'm not going to use" ... Sold! Thanks for this comparison

[AtomkeySinclair]

Great review! Thanks for the time you took...

[JohnNoirSmith]

I was so sure before this video that I would go for the Komplete, as it is a LOT lighter (though it is larger) than the Keystep, but I DO have an OP-Z which I intend to use more, and I think your video just might have convinced me I should go for the Keystep instead. So thank you! 😊

[BrienTodio]

Which is larger in size out of the two? The m32 or Keystep?

[AdamTheAd-vancd]

Yep Keystep is, was and will be for me . Just bought one .( Damn i saw dinosaurs going past my window. )
My only gripe is i have big hands and find the pitch interface a little odd for my playing style. Still can't really knock it for the price.
Nice little turbo review Jade 👍

[JDStoneCreations]

I'm definitely going to end up with a keystep because it looks much easier to program and arpeggiate/sequence my hardware synths than it would be to actually learn how to use the onboard arpeggiators/sequencers each keyboard has 😂

[salut]

Do you think m32 has a better keybed than Keystep 37 ?

[animaegray]

It's really weird that there aren't a lot of options for controllers and synths in 3-ish octave range. For some reason it's either 25 keys, or 49, or 61. And yet ~3 octaves is the best compromise between size and range, especially for a controller that's going to sit on your desk next to the keyboard and mouse.

I'm currently looking for either a synth or a controller specifically in the ~3 octave range, controller-wise it seems the only good options with decent keys are M32 and Keystep, both of which are 32 keys instead of the full 37, Keystep has no encoders, M32 only has USB. With synths, it seems like Reface DX is a great fit, but then it has no mod wheel, in-the-box it stores 32 presets only, and like the Keystep, no encoders. Kinda pricey too. The only other good synth option that I've found is the Ultranova, it has full sized 3 octaves Fatar keybed, its VA engine seems super versatile, but it's quite bulky and programming it seems to involve a lot of menu diving.

[ArsiekDHOL]

Hey JAde Wii thanks for the video :) !! I don't know if you already did a video about the connections that you have on the keystep (and other controller), but what does the CV out, gate, MOD, pitch and sustain all do? (kind off new in all these music soft/hardware stuff :p )

[RogerRogerwrjh]

hello i really like your skills and i am asking several different mother 32 users if they would please do a weekly thing where people like me( beginners) could ask you how to make the sounds of their favorite bands, players sounds on the 32 like for instance but not limited to the cars "just what i needed" I think it would be a cool segment plus help teach us new players. It would be greatly appreciated and i think it would get you massive views

[amira]

Doesn’t the m32 also feature an arpeggiator?