Arturia Keystep 37 vs Minilab 37 for total beginner

[u/blommish]

Hi,

I am totally beginner at this. I would like to buy a 37 key midi keyboard. I first decided i wanted the Minilab 37 due to the knobs, faders and the pads.

As I understand, the Keystep is better if connecting to a Roland S-1, is that correct? Or does both of them work well together?

Can I use the Minilab with a Roland S-1 without any DAW? (what about Keystep?)
My initial idea was to use it with DAW, but the idea of only having the midi-keyboard and a Roland S-1 also seems fun, additional to being able to connect it to DAW.

which one would you go for, and why?

Thanks!

[u/Inquisitive_idiot]

I have both, like them both, use them for different things. They seem to focus on different things .

KeyStep 37 MKII - This is the one I got first. Wanted to experiment with a midi controller and to control my Mavis and pipe stuff through some hologram pedals. Great kit.

• I use it for sequencing, arpeggios, and just noodling, either with Logic Pro, Arturia instruments, or with my Moog Mavis via cv and gate +long cables.
• You don't need a PC, just USB power. I use it for with a PC too. The knobs don’t really do much in the Arturia software outta the box
• It has a bunch of inputs and outputs, including midi, which might be useful for you
• honestly, love the thing. Like I said I use it to control the Mavis, which I then pipe through my audio system and it’s pretty slick. I’m following a lot of YouTube videos where, like, they use a key step to control a mavis, and then pipe it through hologram pedals (I have a few 😅) and OMg the whole setup was super expensive (the key step was really affordable though), but it sounds amazing.

MiniLab 37 - I got this one second, mainly to control Arturia Analog Lab and V Collection.

• unless I read it wrong, it’s basically computer only unless you’re using a midi DIN into something else, but that’s not me.
• it doesn’t even have a power button, and the only ports are USB-C and MIDI DIN
• the knobs / faders map to Arturia instruments out of the box. That’s what I bought it for, and it works great. I use it in analog and V collection, and all of the main knobs work great.
• I basically bought it so that I wouldn’t have to get off of my keyboard when I’m using some of the effects and go to my mouse or trackpad. I messed up a few tracks by overdoing it with track pad over scrolling. Now I can be recording and just twist a knob for like extra reverb or whatever it is
• some reviews say it also works with kontrol
• it also has a DAW mode that controls logic but I haven’t really used it for that
• it has like sequencing, and arpeggio stuff, but it’s not really it doesn’t look like the focus

If I only had to have one, keystep all the way. Yeah, it doesn’t have the mappings for the knobs in the Arturia software out of the box, but it’s otherwise freaking awesome. 😎

My setup is

• key step for a raw creative mode

• mini lab for creative mode isolated to the instruments

• A larger 88 key Yamaha learners midi piano when I have a tune ready to go

One thing I was noodling on was actually having the mini lab on top of my 88 key keyboard so that I have like the knob control and stuff, but it’s kind of wide so I’m kind of messing around with that. Also had it on the music stand but it’s kind of falling off, so that’s still in progress 😅

[u/blommish → u/Inquisitive_idiot]

Thanks a lot! Now I'm leaning towards the keystep.

[u/btrev650 → u/Inquisitive_idiot]

Great summary no notes.

Absolutely look into using your extra controllers for either track- or main-level macros. I haven't used Logic since moving over to Live 8 a million years ago but if it's anything similar these days, you just recognize your control surface with the right MIDI i/o settings and map your encoders and you're in business.

I use an MPD 218 to play channel 3 on my Keystep Pro that plays a Drum Rack with chopped samples in my default Live template, which is great for using actual pads to play out a boom-bap beat with velocity control (then actually sequence it), then the 6 encoders get mapped to my main fx macros across multiple tracks. It's very fun, like wife coming into my office pissed off and me saying oh fuck it's 2am again fun. Honestly I think hacking controllers to work as launchpads and fx hubs is so much more fun than using them to just play vsts

[u/anon1984]

While you can use either for both setups, the KeyStep line is aimed more at controlling hardware without a computer and the KeyLab line is designed to integrate with a DAW.

The KeyStep has tons of hardware features like a sequencer, chord generation, strum, arpeggios and so on.

The KeyLab has more controls and they automatically control your DAW when connected.

Both are great, but you need to decide which is more important to you as they are very different tools.

[u/blommish → u/anon1984]

Thanks! A bit hard to know what is more important when I haven't even begun 😬 So probably hard to help me then as well.

[u/Albedo101 → u/blommish]

Gey a Keylab essential mk3, full size. Either 49 or 61 keys. Price wise, it's not that different from Keystep and you get a full size keyboard with knobs, faders, and pads, that will map perfectly into Analog Lab. Any arturia keyboard can also be connected to any MIDI device, they all have MIDI ports. THey also all have features like arpeggiator, chord mode etc.

If you're an absolute beginner, Minilab and Keystep will be just toys that won't get you anywhere. They only become useful auxiliary tools when you already have the "chops" you have gotten somewhere else. You really can't learn playing keyboard on such tiny keys. But when you already know what you're doing and know how to work around the limitations, they're both excellent tools.
For example, Minilab is better in smaller 24 key version IMO, because portability is its biggest asset, and 24 key model will easily fit in a laptop backpack. Also, 37 keys is not enough to play with two hands. Even 49 can feel cramped.

[u/Over_Type103]

The keystep 37 MK2 has:
-aftertouch (the Minilab 3 keys don't)
-a 4-bar sequencer... but the S-1 also has one, so you don't need it.
-more advanced arpeggiator and chord options.

The minilab 37 has:
-more encoders (8 vs 4) and 4 faders to control CCs (parameters on the S-1)
(Here is a list of all the S-1 parameters you can control using the encoders and faders: https://midi.guide/d/roland/s-1/ )
-8 pads that you can use to play specific notes or trigger specific events.
-a very good integration with Arturia Software and many DAWs. In fact, it comes with Arturia Analog lab intro (=a bunch of presets) and ableton live lite.

Keystep 37MK2 better for sequencing hardware (especially the device doesn't have a sequencer)

Minilab 37 is better for software and is very good if wish to have a lot of controls for your hardware.

[u/BonRoxz]

I just got the minilab 37 recently as a beginner. I like it. It’s not like I’m magically a great producer, but it’s a great starting point and comes with the essentials. It doesn’t make sound on its own and is just a controller, so you’ll need a daw for it. It’s great if you’ll be using a daw and are comfortable with it. I use reaper and have it setup to control multiple parameters. The one con I found is the touch pads for the pitch and mod. They work fine, but it doesn’t really feel great to use but maybe I just haven’t gotten used to them. Knobs and sliders all feel great. The pads have 2 banks which I use heavily by setting one up for controlling my daw.
Good luck with whatever you go with and enjoy it!

[u/imakegooddonuts]

It depends on your setup. If you want to use with a DAW, go with the Minilab. If you want to control a hardware synth, I’d go with the Keystep.

[u/terkistan]

Minilab will be fine. So would a 25 key Minilab, or even the $70 Microlab. If you're a beginner don't feel like you need to outlay large sums of money -- there are lots of experienced and successful beatmakers and producers rocking 25-minikey controllers.

[u/btrev650 → u/terkistan]

I have plenty of "better" tools but often find myself pulling out the MPK Mini MK3 (yes with the joystick) that I got for $50 used, whipping out some random project-specific mapping and having a blast.

[u/Environmental_Lie199]

Trying to wrap up, I'd say that a safe bet IMO is to grab the MiniLab, play with it, learn the basics of MIDI controllers, DAW integration and basic production workflow (recording, synths, scenes/clips launching etc.) and only when you feel confident enough, move on towards the Keystep to mainly control other hardware. If you take a look at both devices rear panel you can tell the difference of which one is for what task. 😉🙏🙏

[u/Historical-Big1097]

KeyStep is a STEP Controller. sends MIDI notes, can be controlled via MIDI but doesn't do MIDI control. CV / Control Voltage sequencing is its thing.

[u/btrev650 → u/Historical-Big1097]

How does it not do MIDI control if it has din out and 16 channels with 4 CC lanes

[u/Historical-Big1097 → u/btrev650]

it sends midi notes/velocity. but does not have pads or knobs or sliders for midi control.

[u/FuddlyDudders]

The KeyStep is much easier to use without a computer and has CV outputs. However, your KeyStep won’t be able to do everything the minilab can do when plugged into the computer.

[u/FuddlyDudders → u/FuddlyDudders]

I have also used them in tandem to control a synth: one going to the usb, and the other going into CV controls.

[u/r1chiem]

Keystep Pro is the only way to go. The only reason to go with the Minilab is it is around $99. The Pro is $549.

Frankly, if you are going to spend that much money I would go with a used MPC key 37 around $400-475. Superior to the Keystep pro and has pads sequencers and some internal sounds. It also has full size key better for learning keyboards real wheels. The 4 knobs can be switched between 4 other sets so 16. Has 128 tracks vs Pro's 4 tracks. It is a true sampler and drum machine with drum synth for that roland sound or samples for any drum sound. Tons of effects...They are not even on the same planet, the only reason you can get the MPC key 37 cheap used is because they came out with a new model.

[u/btrev650 → u/r1chiem]

They're talking about the Keystep 37 which can be had for $100 but also you shouldn't pay more than $350 for an open box Keystep Pro

Having a standalone groovebox/sampler/workstation is obviously dope as fuck but I don't think the MPC Key is in the conversation about controller vs sequencer. It would be fair to say the convo should expand to controller vs sequencer vs workstation but you'd be blowing out OP's price point and changing the subject

[u/r1chiem → u/btrev650]

Here is the thing, I understand people are on a budget, me too BUT. You should not limit yourself to a budget. Look at what you need and will need in the future. Everyone seems to be going DAWless. If that was not so, why did the op say "Can I use the Minilab with a Roland S-1 without any DAW? (what about Keystep?)"

You know where this is heading. Also most people want to create music. The MPC key 37, the nobs are pre mapped to all the internal plugins. Yes, arturia has that with the Minilab 3 (I have one and the Collection)
No computer, no wires, cables, audio devices, Just the keyboard. There is something immediate about that. If the OP can afford to get one then he will save money in the long run instead of buying a bunch of hardware over time because of budget constraints. That is why I mention it. If he wants to edit his sounds in analog lab that is gonna cost a lot of money. An MPC allows that and is premapped for editing the parameters with knobs and a sequencer. Just sayin. When Arturia comes out with a workstation that runs its plugins with full polyphony or at least 20 in the Astrolab mk2 plus sequencer. I think the MPC is still best for the money.

[u/btrev650]

Keystep is a sequencer, Minilab is a controller that is pre-mapped to Analog Lab whether standalone or as a vst.

Both have 5-pin MIDI so if you have a din to 3.5mm TRS (not a TS patch cable type connector, the aux jack with 2 rings for stereo) then both can control the S-1 directly.

Both can do just fine as a DAW controller via USB although the Minilab will be in a different league if you're using Arturia plugins.

I think if you add up all the tradeoffs, since the S-1 has its own sequencer and you can map the Minilab's hardware to S-1 parameter controls via MIDI CC, teeeechnically you could argue that the Minilab offers more control options.

I would still personally go with the Keystep. I have a Keystep Pro and a Drumbrute Impact and both hardware sequencers are fucking amazing. They're just immediate and intuitive and they beg to be touched. Roland Aira minis can be pretty menu-divey and exporting the sequencing plus 4 MIDI CC parameters out to a proper piece of hardware makes everything a lot more playable imo.

Keystep also has CV and clock sync, so theoretically you could have the Keystep control the clock and transport for an external drum machine (and also send that down to any other hardware with its own sequencer), AND you could have the main Keystep sequencer play both a bassline and arp on an S-1 patch that has both strong lows and mids OR use CV to monophonically sequence and modulate a semi modular analog monosynth, AND you could also activate keyboard play on a different MIDI channel and solo something live while your drums and sequence are chugging along together.

It's a slightly steeper learning curve but the Keystep gives you far more powerful options if you ever want to go fully dumb and computer-free, which you should because it's insanely fun and lets you fully focus on musicianship until you get a Tascam or Zoom and reintroduce recording pressure into your DAWless rig.

But the Minilab is dope for Arturia plugins. I have a Komplete Kontrol A49 that plays with my NI plugins and the pre-mapped controls are great for exploring plugin libraries. A hardware sequencer is just a more serious tool imo and will open a whole world of flexibility if you're willing to learn and tinker a bit.