Arturia's Beatstep

Started by Elantric, April 23, 2014, 11:32:50 PM

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Elantric

This is attractive as its one of the few small MIDI Controllers that still have a 5pin DIN MIDI Output Jack along with CV/Gate  control outputs along with typical USB. Class compliant so with an editor to remap the pads / control knobs   - this might make an Ideal GR-55 Live Knob Control companion using the GR-55's 8 Control Assignments mapped to MIDI CC# control from the Beatstep's MIDI Out. Or control VG-99, or a connected iPad Jamup ProXT, or BS-16 or Beatmaker or Use CV Out to drive 1979 ARP 2600, etc, etc, , , , ,
http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/products/BeatStep/intro.html



Arturia's Beatstep offers a new degree of functionality and performance for a portable pad controller. BeatStep is highly versatile, capable of triggering clips in such applications as Ableton Live, playing drums in conjunction with such applications as BFD or EZDrummer.
But BeatStep is also a 16-step analog sequencer for creating all kinds of musical phrases to be sent to analog synthesizers, MIDI drum machines, MIDI keyboard devices, or computer programs.
Its vast connectivity allows you to connect the BeatStep to a computer or iPAD using USB, a drum module using MIDI or an analog synthesizer equipped with CV/GATE.

Compact Control Powerhouse

Arturia's BeatStep offers a new degree of functionality and performance for a portable pad controller.

BeatStep is highly versatile, capable of triggering clips in such applications as Ableton Live, it also allows you to play drums in conjunction with such applications as BFD or EZDrummer.

BeatStep is also a 16-step analog sequencer for creating all kinds of musical phrases to be sent to analog synthesizers, MIDI drum machines, MIDI keyboard devices, or computer programs. Its vast connectivity allows you to interface BeatStep with a computer or iPAD using USB, a drum module using MIDI or an analog synthesizer equipped with CV/GATE.
Spark

  USD 129 / EURO 99

Watch


Main Features :

MIDI controller Mode – RED LED MODE
Step Sequencer mode – BLUE LED MODE
16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads
16 encoders
16 MIDI Controller presets
16 Sequence presets
Works with MIDI Control Center Editor
Internal and External clocking
CV outputs
USB I/O
MIDI output
iPAD compatibility (using camera connection kit)
Transports can send MIDI CC or MMC
Kensington Lock
Standalone MIDI or CV operation when powered via standard USB power adaptor
USB Class compliant (no drivers)



http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/products/BeatStep/details.html





The MIDI Control Center software provides you with a fast and easy way to edit parameters.

Editing your MIDI setups and sequences is a cinch with this software.

Export your presets to back them up or create archives of your favorite presets to share with others.




Elantric

#1
I have ordered one of these  - principal goal is use as a Real Time Performance MIDI CC# Controller to adjust GR/VG FX that have been set up as Control Assignments for remote MIDI CC# Control.

Its one of the few $99 controllers with 16 rotary knobs in 2014 that still supports true 5 pin DIN MIDI   

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2014/02/inside-beatstep-99-step-sequencer-controller-looks-compact-versatile-qa-videos/




Arturia Beatstep Owners manual
ftp://downloads.arturia.com/downloads/BeatStep/manuals/Beatstep-manual-1.0.1-EN.pdf

cell7

Looks great! Curious to see what you think when you get it as im keen to grab one also.


Elantric

#4
My Arturia Beatstep just arrived - this unit has many uses, and seems to be decent quality components for the price  - my #1 Goal is use the Arturia Beatsep as a live FX knob controller / Stompbox on/off selector for GR-55, and other FX in my Rig. IMHO this unit makes sense to use as the basis for your own DIY MIDI Foot Controller for your Modern Guitar rig. Stay tuned.   

thebrushwithin

I read the manual, looking to see if separate midi channels could be assigned to pads, but it looks like separate channels can only be assigned via the different outputs, ie USB, MIDI, and CV Gate.

whippinpost91850

Elaantric, Thanks looking forward to your further analysis....

Elantric


Elantric

Sensomusic's Hollyhock is an interactive performance environment & VST host with a built-in graphical development platform that is perfect for tweaking your rig to suit your needs.  Built from the ground up with touchscreen support.

http://www.sensomusic.com/



https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13799.msg100849#msg100849

Sensomusic's Hollyhock  has Many many Add-on's too! including a Arturia Beatstep interface "addon"



http://www.sensomusic.com/addons.php


Arturia BeatStep Companion v1.1 (605 Ko)
by sephult
Posted on 2014-10-25 03:09:46
This is modeled after the Arturia Beatstep.
Originally intended for companion control, this device became a standalone
sequencer. Companion control is planned to monitor similar control as when
using the MIDI Control Center.

Elantric

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2015/09/skip-computer-beatstep-programmed-ipad-sysex-hack/#more-39161

Skip the Computer: BeatStep, Programmed with iPad, SysEx Hack
BY PETER KIRN

Blessed be MIDI, again, for making us independent.
Frankfurt am Main-based untergeekDE decided he didn't want to go to a Mac or Windows PC just to edit settings on his Arturia BeatStep. MIDI (System Exclusive messages)m to the rescue. Actually, even calling this a 'hack' isn't really fair: this is exactly how this is supposed to work. Edit the settings you want on the hardware using anything you like, in this case taking advantage of TB MIDI Stuff.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tb-midi-stuff/id480953919?mt=8
That handy app is practically reason enough to get an iPad, even a compatible used one. In the process, untergeek even changed things to work more in the way he desired.
It's old news – the project is from last fall – but rather than just send it to Arturia, I thought I'd put it out to everyone for some feedback. Got other hardware you've hacked in this way? Also using the iPad for this purpose? Other ideas / tips? I'd love to hear them.
And check it out:
Taming Arturia's Beatstep: Sysex codes for programming via iPad [blog post]
http://www.untergeek.de/2014/11/taming-arturias-beatstep-sysex-codes-for-programming-via-ipad/


Arturia Beatstep Tool v0.1 – please help testing [TB MIDI Stuff download for iPad]
http://www.thiburce.com:8080/TBStuff/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=322&sid=2be0e8a0b2ac95f4e24a2910c56f2b76#p1295


uziel_lpz

The gr 55 only has 8 assigns why would you need this many knobs and pads? Is there anything smaller

Elantric

#11
QuoteThe gr 55 only has 8 assigns why would you need this many knobs and pads? Is there anything smaller

In the used channel
Gmedia (KeyFax)PhatBoy (circa 2000)
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct00/articles/gmeaid.htm


FWIW - the  VG-88 and VG-99 have 16 possible Control Assignments, and can use all 16 knobs on Arturia Beatstep 

Many more MIDI knob controllers here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=7.0


QuoteIs there anything smaller

Android Smartphone MIDI control
Bordero MIDI Comander
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=14661.0


MIDI Designer (iphone)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7156.0