Loopy Pro: Create music, your way.
What is Loopy Pro? — Loopy Pro is a powerful, flexible, and intuitive live looper, sampler, clip launcher and DAW for iPhone and iPad. At its core, it allows you to record and layer sounds in real-time to create complex musical arrangements. But it doesn’t stop there—Loopy Pro offers advanced tools to customize your workflow, build dynamic performance setups, and create a seamless connection between instruments, effects, and external gear.
Use it for live looping, sequencing, arranging, mixing, and much more. Whether you're a live performer, a producer, or just experimenting with sound, Loopy Pro helps you take control of your creative process.
Download on the App StoreLoopy Pro is your all-in-one musical toolkit. Try it for free today.
Keystep 37 vs CME X-Key
I have an X-Key and I love it, but I want more keys. If anyone has used both the Keystep 37 and the X-key 37, which do you prefer and why?
Comments
I really enjoy playing my OG CME X-Key 25 with the orange USB-Cable...
...I would not mind getting the 37 key BT version at some point.
The 'near full-size' keys of the CME X- Keyare way more comfortable to play that 'mini-keys'. That's one thing to consider.
Between those two I've only played the Keystep 37. It's does the job.
You probably don't want to see this but I just got a Hydrasynth Explorer and I was impressed at how much better the keys felt for both velocity and aftertouch.
Same
I have an xkey 37 and love it, but don’t have much to compare too
@GovernorSilver @audiblevideo That’s total overkill for a small portable midi keyboard, but looks rad.
Sounds rad too
Polyphonic aftertouch is very expressive - it makes it into a more of and instrument that responds to your playing rather than having to “manually automate” by (implementing lfos on filter mods etc)
Polyphonic - per key pressure response makes phrasing and legato easy
@GovernorSilver here's a vid that has a config to use the explorer as a midi controller for Pigments (if you have that)
Free to access patron post for the files/settings
https://www.patreon.com/posts/hydrasynth-77630880
I'll stop with the derail now
Did I not tell you, you don't want to see this?
Managed to not buy this thing for more than a year, then the price drop to $499 combined with tax refund proved to be an irresistible combination.
@audiblevideo Don't have Pigments, nor am I interested in that, but do have other MPE compatible software, and gear that can respond to polyphonic aftertouch.
Back to the Keystep 37, I admit I bought it for the built-in sequencer and chord strumming. Ashamed to admit I still haven't used either feature. I blame the MC-707 that's been connected to it most of the time - spent much more time learning the MC's sequencer than the Keystep's.
I can't play mini keys (I've tried). I have an Xkey 25 and 37 and love them both. The 25 fits in any backpack or briefcase and is great for its incredible portability (I take it on long flights and can work on things with my iPad and headphones). For playing live, I find that the 2 octaves are sufficient for left-hand bass, but not much else. The 37 key version is my usual 2nd controller for live gigs (in addition to a 61 key controller). The Xkey key-action is great for organs, synths, strings, etc. I find it impossible to play an acoustic piano on the Xkey. EPs are "passable" for me.
Seems strange to me that you would be picking between these two, they're so different. Keystep has mini keys, X-key has X-keys-style chicklet keys, which you'r familiar with already, should know if you like them or not. Keystep has sequencer and midi control knobs, which x-key lacks. It all depends on what you want. (FTR, I have X-key 25 and Keystep 37.)
[deleted]
The Keystep 37 is built like a tank and has a built in sequencer/arpeggiator. The x-key must be handled with kid gloves but has bigger keys.
True, I guess I do have a few more criteria. I prefer the keystep’s mod and pitch strips over the Xkeys’ buttons. I also like that the Keystep has DIN MIDI, and those handy extra knobs.
But the X-key has polyphonic aftertouch, and I really like its velocity curve.
Not to forget the app (iOS and Desktop) that can be used to customize many aspects of the keyboard (down to single keys).
I particularly like the 'pitch bend' combos to change midi-channel, select velocity curve and enable/disable after touch etc.
And yes even with a limited keyboard range it's very fun and expressive to play...
It was one of the first controllers I got for the iPad Air 2 way back, got a bunch of others but I'm back to the X-Key.
(I used the Xkey when creating some presets for the upcoming Mela with playability in mind, I'll post them when the app drops).
Cheers!
You should at least try the Hydrasynth Explorer. Its keyboard is realy in another dimension compared to the other two contenders.
The first time I tried Hydrasynth Explorer was in the music shop and my impression was "no much better than Keystep 37".
But when I finally tried playing one that hadn't been subjected to hundreds of hands beating on it and pressing on it every month, I was pleasantly surprised.