Arturia Beatstep User Manual
UUSSEERR’’SS MMAANNUUAALL
PROGRAMMING:
Mark Xiaomai
Robert Bocquier
INDUSTRIALIZATION:
Nicolas Dubois
MANUAL:
Robert Bocquier
Glen Darcey
Tomoya Fukushi
Randy Lee
Jérôme Parrod
DESIGN:
Glen Darcey
Axel Hartmann
Morgan Perrier
© ARTURIA SA – 2013-2014 – All rights reserved.
30, Chemin du Vieux Chêne
38240 Meylan
FRANCE
http://www.arturia.com
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment
on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is provided under the terms of a license
agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for
its lawful use. No part of this manual may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other
than purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.
All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
2 ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL
TThhaannkk yyoouu ffoorr ppuurrcchhaassiinngg tthhee AArrttuurriiaa BBeeaattSStteepp!!
This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s BeatStep, a full-featured
pad/knob controller and analog-style step sequencer.
In this package you will find:
One BeatStep controller
One USB cable
One MIDI adapter cable
The Quick Start Guide for BeatStep. This document has a sticker on the inside of
its front cover providing the serial number and registration code you will need in
order to register your BeatStep.
Be sure to store your registration information carefully! It contains the serial
number that is required during the online registration process. Registering your
BeatStep provides the following benefits:
• It enables you to download the BeatStep user manual and the MIDI Control
Center software
• It allows you to receive special offers restricted to BeatStep owners.
ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL 3
SSppeecciiaall MMeessssaaggee SSeeccttiioonn
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing.
However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without
notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.
IMPORTANT:
The product and its software, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones
or speakers, may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing
loss. DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is
uncomfortable.
If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an
audiologist.
NOTICE:
Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or feature
works (when the product is operating as designed) are not covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this
manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.
PRECAUTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
1. Read and understand all the instructions.
2. Always follow the instructions on the instrument.
3. Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the USB cable. When cleaning,
use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any
other organic solutions; do not use a liquid cleaner, spray or cloth that's too wet.
4. Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink,
swimming pool or similar place.
5. Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally
fall over.
6. Do not place heavy objects on the instrument. Do not block openings or vents of
the instrument; these locations are used for air circulation to prevent the
instrument from overheating. Do not place the instrument near a heat vent or
any place of poor air circulation.
7. Do not open and insert anything into the instrument that may cause a fire or
electrical shock.
8. Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the instrument.
9. Always take the instrument to a qualified service center. You will invalidate your
warranty if you open and remove the cover, and improper assembly may cause
electrical shock or other malfunctions.
10. Do not use the instrument with thunder and lightning present; otherwise it may
cause long distance electrical shock.
11. Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.
12. Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.
13. Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper
operation of the instrument.
4 ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL
TTaabbllee ooff CCoonntteennttss
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 7
2 BEATSTEP OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 F
2.2 F
2.3 S
2.4 R
3 BASIC BEATSTEP OPERATIONS ......................................................................................................... 13
3.1 T
3.2 R
3.3 S
3.4 C
IRST STEP: MAKING THE CONNECTIONS
2.1.1 Using BeatStep with a Computer .................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Using BeatStep with MIDI and/or CV/GATE products .................................................................. 8
2.1.3 Using BeatStep with an iPad® ........................................................................................................ 9
RONT PANEL OVERVIEW
2.2.1 Level/Rate/Transpose encoder ...................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Encoders ....................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 Pads .............................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.4 Transport Controls ....................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.5 Mode buttons ................................................................................................................................ 11
2.2.6 RECALL/STORE buttons .............................................................................................................. 11
2.2.7 SHIFT button ................................................................................................................................ 11
2.2.8 CHAN button (Global MIDI Channel) ......................................................................................... 11
IDE PANEL OVERVIEW
2.3.1 Gate/CV outputs ............................................................................................................................ 12
2.3.2 MIDI connection ........................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.3 USB/DC IN ................................................................................................................................... 12
EAR PANEL OVERVIEW
HE DEFAULT PRESET
ECALLING A PRESET OR SEQUENCE
TORING A PRESET OR SEQUENCE
HANGING THE GLOBAL
...................................................................................................................... 10
.......................................................................................................................... 12
........................................................................................................................ 12
........................................................................................................................... 13
MIDI C
................................................................................................. 8
..................................................................................................... 14
......................................................................................................... 14
HANNEL
............................................................................................. 15
4 MIDI CONTROL CENTER ...................................................................................................................... 16
4.1 S
4.2 I
4.3 C
4.4 T
4.5 T
5 EDITING THE BEATSTEP CONTROLLER SETTINGS .................................................................... 18
5.1 C
5.2 S
5.3 G
5.4 P
5.5 S
YSTEM REQUIREMENTS
NSTALLATION AND LOCATION
ONNECTION
HE SYNC BUTTON
HE
MIDI C
REATING
5.1.1 Overview: What is a BeatStep Preset? ......................................................................................... 18
5.1.2 Assign a Pad to toggle a MIDI CC # between two values ............................................................ 18
5.1.3 Assign an Encoder to control a MIDI CC # between two values .................................................. 20
TORING AND RECALLING PRESETS
5.2.1 Store the new settings to a BeatStep Preset .................................................................................. 21
5.2.2 Recalling a BeatStep front panel edit into the MIDI Control Center ........................................... 21
5.2.3 Recalling a BeatStep preset into the Working Memory ................................................................ 22
LOBAL PARAMETERS
5.3.1 Global Channel ............................................................................................................................. 22
5.3.2 CV/Gate Channel .......................................................................................................................... 22
5.3.3 Knob Acceleration ........................................................................................................................ 23
5.3.4 Pad Velocity Curve ....................................................................................................................... 23
ERFORMANCE DATA
5.4.1 Sequencer Channel ....................................................................................................................... 23
5.4.2 Overall Transpose ........................................................................................................................ 23
5.4.3 Pattern Mode ................................................................................................................................ 24
5.4.4 Legato ........................................................................................................................................... 24
5.4.5 Scale Type ..................................................................................................................................... 24
5.4.6 Swing ............................................................................................................................................ 24
5.4.7 Gate Time ..................................................................................................................................... 24
EQUENCE DATA
......................................................................................................................................... 16
ONTROL CENTER MANUAL
MIDI P
........................................................................................................................ 16
.............................................................................................................. 16
................................................................................................................................ 17
................................................................................................ 17
RESETS WITH THE
.......................................................................................................................... 22
............................................................................................................................ 23
................................................................................................................................... 24
MIDI C
...................................................................................................... 20
ONTROL CENTER
............................................................. 18
ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL 5
5.5.1 Step Size ........................................................................................................................................ 24
5.5.2 Pattern Length .............................................................................................................................. 24
5.6 T
5.7 T
5.8 U
EMPLATE MANAGEMENT: SAVE, DELETE, IMPORT, EXPORT, ETC
HE SEQUENCE WINDOW
5.7.1 Musical notation ........................................................................................................................... 25
5.7.2 Note names.................................................................................................................................... 25
5.7.3 Step on/off ..................................................................................................................................... 26
SER SCALE
.......................................................................................................................................... 26
....................................................................................................................... 25
. ....................................................... 25
6 SEQUENCER OPERATION .................................................................................................................... 28
6.1 W
6.2 B
6.3 P
6.4 S
6.5 S
HAT’S A STEP SEQUENCER
EATSTEP SEQUENCER CHARACTERISTICS
6.2.1 What the Scales do ........................................................................................................................ 28
6.2.2 Scale Types ................................................................................................................................... 29
6.2.3 How the root note of a sequence is determined ............................................................................ 30
6.2.4 How to send an All Notes Off command ....................................................................................... 30
ATTERN EDITING
6.3.1 Editing Pitch with the Encoders ................................................................................................... 30
6.3.2 Using the Pads to Enable/Disable Sequence Steps ....................................................................... 30
6.3.3 Setting the Sequence Parameters .................................................................................................. 31
6.3.3.1 Input Scale ................................................................................................................................................ 31
6.3.3.2 Pattern Mode ............................................................................................................................................. 31
6.3.3.3 Step Size ................................................................................................................................................... 31
6.3.3.4 Pattern Length ........................................................................................................................................... 31
YNCHRONIZATION
6.4.1 As Master ...................................................................................................................................... 32
6.4.2 As Slave ......................................................................................................................................... 32
EQUENCE SETTINGS FOUND ONLY IN THE
6.5.1 Sequencer Channel ....................................................................................................................... 33
6.5.2 Swing ............................................................................................................................................ 33
6.5.3 Gate Time ..................................................................................................................................... 33
6.5.4 User Scale ..................................................................................................................................... 34
6.5.5 Legato ........................................................................................................................................... 34
6.5.5.1 Legato Off ................................................................................................................................................. 34
6.5.5.2 Legato On ................................................................................................................................................. 34
................................................................................................................................. 30
............................................................................................................................... 32
? ................................................................................................................ 28
........................................................................................... 28
MIDI C
ONTROL CENTER
..................................................... 33
7 BEATSTEP AS A CV/GATE OR MIDI INTERFACE .......................................................................... 35
7.1 USB/MIDI
7.1.1 The USB and MIDI Out ports ....................................................................................................... 35
7.1.2 Three types of connections: to each its own data ......................................................................... 35
7.1.3 The Sequencer Channel setting (MIDI Control Center only) ....................................................... 35
7.2 CV/G
7.2.1 Selecting the right source for CV/Gate signals ............................................................................. 36
7.2.2 The CV/Gate Channel setting (MIDI Control Center only) .......................................................... 36
7.2.3 BeatStep CV/Gate specifications .................................................................................................. 36
8 DEFAULT SETTINGS .............................................................................................................................. 37
9 ARTURIA BEATSTEP – LEGAL INFORMATION ............................................................................. 38
9.1 FCC INFORMATION (USA) ............................................................................................................... 38
9.2 CANADA ............................................................................................................................................. 38
9.3 EUROPE ............................................................................................................................................... 38
FUNCTIONALITY
ATE OPERATION
.................................................................................................................. 35
............................................................................................................................ 36
6 ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL
1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Arturia BeatStep! BeatStep is a combination
pad/encoder controller and analog-style step sequencer with an unlimited number of
potential uses and setup options, thanks to its simultaneous USB, MIDI, and CV/Gate
connection capabilities.
We’ll give you some useful examples here in this manual and then turn you loose to start
experimenting with BeatStep. The unit looks deceptively simple, but as you work with it
you will find there are many ways to integrate it with your system. This in turn will open
up many new avenues for musical inspiration and creativity.
Be sure to visit the www.arturia.com website and check for the latest firmware,
download the editor and check out the tutorials and other support files.
We hope you have as much fun using BeatStep as we did creating it!
ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL 7
2 BEATSTEP OVERVIEW
2.1 First step: Making the connections
There are a number of ways to connect BeatStep with other types of equipment. Below
are examples of potential setups:
2.1.1 Using BeatStep with a Computer
BeatStep is a USB class-compliant controller, so at its most basic level it can be
connected to any computer with a USB port and used as an input device for various
applications. Coupled with Arturia’s MIDI Control Center utility you gain the ability to
define a wide variety of MIDI commands to be issued by the BeatStep encoders and
pads. This is where the magic begins.
2.1.2 Using BeatStep with MIDI and/or CV/GATE products
BeatStep both sends and receives data and draws its power from the USB port of your
computer. Control information can also be sent to other devices thanks to the BeatStep
MIDI port and CV/Gate connectors. As you can imagine, this greatly expands the
capabilities of even the most simple systems.
8 ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL
2.1.3 Using BeatStep with an iPad
®
Add a camera connection kit and BeatStep becomes an input device for an iPad. This
enables it to be used as a controller for Arturia’s iMini or iSem applications, for example.
If you have an iPad but you don’t already own these applications, you will want to buy
them! They are very affordable, and live up to Arturia’s reputation for lovingly and
faithfully recreating the experience of these classic synthesizers.
ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL 9
2.2 Front panel overview
1. Level/Rate/Transpose encoder (see 2.2.1)
2. Encoders (see 2.2.2)
3. Pads (see 2.2.3)
4. Transport Controls (see 2.2.4)
5. Mode buttons (see 2.2.5)
6. RECALL/STORE buttons (see 2.2.6)
7. SHIFT button (see 2.2.7)
8. CHAN button (see 2.2.8)
A word about Modes
There are two main functions of the 17 encoders and 16 pads on BeatStep’s top panel
depending on the mode you have selected: Controller (CNTRL) or Sequencer (SEQ).
The current mode is shown by the color of the pads and the CNTRL/SEQ button:
• Red=> CNTRL
• Blue=> SEQ
You can switch between these modes at any time by pushing the CNTRL/SEQ button. For
more information about the Mode buttons, see section 2.2.5.
2.2.1 Level/Rate/Transpose encoder
This oversized encoder actually has three functions depending on the selected mode:
• In CNTRL mode it controls the master level by default, but it can be assigned to
control other parameters
• In SEQ mode the encoder changes the tempo, but when used with the SHIFT
button it transposes the whole sequence up or down chromatically.
2.2.2 Encoders
The 16 “endless” encoders are highly versatile:
• In CNTRL mode they become fully assignable encoders for editing parameters
10 ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL
• In SEQ mode they will edit the note for the corresponding step in a sequence.
2.2.3 Pads
The Mode also determines the function of the 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads:
• In CNTRL mode they are assignable to almost any MIDI-related function
• In SEQ mode they enable or disable sequence steps. Used with the SHIFT button
they set the playback mode, timing value, input scale, and sequence length.
2.2.4 Transport Controls
The PLAY/STOP buttons control the sequencer using MIDI Machine Control messages
(unless the EXT SYNC button is lit: see section 2.2.5). But they also can send other MIDI
messages to your DAW, which is handy if your DAW does not respond to MMC
commands. Use our MIDI Control Center software to make any necessary changes.
The function of the STOP button is obvious. But the PLAY button also serves as a
PAUSE/CONTINUE button. So you can pause a sequence in mid-stream and leave the
audience hanging for a second, and then press PLAY again to resume the sequence.
2.2.5 Mode buttons
These two buttons have important functions:
• The CNTRL/SEQ button toggles between the two modes. You can tell which mode
is active by the color of the top panel LEDs: Red for CNTRL mode and blue for
SEQ mode.
• The EXT SYNC button determines whether the sequencer clock is operating as a
master or a slave. If this button is lit, external sync mode has been activated.
The next four buttons are only used in conjunction with the pads:
2.2.6 RECALL/STORE buttons
• Hold RECALL and select a pad to load one of the 16 presets into the BeatStep edit
buffer
• Hold STORE and select a pad to store the active preset to the selected location
2.2.7 SHIFT button
The SHIFT button is only active in SEQ mode, where it allows the pads to set sequencer
parameters such as playback mode, timing value, and the encoder input scale.
2.2.8 CHAN button (Global MIDI Channel)
Hold the CHAN button and select a pad to set the global MIDI channel.
Note: There’s a special combination of buttons that works in SEQ mode only. If you hold
both the SHIFT button and the CHAN button, you can then press any one of the 16 pads
to set the length of the current sequence.
ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL 11
2.3 Side panel overview
2.3.1 Gate/CV outputs
These are normally used together to send electrical signals to an external device such as
Arturia’s powerhouse monophonic analog synthesizers (MiniBrute and MicroBrute) or to a
classic modular analog synthesizer.
2.3.2 MIDI connection
Use the included MIDI adapter to send control signals of all sorts to external MIDIcompatible devices. Each of BeatStep’s encoders and pads can be configured
independently to send specific MIDI data.
2.3.3 USB/DC IN
This jack provides the power and data connections to a computer. It can also be used
with a standard USB charger, allowing you to use your controller presets and sequences
even without a computer present.
2.4 Rear panel overview
BeatStep is highly portable, and we’d all like to be sure it is only carried where you want
it to go. So we’ve included a Kensington lock slot to help you secure it to the surface of
your choice.
12 ARTURIA – BeatStep – USER’S MANUAL
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