Arturia’s KeyStep 37 mk2: Modular Command and Tactile Control in Maarten Vos’s Studio

27. March 2026

MILES

Arturia’s KeyStep 37 mk2: Modular Command and Tactile Control in Maarten Vos’s Studio

In this deep-dive from Arturia’s official channel, Dutch cellist and modular explorer Maarten Vos invites us into his Berlin studio to showcase how the KeyStep 37 mk2 becomes the tactile heart of a hybrid setup. The video walks through integrating the controller with Eurorack, Buchla, and outboard gear, highlighting its role as a nerve centre for both MIDI and CV workflows. Vos demonstrates patching techniques, layering oscillators, and blending his classical cello roots with modular synthesis, all while emphasising the importance of physical interaction. For those curious about how a compact controller can orchestrate a sprawling modular rig, this is a revealing look at creative constraints and hands-on performance.

The KeyStep 37 mk2: Modular Maestro’s New Nerve Centre

Arturia’s KeyStep 37 mk2 takes centre stage in Maarten Vos’s studio, presented as a compact yet powerful controller that bridges the gap between vintage synths, modular systems, and acoustic instruments. Vos highlights how the device fits seamlessly into his hardware ecosystem, sitting alongside Buchla and Eurorack modules as well as his classical cello. The KeyStep’s design encourages hands-on interaction, making it more than just a MIDI keyboard—it’s a tactile hub for creative exploration.

The video underscores the KeyStep’s versatility, with Vos describing it as inspiring to play and adaptable to a range of instruments. Whether controlling a PolyBrute 12 or integrating with outboard gear, the KeyStep 37 mk2 is positioned as a central piece for both studio experimentation and live performance. Its role is not limited to triggering notes; it becomes the interface through which complex modular patches and expressive performances are shaped.

The KeyStep 37 is very versatile. It actually works with any piece of gear in the studio.

"The KeyStep 37 is very versatile. It actually works with any piece of gear in the studio."

© Screenshot/Quote: Arturiaofficial (YouTube)

Dual Control: MIDI and CV in Perfect Harmony

You can even send MIDI and CV at the same time and have basically your whole studio controlled by this small keyboard.

"You can even send MIDI and CV at the same time and have basically your whole studio controlled by this small keyboard."

© Screenshot/Quote: Arturiaofficial (YouTube)

One of the KeyStep 37 mk2’s standout features, as demonstrated by Vos, is its ability to send MIDI and CV signals simultaneously. This duality allows for intricate routing, enabling the controller to command both digital and analogue domains at once. Vos recounts using MIDI CC to manipulate a filter on another Arturia synth while simultaneously managing backing tracks in Ableton, all from the same compact keyboard.

The simultaneous MIDI and CV output means the KeyStep can act as the brain of a hybrid studio, orchestrating modular synths, DAWs, and hardware instruments in unison. For modular enthusiasts, this opens up possibilities for synchronising sequences, modulating parameters, and layering textures without the need for multiple controllers or convoluted setups.

Patchwork Soundscapes: Oscillators, Envelopes, and Effects

Vos dives into modular patching, using the KeyStep to drive a sequence that feeds two oscillators via the pitch output and triggers two envelope generators with the gate output. The sync output is routed to a Buchla system, ensuring everything ticks in time. This patch forms the backbone for a rich, evolving soundscape, with delays and effects layered in for depth.

The demonstration moves through arpeggiator and sequencer modes, showing how a single note can be transformed into complex textures. Modulation of filters and oscillator intervals is handled directly from the KeyStep, with hands-on tweaks to create movement and variation. The result is a modular performance that feels both structured and spontaneous, with the controller acting as the conductor for a diverse ensemble of modules.


Workflow Alchemy: Classical Roots Meet Modular Mutation

Vos opens up about his creative process, revealing that his workflow is in constant flux. Sometimes he starts with a clear concept or narrative, translating it into sound; other times, inspiration strikes from a single instrument or a new piece of gear. The video captures this exploratory spirit, as Vos experiments with sequences, arpeggios, and effects, always searching for that elusive ‘magic moment’ in the studio.

A key aspect of his approach is maintaining creative constraints. Vos discusses the importance of not moving too quickly between ideas, preferring to develop multiple variations of a melody or patch. This allows him to revisit and refine sounds, preserving the unique textures that emerge from modular improvisation. The workflow is iterative, blending careful planning with spontaneous discovery.

Crucially, Vos’s background as a classical cellist informs his modular practice. He strives to play the cello like a synthesizer and the synthesizer like a cello, seeking a fluid, expressive connection with his instruments. This cross-pollination of techniques results in musical narratives that are both structured and open-ended, grounded in physical performance and electronic experimentation.


Tactile Connection: When Controller Becomes Instrument

The closing section of the video hammers home the importance of physicality in Vos’s setup. For him, a controller must feel like an extension of the body—a conduit for musical intent rather than just a tool for parameter tweaking. He emphasises the significance of ‘physical memory,’ where familiarity with the instrument enables instinctive, expressive performance.

Vos contrasts this tactile approach with the disconnection of mouse-driven control, stating that his background as a performer demands a hands-on interface. The KeyStep 37 mk2, in this context, is more than a MIDI controller; it’s a bridge between human gesture and electronic sound, supporting a workflow where touch, timing, and musicality are inseparable.

I want to get to that point also with physical memory that it feels like you breathe the instrument or you kind of have it as an extension…

"I want to get to that point also with physical memory that it feels like you breathe the instrument or you kind of have it as an extension of your body."

© Screenshot/Quote: Arturiaofficial (YouTube)

This article is also available in German. Read it here: https://synthmagazin.at/arturia-keystep-37-mk2-modulares-kommandozentrum-und-taktile-kontrolle-bei-maarten-vos/
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