Arturia beatstep pro User manual

USER MANUAL
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Special Thanks
DIRECTION
Frederic Brun Adrien Courdavault
ENGINEERING
Yannick Bellance Robert Bocquier Olivier Delhomme Mark Xiaomai
INDUSTRIALIZATION
Nicolas Dubois
MANUAL
Randy Lee
Morgan Perrier
Sebastien Rochard
Yannick Bellance
Valentin Lepetit
DESIGN
Glen Darcey
Sebastien Rochard
Morgan Perrier
Daniel Vester
Frederic Brun
© ARTURIA SA – 2017 – All rights reserved.
11 Chemin de la Dhuy
38240 Meylan
FRANCE
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.
Product version: 2.0
Revision date: 11 September 2017

Thank you for purchasing the Arturia BeatStep Pro!
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.
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 allows you to receive special offers restricted to BeatStep Pro
owners, among other benefits. To register your BeatStep Pro, visit the Arturia website and
either log in to your existing account or create a new one.

Special Message Section
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.

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 analog-style 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 Arturia 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.
Musically yours,
The Arturia team

Table Of Contents
1. BeatStep Pro Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1. Making the connections ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1.1. ...with a Computer .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1.2. ...with external devices............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.3. Something to consider: Ground loops ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
1.2. Front panel overview .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.1. Transport/Shift buttons.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
1.2.2. Preset/Project utility ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2.3. Roller/Looper................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
1.2.4. Swing/Randomness/Probability..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.2.5. Tempo and synchronization ................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
1.2.6. Sequencer control........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
1.2.7. Project/Control modes ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
1.2.8. Control Encoders......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
1.2.9. Step buttons ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
1.2.10. Velocity/Pressure Pads........................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
1.3. Rear panel overview, part 1........................................................................................................................................... 15
1.3.1. Pitch/Velo/Gate outputs .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
1.3.2. Drum Gate outputs.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
1.4. Rear panel overview, part 2.......................................................................................................................................... 16
1.4.1. Clock input/output....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
1.4.2. MIDI input/output ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
1.4.3. USB/DC IN....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
1.4.4. Power switch................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
1.4.5. Kensington lock port................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
2. Basic Operations ........................................................................................................................................................ 17
2.1. What is a Project? ............................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.2. The Blank Project................................................................................................................................................................ 18
2.3. Making a Project ................................................................................................................................................................. 19
2.3.1. Select a Sequencer ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.2. Select a pattern .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.3. Clear a pattern .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
2.3.4. Set the tempo............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
2.3.5. Enable the metronome........................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
2.3.6. Record a pattern (or three)................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
2.3.7. Sequencer Mute.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
2.4. Project Save .......................................................................................................................................................................... 22
2.5. Project Load.......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
2.6. All Notes Off .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
3. The Step Sequencers .............................................................................................................................................. 24
3.1. What’s a step sequencer? ........................................................................................................................................... 24
3.2. SEQ1 and SEQ2 characteristics................................................................................................................................ 24
3.3. Sequence Creation ........................................................................................................................................................... 25
3.3.1. Quantize Recording ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
3.3.2. Encoders ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
3.3.3. Scales............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.3.4. Step buttons: note on/off/edit......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
3.3.5. Default Sequence Length..................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
3.3.6. Pads .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33
3.3.7. Swing: Project vs. Current Track..................................................................................................................................................................... 35
3.3.8. Randomness/Probability Features............................................................................................................................................................... 36
3.4. Saving a sequencer pattern ....................................................................................................................................... 36
3.5. Copying a pattern ............................................................................................................................................................. 36
3.6. Copying a pattern between SEQ1 and SEQ2................................................................................................... 37
3.7. Clearing a pattern ............................................................................................................................................................. 37
4. The Drum Sequencer.............................................................................................................................................. 38
4.1. DRUM vs. SEQ: a comparison..................................................................................................................................... 38
4.2. Pattern Creation ................................................................................................................................................................. 39
4.2.1. Recording a Pattern................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39
4.2.2. Selecting a Drum...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39

4.2.3. Muting a Drum .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
4.2.4. Selecting the Encoder Editing Options ........................................................................................................................................................ 41
4.2.5. Step-editing a pattern............................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
4.2.6. Pattern Length............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 43
4.2.7. Pad Functions ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 45
4.2.8. The Swing feature ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
4.2.9. Randomness and Probability ........................................................................................................................................................................... 47
4.3. Saving a Drum pattern .................................................................................................................................................. 48
4.4. Copying a Drum pattern............................................................................................................................................... 48
4.5. Clearing a Drum pattern............................................................................................................................................... 48
5. Projects ............................................................................................................................................................................ 49
5.1. Loading a Project ............................................................................................................................................................... 49
5.2. Project management..................................................................................................................................................... 50
5.2.1. Saving a Project ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 50
5.2.2. Copying a Project ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
5.3. Tempo ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
5.3.1. Fine-tuning of the Tempo.................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
5.3.2. Tap tempo .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
5.4. Swing.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
5.4.1. Current Track button (Swing) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 51
5.5. Randomness/Probability ............................................................................................................................................. 52
5.5.1. Randomness ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 52
5.5.2. Probability..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
5.5.3. Current Track button (Randomness/Probability) ............................................................................................................................... 53
5.6. Roller/Looper modes....................................................................................................................................................... 54
5.6.1. Roller mode ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
5.6.2. Looper mode............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
5.7. Transpose Link..................................................................................................................................................................... 55
5.8. Preset Link.............................................................................................................................................................................. 56
5.9. Selecting MIDI Channels.............................................................................................................................................. 57
5.9.1. Output Channels ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
5.9.2. Input Channels .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
6. Advanced Features .................................................................................................................................................. 59
6.1. SEQ1, SEQ2, and DRUM .................................................................................................................................................. 59
6.1.1. Extend a sequence, pattern, or drum track............................................................................................................................................... 59
6.1.2. Polyrhythm mode..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
6.1.3. Pattern Chains............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 66
6.1.4. Enter/edit notes with Step button + Pad..................................................................................................................................................... 68
6.1.5. Fast Ties ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
6.1.6. Editing all steps in a pattern at once ............................................................................................................................................................ 70
6.2. SHIFT button chart ............................................................................................................................................................ 72
6.3. MIDI to CV conversion.................................................................................................................................................... 73
6.3.1. Sequencer mode – MIDI to CV.......................................................................................................................................................................... 73
7. Synchronization.......................................................................................................................................................... 74
7.1. As Master................................................................................................................................................................................... 74
7.2. As Slave.................................................................................................................................................................................... 75
7.2.1. Clock In/Out rates...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 75
7.2.2. Clock connectors........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 75
8. CV/Gate functions..................................................................................................................................................... 76
8.1. SEQ1/SEQ2: Pitch, Velo and Gate .............................................................................................................................. 76
8.1.1. CV/Gate signals: DAW configuration.............................................................................................................................................................. 76
8.1.2. Routing signals............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 76
8.1.3. CV/Gate specifications ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
8.2. Drum Gates ............................................................................................................................................................................ 78
8.2.1. Which pads do I use?............................................................................................................................................................................................. 78
8.2.2. Can my DAW send Drum Gate signals? ................................................................................................................................................... 78
8.2.3. How should I route the signals?..................................................................................................................................................................... 78
8.2.4. Drum Gate specifications .................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
9. Control Mode ................................................................................................................................................................ 79
9.1. What is Control Mode?.................................................................................................................................................... 79
9.2. Top panel functions......................................................................................................................................................... 80
9.2.1. RATE/FINE encoder ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 80

9.2.2. Metronome/Tap Tempo button....................................................................................................................................................................... 80
9.2.3. Swing Encoder .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
9.2.4. Randomness/Probability Encoders ............................................................................................................................................................ 80
9.2.5. The Touch strip.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
9.2.6. Transport section ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
9.2.7. Disabled features....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
9.3. Selecting the User Channel ......................................................................................................................................... 81
9.4. Working with Scenes ...................................................................................................................................................... 82
9.4.1. What is a Scene? ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 82
9.4.2. How to make a Scene........................................................................................................................................................................................... 82
9.4.3. Recalling a Scene..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 82
9.5. Encoders: CC vs. MCU/HUI mode........................................................................................................................... 83
9.6. Shift functions in Control Mode................................................................................................................................ 83
10. MIDI Control Center.............................................................................................................................................. 84
10.1. MCC Basics .......................................................................................................................................................................... 84
10.1.1. System requirements ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 84
10.1.2. Installation and location .................................................................................................................................................................................... 84
10.1.3. Connection .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 85
10.1.4. Where to find the manual ................................................................................................................................................................................. 87
10.2. Device Projects................................................................................................................................................................. 88
10.2.1. Project list .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 88
10.2.2. Resizing the window ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 88
10.3. Project Browser ............................................................................................................................................................... 89
10.3.1. Building a Project library................................................................................................................................................................................... 89
10.3.2. Revise a Template ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 90
10.3.3. Revise a pattern....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 91
10.4. Store To/Recall From.................................................................................................................................................... 92
10.4.1. Store a Project to the BeatStep Pro ............................................................................................................................................................ 92
10.4.2. Recall a Project from the BeatStep Pro .................................................................................................................................................. 93
10.4.3. Template Utilities.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 93
10.5. Tabs.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 94
10.5.1. Project Tab .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 94
10.5.2. SEQ1 & SEQ2 Tab ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 95
10.5.3. DRUM Tab ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 95
10.5.4. Controller Map Tab ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 96
10.6. Sequence window.......................................................................................................................................................... 97
10.6.1. How to Navigate ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 97
10.6.2. Front-panel parameters .................................................................................................................................................................................... 98
10.6.3. Sequence Length ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 99
10.6.4. Sequence Events................................................................................................................................................................................................. 100
10.7. Drum window................................................................................................................................................................. 103
10.7.1. Navigation.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 103
10.7.2. Front-panel features .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 104
10.7.3. Pattern length (Polyrhythm Off)................................................................................................................................................................ 105
10.7.4. Track length (Polyrhythm On)..................................................................................................................................................................... 106
10.7.5. Pattern events ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 107
10.8. Controller window......................................................................................................................................................... 110
10.8.1. Common features ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 110
10.8.2. Toggle MIDI CC values with a pad ............................................................................................................................................................ 112
10.8.3. Set encoder range for a MIDI CC............................................................................................................................................................... 113
10.9. Device Settings ................................................................................................................................................................ 114
10.9.1. Global parameters ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 114
10.9.2. Touch Strip ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 117
10.9.3. MIDI Channel parameters .............................................................................................................................................................................. 118
10.9.4. Mackie Control / HUI........................................................................................................................................................................................... 118
10.9.5. Transposition ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 119
10.9.6. CV/Gate mode....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 120
10.9.7. Sync ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 121
10.9.8. Metronome................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 122
10.9.9. Transport ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 123
10.9.10. Drum Map ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 124
10.9.11. User Scale................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 124

11. Parameter Charts................................................................................................................................................... 125
11.1. Default settings.................................................................................................................................................................. 125
11.1.1. Encoders settings..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 125
11.1.2. Step buttons settings ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 127
11.1.3. Pads settings .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 128
11.2. MCU/HUI encoder assignments........................................................................................................................... 129
12. Software License Agreement....................................................................................................................... 130
13. Declaration of Conformity............................................................................................................................... 132

1. BEATSTEP PRO OVERVIEW
1.1. 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:
1.1.1. ...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 downloadable MIDI Control Center [p.84] software allows you to define a
wide variety of MIDI commands to be transmitted by specific 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.
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1.1.2. ...with external devices
As you can see, the BeatStep Pro can be at the center of some amazing systems.
1.1.2.1. 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.
1.1.2.2. 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.
1.1.2.3. Clock sources/destinations
The Clock input and output can synchronize with older clock types such as 24 pulses per
quarter note (ppqn), 48 ppqn, 2 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 the chapter on Synchronization [p.74] for specific
information about what cables to use with other sync connections and formats.
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1.1.3. 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.
1.1.3.1. When should I use the anti ground loop adapter?
In most cases you will not need the anti ground loop adapter.
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:
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1.2. Front panel overview
1. Transport/Shift buttons [p.8]
2. Preset/Project utility [p.9]
3. Roller/Looper [p.10]
4. Swing/Randomness/Probability [p.10]
5. Tempo and synchronization [p.11]
6. Sequencer control [p.11]
7. Project/Control modes [p.12]
8. Encoders [p.12]
9. Step buttons [p.13]
10. Pads [p.14]
1.2.1. 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.
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.
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1.2.2. Preset/Project utility
1. Transpose Link [p.55]
2. Preset Link [p.56]
3. Preset Length section [p.9]
4. MIDI Channel [p.57]
1.2.2.1. TRNS LNK button
TRNS LNK enables Sequencer 1 and Sequencer 2 to be transposed simultaneously; when the
pitch of one is changed, the other will follow. There's more information about this feature in
the Transpose Link [p.55] section of the Projects [p.49] chapter.
1.2.2.2. PRST LNK button
PRST LNK allows the three sequencers to have their preset patterns linked so they can be
changed with a single action.
The operation of these features is described in the Preset Link [p.56] section of the Projects
[p.49] chapter.
1.2.2.3. 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 (<< and >>) 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 the Sequence Length [p.31] section of the
Step Sequencers [p.24] chapter or the Pattern Length [p.43] section of the Drum Sequencer
[p.38] chapter.
1.2.2.4. MIDI channel button
Each of the sequencers can be set to its own MIDI channel using this button. For information
on how to do this, see the section Selecting MIDI Channels [p.57] in the Projects [p.49]
chapter.
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1.2.3. Roller/Looper
The touch strip has two modes: "Roller" and "Looper". You can toggle quickly between the two
modes by holding the Shift button and pressing Step button 9 while in Control mode.
• The Looper repeats a section of the combined output of the sequencers (i.e., the
Project). The loop starts when you press the touch strip, and the loop size is
based on the location of your finger on the strip.
• The Roller works differently depending on which mode you are in:
◦DRUM/Control mode: Repeats the note of the pads you press, at the
rate you select with the strip. This will override the drum track for the
pads that are being rolled, but the others will continue to play.
◦SEQ1/SEQ2: Overrides the sequence and becomes an arpeggiator
that follows which pads you press and the order in which you press
them. The arpeggiator rate is determined by where your finger is on
the touch strip.
For more information, see the Roller/Looper modes [p.54] section of the Projects [p.49]
chapter and Using the Touch Strip with a DAW [p.117] in the MCC [p.84] chapter.
1.2.4. 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 Swing [p.51] and Randomness/Probability [p.52] in
the Projects [p.49] chapter.
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1.2.5. 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
while the unit is stopped.
For descriptions of the tempo features see the Tempo [p.50] section of the Projects [p.49]
chapter. For the sync features see the Synchronization [p.74] chapter.
1.2.6. 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.
♪: The BeatStep Pro will behave as a MDI-to-CV converter while the unit is in Play mode if Sequencer
1 or Sequencer 2 are muted. If Seq1 or Seq2 are not muted while playing, it does not act as a MIDI to
CV converter, but as a sequencer.
There are unique features available for each type of sequencer, so be sure to read the Step
Sequencer [p.24] and Drum Sequencer [p.38] chapters to learn more.
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1.2.7. 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.
Each Project also contains 16 Scenes [p.82]. Each Scene contains a pattern or a chain [p.66]
of patterns for SEQ1, SEQ2, and DRUM.
The Control Mode button transforms the BeatStep Pro front panel into a monster MIDI
controller, with every encoder, pad, and button on the right side of the instrument able
to send data to external MIDI devices and/or your computer. The MIDI messages can be
precisely defined by the MIDI Control Center software, which is available for free on the
Arturia website.
For a full explanation of these features, see the Project [p.49] and Control Mode [p.79]
chapters.
1.2.8. Control Encoders
The 16 "endless" encoders are highly versatile:
• In Control Mode they become fully assignable encoders for sending MIDI data
(CC, program change, NRPN, etc.).
• 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 Encoders [p.26],Selecting the Encoder Editing Options [p.41], and the Control Mode
[p.79] chapter.
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1.2.9. 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 the sections of this manual you will learn how the Step buttons are used to:
• Save and recall a Project [p.50],Scene [p.82], or Sequencer pattern [p.36]
• Make a pattern chain [p.66]
•Enter notes in a Sequencer pattern [p.30]
•Clear note data from a pattern (or clear all data) [p.20]
• Toggle the function of the Roller/Looper strip [p.80]
• Toggle the pattern load mode (Instant or Wait Until End [p.122])
• Toggle the Global/Per Pattern tempo setting [p.83]
• Toggle the Polyrhythm [p.63] setting
•Select the MIDI channel [p.57] for a Sequencer
And with the MIDI Control Center you can configure the Step buttons to do anything a pad
can do in Control Mode.
But one of their most distinctive features 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 yellow; and for the Drum sequencer they are purple. (Hint: This color
scheme is followed on the rear panel, too.)
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1.2.10. Velocity/Pressure 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 most of the pads trigger notes, and pads 15 and 16 are used
to shift the octave range. When used with the SEQUENCER 1 or SEQUENCER 2
button, the pads are used to transpose the sequence chromatically.
• 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.
◦Individual drums may be muted during recording and playback
(DRUM + MUTE + the desired pad).
• Used with the SHIFT button the pads set the playback mode, timing value, and
the input scale (SEQ1 and SEQ2 only).
See the Control Mode [p.79],Step Sequencer [p.24], and Drum Sequencer [p.38] chapters for
specific information and procedures.
♪: Pads 1-8 are the bottom row of pads, and Pads 9-16 are the upper row of pads.
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1.3. Rear panel overview, part 1
1.3.1. 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 (MatrixBrute, MiniBrute/SE, and
MicroBrute/SE) or to a modular analog synthesizer. The Pitch output is often referred to as
Control Voltage or CV.
1.3.2. Drum Gate outputs
These outputs correspond to pads 1-8 (the bottom row of pads) 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.
♪: 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 here [p.78].
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