Arturia BeatStep Pro User Manual
UUSSEERR’’SS MMAANNUUAALL
PROGRAMMING:
Yannick Bellance
Robert Bocquier
Olivier Delhomme
Mark Xiaomai
INDUSTRIALIZATION:
Nicolas Dubois
MANUAL:
Randy Lee
Sebastien Rochard
DESIGN:
Glen Darcey
Morgan Perrier
Daniel Vester
© ARTURIA SA – 2015 – 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 reproduced 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.
July 31st 2015 edition
2 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
TThhaannkk yyoouu ffoorr ppuurrcchhaassiinngg tthhee AArrttuurriiaa BBeeaattSStteepp PPrroo!!
Be sure to register your BeatStep Pro as soon as possible! There is a sticker on
the bottom panel that contains the serial number of your unit and an unlock code.
These are required during the online registration process. You may want to record
these elsewhere or take a photo of the sticker in case it becomes damaged.
Registering your BeatStep Pro provides the following benefits:
It enables you to download the BeatStep Pro user manual and the latest
version of the MIDI Control Center software
It allows you to receive special offers restricted to BeatStep Pro owners.
This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s BeatStep Pro, a full-featured
pad/knob controller, dual analog-style step sequencer, drum programmer and live
performance device.
In this package you will find:
One BeatStep Pro controller, with a serial number and unlock code on the bottom.
You will need this information in order to register your BeatStep Pro.
One USB cable
Two MIDI adapter cables (1/8” TRS jack to 5-pin DIN, gray)
One DIN adapter cable (1/8” TRS jack to 5-pin DIN, black)
The two Quick Start Guides for BeatStep Pro.
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – 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 at
any location with poor air circulation.
7. Do not open or 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 Pro – USER’S MANUAL
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1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 10
2 BEATSTEP PRO OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. 11
2.1 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.1 …with a Computer ........................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.2 …with external devices .................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.2.1 CV/Velo/Gate/Drum Gate .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.2.2 MIDI devices .............................................................................................................................................. 12
2.1.2.3 Clock sources/destinations ......................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.3 Something to consider : Ground loops ............................................................................................. 12
2.2 FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.1 Transport/Shift buttons .................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.2 Preset/project utility ......................................................................................................................... 15
2.2.2.1 TRNS LNK ................................................................................................................................................ 15
2.2.2.2 PRST LNK ................................................................................................................................................. 15
2.2.2.3 Preset length section ................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2.2.4 MIDI channel ............................................................................................................................................. 15
2.2.3 Roller/looper .................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2.4 Swing/Randomness/Probability ....................................................................................................... 16
2.2.5 Tempo and synchronization ............................................................................................................. 16
2.2.6 Sequencer control ............................................................................................................................ 17
2.2.7 Project/Control modes ..................................................................................................................... 17
2.2.8 Encoders .......................................................................................................................................... 17
2.2.9 Step buttons ...................................................................................................................................... 18
2.2.10 Pads ............................................................................................................................................... 18
2.3 REAR PANEL OVERVIEW, PART 1 .............................................................................................................. 19
2.3.1 Pitch/Velo/Gate outputs ................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.2 Drum gates ....................................................................................................................................... 19
2.4 REAR PANEL OVERVIEW, PART 2 .............................................................................................................. 19
2.4.1 Clock input/output ............................................................................................................................ 19
2.4.2 MIDI input/output ............................................................................................................................ 19
2.4.3 USB/DC IN ...................................................................................................................................... 20
2.4.4 Power switch .................................................................................................................................... 20
2.4.5 Kensington lock port ........................................................................................................................ 20
3 BASIC OPERATIONS ................................................................................................................................ 21
3.1 WHAT’S A PROJECT? ............................................................................................................................... 21
3.2 THE BLANK PROJECT ............................................................................................................................... 21
3.3 MAKING A PROJECT ................................................................................................................................. 22
3.3.1 Select a Sequencer ........................................................................................................................... 22
3.3.2 Select a pattern ................................................................................................................................ 22
3.3.3 Clear a pattern ................................................................................................................................. 23
3.3.4 Set the tempo .................................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.5 Enable the metronome ..................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.6 Record a pattern (or three) .............................................................................................................. 23
3.3.7 Sequencer Mute ................................................................................................................................ 24
3.4 SAVING A PROJECT .................................................................................................................................. 24
3.5 LOADING A PROJECT ................................................................................................................................ 24
3.6 ALL NOTES OFF ....................................................................................................................................... 25
4 THE STEP SEQUENCERS ........................................................................................................................ 26
4.1 WHAT’S A STEP SEQUENCER? .................................................................................................................. 26
4.2 SEQ1 AND SEQ2 CHARACTERISTICS ....................................................................................................... 26
4.3 SEQUENCE CREATION .............................................................................................................................. 26
4.3.1 Quantize Recording ......................................................................................................................... 27
4.3.2 Encoders .......................................................................................................................................... 27
4.3.2.1 Pitch ............................................................................................................................................................ 27
4.3.2.2 Velocity ...................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.3.2.3 Gate Time ................................................................................................................................................... 27
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 5
4.3.3 Scales ............................................................................................................................................... 28
4.3.3.1 What the Scales do ..................................................................................................................................... 28
4.3.3.2 Scale Types................................................................................................................................................. 28
4.3.3.3 How the root note of a sequence is determined .......................................................................................... 29
4.3.4 Step Buttons ..................................................................................................................................... 29
4.3.5 Sequence Length .............................................................................................................................. 29
4.3.5.1 Sequence Follow mode ............................................................................................................................... 30
4.3.5.2 Lengths > 16 steps ...................................................................................................................................... 30
4.3.5.3 Editing steps 17-32 ..................................................................................................................................... 30
4.3.6 Pads ................................................................................................................................................. 31
4.3.6.1 Input Scale .................................................................................................................................................. 31
4.3.6.2 Octave range ............................................................................................................................................... 31
4.3.6.3 Playback mode ........................................................................................................................................... 31
4.3.6.4 Time division .............................................................................................................................................. 31
4.3.7 Swing ................................................................................................................................................ 32
4.3.8 Randomness/Probability .................................................................................................................. 32
4.4 SAVING A SEQUENCE ............................................................................................................................... 32
4.5 COPYING A SEQUENCE ............................................................................................................................. 33
5 THE DRUM SEQUENCER ........................................................................................................................ 34
5.1 DRUM VS. SEQ: A COMPARISON ............................................................................................................ 34
5.2 PATTERN CREATION ................................................................................................................................ 34
5.2.1 Recording a Pattern ......................................................................................................................... 34
5.2.1.1 About quantize recording ........................................................................................................................... 34
5.2.2 Selecting a Drum .............................................................................................................................. 35
5.2.3 Muting a Drum ................................................................................................................................. 35
5.2.4 Encoders .......................................................................................................................................... 35
5.2.4.1 Shift ............................................................................................................................................................ 35
5.2.4.2 Velocity ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
5.2.4.3 Gate Time ................................................................................................................................................... 35
5.2.5 Step buttons ...................................................................................................................................... 35
5.2.6 Pattern Length ................................................................................................................................. 36
5.2.6.1 Pattern Follow mode ................................................................................................................................... 36
5.2.6.2 Lengths > 16 steps ...................................................................................................................................... 36
5.2.6.3 Editing steps 17-32 ..................................................................................................................................... 37
5.2.7 Pads ................................................................................................................................................. 37
5.2.7.1 Playback mode ........................................................................................................................................... 37
5.2.7.2 Time division .............................................................................................................................................. 37
5.2.8 Swing ................................................................................................................................................ 38
5.2.9 Randomness/Probability .................................................................................................................. 38
5.3 SAVING A PATTERN .................................................................................................................................. 38
5.4 COPYING A PATTERN ............................................................................................................................... 39
6 PROJECTS .................................................................................................................................................. 40
6.1 LOADING A PROJECT ................................................................................................................................ 40
6.2 PROJECT MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 40
6.2.1 Saving a Project ............................................................................................................................... 40
6.2.2 Copying a Project ............................................................................................................................ 41
6.3 TEMPO ..................................................................................................................................................... 41
6.3.1 Fine-tuning of the Tempo ................................................................................................................. 41
6.3.2 Tap tempo ........................................................................................................................................ 41
6.4 SWING ..................................................................................................................................................... 41
6.4.1 Current Track button ....................................................................................................................... 42
6.5 RANDOMNESS/PROBABILITY ................................................................................................................... 42
6.5.1 Randomness ..................................................................................................................................... 42
6.5.2 Probability ....................................................................................................................................... 43
6.5.3 Current Track button ....................................................................................................................... 43
6.6 ROLLER/LOOPER ..................................................................................................................................... 43
6.6.1 Roller mode ...................................................................................................................................... 44
6.6.1.1 General operation ....................................................................................................................................... 44
6.6.1.2 Sync settings ............................................................................................................................................... 44
6.6.2 Looper mode .................................................................................................................................... 44
6 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
6.6.2.1 Loop length ................................................................................................................................................ 44
6.7 TRNS LNK ............................................................................................................................................. 44
6.8 PRST LNK .............................................................................................................................................. 45
6.9 SELECTING MIDI CHANNELS .................................................................................................................. 45
7 ADVANCED FEATURES .......................................................................................................................... 46
7.1 ENTER NOTES WITH STEP+PAD ................................................................................................................ 46
7.2 FAST TIES ................................................................................................................................................ 46
7.3 EXTEND A PATTERN OR SEQUENCE .......................................................................................................... 46
7.4 SHIFT BUTTON CHART ............................................................................................................................ 47
7.5 MIDI TO CV ............................................................................................................................................ 47
7.5.1 Sequencer mode – MIDI to CV ........................................................................................................ 48
8 SYNCHRONIZATION ............................................................................................................................... 49
8.1 AS MASTER ............................................................................................................................................. 49
8.2 AS SLAVE ................................................................................................................................................ 49
8.2.1 Clock In/Out rates ............................................................................................................................ 49
8.2.2 Clock connectors .............................................................................................................................. 50
9 CV/GATE FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................................................. 51
9.1 SEQ1/SEQ2: PITCH, VELO AND GATE .................................................................................................... 51
9.1.1 How do they work? .......................................................................................................................... 51
9.1.2 Can my DAW send CV/Gate signals? .............................................................................................. 51
9.1.3 How should I route the signals?....................................................................................................... 51
9.1.4 CV/Gate specifications ..................................................................................................................... 52
9.2 DRUM GATES........................................................................................................................................... 52
9.2.1 How do they work? .......................................................................................................................... 52
9.2.2 Which pads do I use? ....................................................................................................................... 52
9.2.3 Can my DAW send CV/Gate signals? .............................................................................................. 53
9.2.4 How should I route the signals?....................................................................................................... 53
9.2.5 Drum Gate specifications ................................................................................................................. 53
10 CONTROL MODE .................................................................................................................................... 54
10.1 WHAT IS CONTROL MODE? ................................................................................................................... 54
10.2 TOP PANEL FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 54
10.2.1 Tempo............................................................................................................................................. 54
10.2.2 Metronome/Tap Tempo .................................................................................................................. 54
10.2.3 Swing .............................................................................................................................................. 54
10.2.4 Randomness/Probability ................................................................................................................ 55
10.2.5 Roller ............................................................................................................................................. 55
10.2.6 Transport ....................................................................................................................................... 55
10.2.7 Disabled features ........................................................................................................................... 55
10.3 ENCODERS: CC VS. MCU/HUI MODE .................................................................................................... 55
11 MIDI CONTROL CENTER BASICS ...................................................................................................... 56
11.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 56
11.2 INSTALLATION AND LOCATION .............................................................................................................. 56
11.3 CONNECTION ......................................................................................................................................... 56
11.4 THE SYNC BUTTON ................................................................................................................................ 57
11.5 WHERE TO FIND THE MANUAL ............................................................................................................... 57
12 USING MIDI CONTROL CENTER ....................................................................................................... 58
12.1 DEVICE PROJECTS .................................................................................................................................. 58
12.1.1 The Working Memory..................................................................................................................... 58
12.1.2 Project list ...................................................................................................................................... 58
12.1.3 Resizing the window ....................................................................................................................... 59
12.2 PROJECT BROWSER ................................................................................................................................ 59
12.2.1 Building a Project library .............................................................................................................. 60
12.2.2 Revise a Template .......................................................................................................................... 60
12.2.3 Revise a pattern.............................................................................................................................. 61
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 7
12.3 STORE TO/RECALL FROM ...................................................................................................................... 62
12.3.1 Store the Working Memory to the BeatStep Pro ............................................................................ 62
12.3.2 Recall front panel edits into the MIDI Control Center .................................................................. 62
12.3.3 Recall a Project into the Working Memory .................................................................................... 62
12.3.4 Save, Delete, Import/Export, etc. ................................................................................................... 63
12.4 TABS ...................................................................................................................................................... 63
12.4.1 Project ............................................................................................................................................ 63
12.4.2 SEQ1/SEQ2 .................................................................................................................................... 64
12.4.3 DRUM ............................................................................................................................................ 64
12.4.4 Controller Map .............................................................................................................................. 65
12.5 SEQUENCE WINDOW............................................................................................................................... 65
12.5.1 Navigation ...................................................................................................................................... 65
12.5.1.1 Scroll ........................................................................................................................................................ 65
12.5.1.2 Zoom ........................................................................................................................................................ 66
12.5.2 Front-panel parameters ................................................................................................................. 66
12.5.2.1 Transpose ................................................................................................................................................. 67
12.5.3 SEQ Length .................................................................................................................................... 67
12.5.4 Sequence events ............................................................................................................................. 68
12.5.4.1 Enter/delete notes ..................................................................................................................................... 68
12.5.4.2 Move notes ............................................................................................................................................... 68
12.5.4.3 Copy/paste notes ....................................................................................................................................... 68
12.5.4.4 Note velocity ............................................................................................................................................ 68
12.5.4.5 Note length/Gate time ............................................................................................................................... 69
12.5.4.6 TIE a note ................................................................................................................................................. 69
12.6 DRUM WINDOW ..................................................................................................................................... 70
12.6.1 Navigation ...................................................................................................................................... 70
12.6.1.1 Scroll ........................................................................................................................................................ 70
12.6.1.2 Zoom ........................................................................................................................................................ 70
12.6.2 Front-panel parameters ................................................................................................................. 70
12.6.3 SEQ length ..................................................................................................................................... 71
12.6.4 Sequence events ............................................................................................................................. 71
12.6.4.1 Enter/delete events.................................................................................................................................... 71
12.6.4.2 Move events ............................................................................................................................................. 71
12.6.4.3 Copy/paste events ..................................................................................................................................... 72
12.6.4.4 Event velocity ........................................................................................................................................... 72
12.6.4.5 Event length/Gate time ............................................................................................................................. 72
12.6.4.6 TIE an event ............................................................................................................................................. 73
12.7 CONTROLLER WINDOW .......................................................................................................................... 73
12.7.1 Common features ........................................................................................................................... 73
12.7.1.1 MIDI Port ................................................................................................................................................. 75
12.7.1.2 MIDI Channel........................................................................................................................................... 75
12.7.2 Toggle MIDI CC values with a pad ............................................................................................... 75
12.7.3 Set encoder range for a MIDI CC .................................................................................................. 77
12.8 GLOBAL PARAMETERS ........................................................................................................................... 78
12.8.1 MIDI Channel ................................................................................................................................ 78
12.8.2 Transposition ................................................................................................................................. 78
12.8.2.1 Latch ......................................................................................................................................................... 79
12.8.2.2 Input channel ............................................................................................................................................ 79
12.8.2.3 Input port .................................................................................................................................................. 79
12.8.2.4 Center pitch .............................................................................................................................................. 79
12.8.2.5 Seq Link ................................................................................................................................................... 79
12.8.3 CV/Gate mode ................................................................................................................................ 80
12.8.4 Velo/AT .......................................................................................................................................... 80
12.8.4.1 User Knob Acceleration ........................................................................................................................... 80
12.8.4.2 Pad Poly Aftertouch ................................................................................................................................. 80
12.8.5 Sync ................................................................................................................................................ 81
12.8.5.1 Clock In/Out Settings ............................................................................................................................... 81
12.8.5.2 Auto-Sync ................................................................................................................................................. 81
12.8.5.3 Tap Tempo ............................................................................................................................................... 81
12.8.5.4 Tempo....................................................................................................................................................... 81
12.8.5.5 Wait to Load Project ................................................................................................................................. 81
12.8.6 Metronome ..................................................................................................................................... 82
12.8.7 Transport ....................................................................................................................................... 82
8 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
12.8.8 Drum Map ...................................................................................................................................... 83
12.8.9 User Scale ...................................................................................................................................... 84
13 PARAMETER CHARTS .......................................................................................................................... 85
13.1 DEFAULT SETTINGS ............................................................................................................................... 85
13.1.1 Encoders ........................................................................................................................................ 85
13.1.2 Step buttons .................................................................................................................................... 86
13.1.3 Pads ............................................................................................................................................... 86
13.2 MCU/HUI ENCODER ASSIGNMENTS ...................................................................................................... 87
14 ARTURIA BEATSTEP PRO – LEGAL INFORMATION ................................................................... 88
14.1 SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT............................................................................................... 88
14.2 FCC INFORMATION (USA) ............................................................................................................... 90
14.3 CANADA ............................................................................................................................................. 91
14.4 EUROPE ............................................................................................................................................... 91
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 9
1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Arturia BeatStep Pro! This unique device is a
combination of many musical technologies: an assignable MIDI controller, two analogstyle step sequencers, a drum programmer and a live performance tool, all in a single
compact package. It has an unlimited number of potential uses and setup options,
thanks to its simultaneous USB, MIDI, CV/Gate and synchronization capabilities.
We’ll give some useful examples in this manual and then you should be able to start
experimenting with BeatStep Pro. The unit has a relatively simple appearance, but 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 MIDI Control Center and check out the tutorials and FAQs.
We are very proud of the BeatStep Pro, and are confident that as you use it you will find
yourself immersed in many extended periods of creativity.
10 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
2 BEATSTEP PRO OVERVIEW
2.1 Making the connections
BeatStep Pro offers an unprecedented number of ways to connect with other types of
equipment, from vintage to modern. Below are examples of potential setups:
2.1.1 …with a Computer
BeatStep Pro 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. The included MIDI Control Center software allows you to define a wide
variety of MIDI commands to be transmitted by the encoders, buttons and pads of the
BeatStep Pro.
However, BeatStep Pro is so powerful on its own that there may be times when you want
to use it without a computer attached! In this case, simply use a standard USB mobile
phone charger to power the unit and connect everything else as shown in the following
diagrams.
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 11
2.1.2 …with external devices
As you can see, the BeatStep Pro can be at the center of some amazing systems.
2.1.2.1 CV/Velo/Gate/Drum Gate
The front panel of the BeatStep Pro allows you to take command of all sorts of external
devices through its Pitch, Velo and Gate connectors. It also can send data to those
devices from the USB port of your computer.
2.1.2.2 MIDI devices
There are lots of great devices that only have MIDI ports (no CV/Gate connectors, no
USB). BeatStep Pro can control them from its front panel as well. And of course it can
send and receive MIDI data using the USB port of your computer.
Use the included adapters (1/8” TRS jack to 5-pin DIN, gray) to connect your
external MIDI devices to the BeatStep Pro.
2.1.2.3 Clock sources/destinations
The Clock input and output can synchronize with older clock types such as 24 pulses per
quarter note (ppqn), 48 ppqn, or even a single pulse per step.
The included adapter (1/8” TRS jack to 5-pin DIN, black) can be used to connect DIN
sync-capable devices to the BeatStep Pro. See section 8.2.2 for specific information
about what cables to use with other sync connections and formats.
2.1.3 Something to consider : Ground loops
A ground loop is an unwanted current in a conductor connecting two points. The result is
noise in your audio signal, usually in the form of a low-frequency hum. In setups
including computers, interfaces and audio devices, it’s possible to end up with an
annoying ground loop. We have provided you with a solution, however: the anti ground
loop adapter.
When should I use the anti ground loop adapter?
In most cases you will not need the anti ground loop adapter.
12 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
If you don’t have a ground loop problem in your setup, simply connect the BeatStep
Pro with the supplied USB cable to a computer or a USB power supply.
You should use the included anti ground loop adapter if you experience background
noise in your speakers that disappears when you disconnect the audio interface from
your computer or the CV/Gate connections to your analog gear. A ground loop can also
cause problems with pitch tracking when using the BeatStep Pro CV connections with
analog synthesizers.
Connect the anti ground loop adapter as follows:
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 13
2.2 Front panel overview
1. Transport/Shift buttons (see 2.2.1)
2. Preset/project utility (see 2.2.2)
3. Roller/looper (see 2.2.3)
4. Swing/Randomness/Probability (see 2.2.4)
5. Tempo and synchronization (see 2.2.5)
6. Sequence control (see 2.2.6)
7. Project/Control modes (see 2.2.7)
8. Encoders (see 2.2.8)
9. Step buttons (see 2.2.9)
10. Pads (see 2.2.10)
2.2.1 Transport/Shift buttons
The Transport buttons control the internal sequencers and external MIDI devices using
MIDI Machine Control. 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.
14 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
The function of the Record and Stop buttons is obvious. But the Play button also serves
as a Pause/Continue button. So you can pause a sequence in mid-stream, make an
adjustment, and then press Play again to resume the sequence.
The SHIFT button allows you to access the secondary functions of the current mode,
such as the playback direction for one of the sequencers.
2.2.2 Preset/project utility
1. Transpose Link
2. Preset Link
3. Preset Length section
4. MIDI Channel
2.2.2.1 TRNS LNK
TRNS LNK enables the two step sequencers to be transposed simultaneously; when one
is changed, the other will follow.
2.2.2.2 PRST LNK
PRST LNK allows the three sequencers to have their preset patterns linked, so that they
can be changed with a single action.
The operation of these features is described in section 12.8.2.5.
2.2.2.3 Preset length section
BeatStep Pro sequences can be up to 64 steps long, consisting of up to four 16-step
subdivisions that play one after the other. Those are called the Step Groups.
The four LEDs above the double arrow buttons (<< >>) are used to indicate the pattern
length and which Step Group is currently playing.
The LST STEP button is used with the Step buttons and the << >> buttons to change
the length of the current sequence.
For a complete description of these features, see section 4.3.5.
2.2.2.4 MIDI channel
Each of the sequencers can be set to its own MIDI channel using this button. For
information on how to do this, see section 6.9.
2.2.3 Roller/looper
When BeatStep Pro is in Control Mode this strip is referred to as the “Roller”. It will
repeat the note of a pressed pad according to the time division selected within the Roller
strip area.
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 15
When one of the sequencers has been selected, this strip is referred to as the “Looper”.
It will repeat a section of the current project, the size of which is determined by the time
division selected within the Looper strip area. Looper works on all three sequencers at
the same time.
2.2.4 Swing/Randomness/Probability
Swing introduces a “shuffle” feel to the sequences. It can affect the entire project (all
three sequencers at once) or only the selected sequencer, leaving the others untouched.
Randomness and Probability introduce increasing amounts of unpredictability to the
sequences. As with the Swing setting, these controls can affect the entire project (all
three sequencers at once) or only the current sequencer, leaving the others untouched.
For more details on all three features, see sections 6.4 and 6.5.
2.2.5 Tempo and synchronization
Set the project tempo here, either with a twist of the RATE/FINE encoder or by tapping
the TAP/METRO button.
The display will normally display the tempo, but it changes temporarily to show encoder
values when editing.
The metronome sends user-definable note data over MIDI, and can be toggled on/off
using the SHIFT and TAP/METRO buttons together.
There are four Sync options which are accessed by pressing the Sync button repeatedly.
For descriptions of the tempo features see section 6.3. For the sync features see chapter
8.
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2.2.6 Sequencer control
BeatStep Pro provides three independent sequencers: two step sequencers and a drum
sequencer. Each sequencer has 16 patterns available per Project, and the patterns can
be up to 64 steps long. The Mute buttons can be used to bring the sequences in and out
of the mix instantly. And of course the various controls can be used to modify the
sequences during performance.
There are unique features available for each type of sequencer, so be sure to read
chapter 4 and chapter 5 to learn more.
2.2.7 Project/Control modes
There are 16 Projects available in the BeatStep Pro, and each Project contains 16
patterns per sequencer. This allows for tens of thousands of possible combinations, all
available instantly. The Project button is used to select the desired Project.
The Control Mode button transforms the BeatStep Pro front panel into a monster MIDI
controller, with each encoder, button and pad able to send data to external MIDI devices
and/or your computer. The MIDI messages can be precisely defined by the included MIDI
Control Center software.
For a full explanation of these features, see chapter 6 (Projects) and chapter 10 (Control
Mode).
2.2.8 Encoders
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The 16 “endless” encoders are highly versatile:
In Control Mode they become fully assignable encoders for editing parameters.
They will edit the Pitch, Velocity or Gate time for each step in a sequence.
They can shift the timing of individual drums forward or backward (Drum
sequencer only)
They are touch-sensitive, so when you want to know the current value of a
parameter before you edit it, simply touch the corresponding encoder.
And we’ve only scratched the surface of what the encoders can do. To learn more about
them, see sections 4.3.2, 5.2.4, and chapter 10.
2.2.9 Step buttons
A familiar use for the Step buttons is to enable/disable events in a pattern. But they do
many other things also, often in combination with another button. For example, they are
used with the LST STEP button to set the pattern length.
In each section of this manual you will learn how they are used to load a Project, select a
sequencer pattern, choose a destination, etc. And with the MIDI Control Center you can
configure them to do anything a pad can do in Control Mode.
But their most distinctive feature is that they are color-coded to match the sequencer
that is currently selected. So when Sequencer 1 is active the Step buttons are green, for
Sequencer 2 they are a light orange color, and for the Drum sequencer they are purple.
(Hint: This color scheme is followed on the rear panel, too.)
2.2.10 Pads
The mode also determines the function of the 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads:
In Control Mode they are assignable to almost any MIDI-related function.
In Sequencer mode, the pads trigger notes. When used with the SEQUENCER 1 or
SEQUENCER 2 button, the pads are used to transpose the sequence.
If Drum mode is selected the pads trigger notes. Used with the DRUM button, the
pads let you select the corresponding drum without hearing it play.
Used with the SHIFT button the pads set the playback mode, timing value, and
the input scale.
18 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
2.3 Rear panel overview, part 1
2.3.1 Pitch/Velo/Gate outputs
These are normally used together to send electrical signals to an external device such as
Arturia’s powerhouse monophonic analog synthesizers (MiniBrute/SE and MicroBrute/SE)
or to a modular analog synthesizer. The Pitch output is often referred to as Control
Voltage or CV.
2.3.2 Drum gates
These outputs correspond to pads 1-8 when the Drum sequencer is selected. When these
pads are played manually or as part of a pattern they will send trigger pulses to the
Drum gate outputs, which in turn can be used to trigger a sound on an external device.
Note: Only the Gate on/off signals are transmitted for pads 1-8 from these connectors.
In contrast, the MIDI connector sends Velocity and Gate Time information for all 16
pads. Read more about the Drum Gates in section 9.2.
2.4 Rear panel overview, part 2
2.4.1 Clock input/output
The included DIN adapter (1/8” TRS jack to 5-pin DIN, black) allows BeatStep Pro to
interface with pre-MIDI technology that used these connectors for synchronization, such
as early drum machines by Korg and Roland.
2.4.2 MIDI input/output
Use the included MIDI adapters (1/8” TRS jack to 5-pin DIN, gray) to send control
signals of all sorts to external MIDI-compatible devices. Each of BeatStep Pro’s encoders,
buttons and pads can be configured independently to send specific MIDI data.
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2.4.3 USB/DC IN
This jack provides the power and data connections to a computer. It can also be used
with a standard USB mobile phone charger, allowing you to use your controller presets
and sequences even without a computer present.
2.4.4 Power switch
If you want to turn the unit off without disconnecting the USB cable, use this recessed
switch.
2.4.5 Kensington lock port
BeatStep Pro is highly portable, and it should be carried only where you want it to go. So
we’ve included a Kensington lock slot on the far right edge of the rear panel so you can
secure it to the surface of your choice.
20 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
3 BASIC OPERATIONS
3.1 What’s a Project?
BeatStep Pro contains 16 Projects. Each Project holds 16 patterns for each of the three
sequencers (SEQ1, SEQ2 and DRUM), including all of the settings for each pattern.
The Project also includes a Control Mode preset, with independent settings defined by
the MIDI Control Center for each BeatStep Pro control.
3.2 The Blank Project
Each of the Projects and patterns starts out with default, “blank slate” settings.
For Control Mode this means:
The encoders are assigned to a useful variety of MIDI CC numbers
The pads are assigned to play notes based on a chromatic scale
The transport buttons send both MIDI and MMC commands
Every control is set to transmit data on the User MIDI Channel to both USB and
the MIDI output
Note: the default User MIDI Channel is 1. Use the MIDI Control Center to change
this (see section 12.8.1).
For the three sequencers this means:
SEQ1, SEQ2 and DRUM send and receive on channels 1, 2, and 10, respectively
Playback mode is set to Forward
Time division is set to 1/16
Gate time for each step is 50%
Swing is set to 50%
Randomness and Probability are set to 0.
For SEQ1 and SEQ2 this means:
All steps in each sequence are enabled, with a pattern length of 16 steps
The sequence steps are set to the same MIDI note (C3, or MIDI Note #60)
The Chromatic scale will be used for encoder pitch edits
For DRUM this means:
No pattern data exists yet; that part is up to you!
Chapter 4 has details about editing a sequence and describes each of the SEQ mode
parameters.
Chapter 5 describes all of the Drum mode features.
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 21
Chapter 12 explains how to use the MIDI Control Center to configure BeatStep Pro so its
controls are perfectly matched to your system. It also shows you how to access
parameters that are not available from the front panel.
See Chapter 13 for a complete list of the default settings for each control.
3.3 Making a Project
BeatStep Pro is such a spontaneous compositional tool that as soon as you change
almost anything, you have started a new Project. At the heart of each Project are the
patterns it contains, so let’s take a quick look at how to record a pattern.
3.3.1 Select a Sequencer
First decide which of the three sequencers you want to use as the basis for your Project.
If you have a melody in your head or want to improvise a bass line, select either SEQ1
or SEQ2 by pressing its button.
If you prefer to start building a drum pattern first, press the DRUM button instead.
3.3.2 Select a pattern
You can record to any one of the 16 patterns. There are two ways to select a pattern:
Use the < > buttons until you reach the desired pattern number
Hold the sequencer select button and press one of the 16 Step buttons
Selecting pattern #02
Note: It isn’t necessary to have the pattern numbers be the same for all three
sequencers: you can have SEQ1 set to pattern 01, SEQ2 set to pattern 02, and DRUM
set to pattern 03.
22 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
3.3.3 Clear a pattern
If you want to start recording on the selected sequencer with a pattern that’s completely
empty, hold the SHIFT button and press Step button 1. This will clear all of the data in
the current pattern, so be careful!
If you want to copy the current data to a different location first, see section 4.4. You can
also use the MIDI Control Center to back it up to your computer.
3.3.4 Set the tempo
When Sync is set to Internal, the tempo range of BeatStep Pro is 30-300 beats per
minute (bpm).
There are two ways to set the tempo for your project:
Turn the RATE/FINE encoder.
Use the TAP/METRO button.
There are some more very useful features in this section:
For fine tempo adjustment, hold SHIFT and then turn the RATE/FINE encoder.
To enable the metronome, hold SHIFT and press TAP/METRO.
The MIDI Control Center offers even more features related to tempo and the
metronome. See section 12.8.5 for details.
3.3.5 Enable the metronome
The metronome sends note data on MIDI channel 10 to an external device or your DAW.
The MIDI channel and note can be changed using the MIDI Control Center.
To enable the metronome, hold SHIFT and press the TAP/METRO button. The same
action will disable it.
3.3.6 Record a pattern (or three)
If you’ve gone through all the steps so far in section 3.3 then let’s make a quick pattern
on each sequencer. For a more detailed explanation of the following procedures, see
section 4.3 (SEQ1, SEQ2) and section 5.2 (DRUM).
Select SEQ1, press the RECORD button and press the PLAY button. The
TAP/METRO button will begin flashing, and the Step buttons will turn white one at
a time to indicate the current position in the pattern.
Use the pads as a keyboard to enter notes in real time. The notes will be recorded
on your pattern, quantized to the current grid.
Toggle the Step buttons on or off and tweak the 16 encoders to change the
pitches of the notes. You should hear a crazy little melody taking shape. Press
STOP to exit Record mode.
Select SEQ2 and repeat the process described above.
Select DRUM. If you want to figure out a beat before you begin recording, you
can press PLAY and practice on the pads while SEQ1 and SEQ2 play their parts.
When you’re ready, enter Record mode as before (RECORD + PLAY) and record a
drum beat.
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 23
Add or remove some drum trigs using the step buttons, use the knobs to change
the velocity, gate length or timing shift of the trigs.
Important: If you want to keep what you’ve created, be sure to save the Project
somewhere or you’ll lose everything. Refer to section 3.4 to learn how.
3.3.7 Sequencer Mute
Each sequencer has a dedicated MUTE button, which is great for live performances and
creative sessions. They can help you focus on the interactions of any two sequencers at
a time, or you can use them to work on one of the patterns without hearing the others.
For the drum sequencer, you can choose to mute only specific pads by holding the DRUM
button and MUTE button simultaneously, and pressing the pads you want to mute. The
Drum sequencer’s MUTE button will blink to show that some of the drum tracks are
muted.
The status of the MUTE buttons is not stored with the Project.
3.4 Saving a Project
This is very important to know: Your patterns can be lost unless you save the Project
that contains them.
Saving a Project is simple! It only takes three steps.
Caution: When you follow these instructions you will overwrite the selected Project and
all of its patterns. Be sure this is what you want to do! If not, be sure to find out which
memory location is available and store the Project there instead.
Once you’re sure where you want to store the Project,
Hold the SAVE button
Press the PROJECT button and hold it
Press the Step button number you chose earlier.
The next time you want this Project, that’s where it will be.
It’s a good idea to back up the Project using the MIDI Control Center, too. Section 12.3
will tell you what you need to know about that.
3.5 Loading a Project
Caution: If you need to, be sure you have saved the current Project before you load in a
new one, because doing so will replace all of the patterns of all three sequencers and will
also load a new set of Control Mode assignments. Be sure this is what you want to do!
When you press the PROJECT button one of the Step buttons will be lit red. This helps
you know which Project is currently loaded into memory. To select a new one, simply
hold the PROJECT button and then press the Step button that corresponds to the Project
number you want to load.
24 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
Selecting Project #03
Note: There’s a preference in the MIDI Control Center where you can specify whether
the new Project should be loaded instantly or wait until after the Drum sequencer
reaches the end of its current pattern. See section 12.8.5.6 to learn about this feature.
3.6 All Notes Off
It’s possible for a MIDI message to be interrupted for some reason. This can result in a
stuck or ‘hanging’ note on the target device.
If this happens, just press the BeatStep Pro STOP button quickly three times in a row. It
will then send an All Notes Off command over MIDI.
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4 THE STEP SEQUENCERS
The main focus of this chapter will be the sequencing features that are accessible from
the front panel of the BeatStep Pro. There are more parameters available through the
MIDI Control Center, though; see section 12.5 for information.
4.1 What’s a step sequencer?
A step sequencer is a very basic type of music sequencer. Originally popular in the
1960’s and 70’s, they have been rediscovered as interest in modular synthesizers has
grown. We’ve included virtual step sequencers in some of our analog synthesizer
emulations.
A step sequencer is usually monophonic; i.e., it will output only one note at a time. It’s
different from an arpeggiator in that a step sequencer does not determine what to do
based on keys you hold on a keyboard: the pitch of each note is set with a knob or a
slider.
Once a sequence is running the performer’s hands are free to adjust other parameters
such as filters, envelope settings or pitch while the sequencer keeps looping.
Today’s music often uses loops, so it makes perfect sense that step sequencers would
experience a revival. With the purchase of BeatStep Pro you now have access to not one,
but two of these unique creative tools (plus a drum sequencer!). And as you have come
to expect, Arturia has taken them many steps beyond what the original devices could do.
4.2 SEQ1 and SEQ2 characteristics
Sequencer 1 and Sequencer 2 have identical features. They use the pads, Step buttons
and encoders as input and control devices to help shape the sequences in the following
ways:
The pads will transpose the sequence while it is running, and are used with the
SHIFT button to define various sequence parameters such as playback mode.
The Step buttons show which sequence steps are active, allow you to enable and
disable them, and indicate the current position of the sequence.
The encoders can alter the pitch, velocity and gate time of each step in the
sequence.
See section 12.5 for information about sequencer features that are only available in the
MIDI Control Center software.
4.3 Sequence Creation
The BeatStep Pro provides an astounding array of options for music creation. Each of the
following features plays a major role in shaping a sequence:
26 ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL
4.3.1 Quantize Recording
The process of recording a sequence has been described in the Basic Operations chapter.
But there’s an important concept to know about recording in real time using the pads or
incoming MIDI: the notes will be quantized according to the time division you have
selected.
So for example, if 1/4 is the time division setting then the recorded notes will quantize
forward or back to the nearest quarter note. And as the sequence loops you can replace
certain notes by playing a new one within the timing range of those notes.
4.3.2 Encoders
The 16 encoders input the values of three different parameters for each sequence step:
The note each step will play
The velocity of the note
The duration (gate time) of the note.
The parameter being affected by the encoders is determined by the KNOBS button:
Press this button repeatedly to cycle between the three options (Pitch, Velo, and Gate),
then edit that value with the encoder that corresponds to the sequence step.
Note: The encoders are touch-sensitive, so you can touch an encoder to view the
existing value for a parameter before selecting a new value.
Now let’s focus on each editing option briefly.
4.3.2.1 Pitch
The encoders can edit the pitch of a step +/- 36 semitones from the default pitch of
middle C (MIDI note 60).
You can edit the notes whether the sequencer is playing or not. When it is stopped you
will hear the edit as it is made; when it is playing you won’t hear the altered note until
that sequence step comes around again.
The Scale Type parameter determines which notes are available when the encoders are
turned. To learn more about Scales see section 4.3.3.
4.3.2.2 Velocity
If a note in a sequence is too loud or soft you can edit its velocity using the encoders.
Just select the encoder that corresponds to that step in the sequence and then choose a
new value from 1-127.
The default velocity for each step is 100.
4.3.2.3 Gate Time
The Gate Time parameter is used to adjust the length of a note. Potential values are
from 1% (short) to 99% (long), with additional settings of TIE and SLIDE. These values
can be set independently for each step in a sequence.
ARTURIA – BeatStep Pro – USER’S MANUAL 27
A setting of TIE does different things for the CV/Gate output and over MIDI:
CV/Gate output: the note that follows a TIE will change the control voltage but
will not send a new gate signal to the attached device.
MIDI output: the Note Off command for the first note happens after the Note On
command for the second note. This allows for “legato” playing on a monophonic
synthesizer.
A setting of SLIDE (SLI) is similar to TIE over MIDI, but has a different behavior in CV:
- The note that follows a SLIDE will change the control voltage in a continuous way,
with a slide time of approximately 60ms regardless of the tempo. This allows for
the usual Slide effect that was found on vintage bass sequencers, for instance.
By default the Gate Time is set to 50% for each event.
4.3.3 Scales
4.3.3.1 What the Scales do
The BeatStep Pro front panel gives you the ability to assign one of eight input Scales to
the encoders as a group. Think of a Scale as a sort of ‘filter’ that will help you use the
encoders to select the notes you want more quickly.
What a Scale doesn’t do is change the MIDI notes that have already been assigned to
the sequence steps: the encoders do that.
What a Scale does is give the encoders a specific outline of notes to follow as they are
turned. So rather than always altering the pitch chromatically, you have the option to
specify a different musical scale. This is handy when you want to change the pitch of one
or more sequence steps during a live performance: select the Scale that matches the
song and no matter what, you’ll never select a wrong note. Of course this would be
handy in the studio as well.
And you can always switch to a different Scale if you want to input a note that is outside
the Scale you’ve selected. Doing so will not affect the notes you have already chosen.
4.3.3.2 Scale Types
Here’s what each of the Scales looks like. Keep in mind that the last note pictured in
each scale type is actually the first note of the next octave:
Chromatic
There are twelve notes in t chromatic scale: that’s the largest number a Scale can have.
It’s like a musical ‘bypass’ setting: all notes are available when the encoder is turned.
Now the ‘filters’ will start to kick in. There are only eight notes in most of these Scales:
Major Minor
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