Arturia BeatStep

The clean minimal design and uncluttered feel are a real achievement here given the diminutive size and extensive feature set. The 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads turn red in Control mode and blue in Sequencer mode, providing instant visual feedback which is fast and simple to understand, and the fully assignable encoders feel sturdy and accurate.

We love the connection ports being sensibly positioned on the left hand side, allowing BeatStep to sit comfortably up against a laptop or keyboard, and we love the price too! Capable and compact, BeatStep is the all-purpose control surface that fits in to your music making anywhere.