User Manual

ARTURIA – KeyStep – USER’S MANUAL 41
8.2 Modulation (Mod) output
8.2.1 How does the Mod output work?
The Mod output connector sends voltage values generated by one of three sources inside
the KeyStep: the Mod strip, aftertouch, or velocity. You can use this output to control
volume, filter frequency, or any number of other modules on the target device.
The MIDI Control Center allows you to specify which of the three sources you want to
use to control the Mod output. See chapter 10 to learn about this parameter.
8.2.2 Can my DAW control the Mod output?
The MIDI Control Center allows you to specify which of three types of data you want to
use to control the Mod output: velocity, aftertouch, or a MIDI Continuous Controller
(CC). You can also specify the MIDI CC number.
See chapter 10 to learn about these parameters.
8.3 Routing the signals
Typically the Pitch (CV) output is connected to a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO), the
Gate output is connected to a trigger input or a Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA), and
the Mod output is connected to a VCA or a Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) or both
through a splitter or a patch bay. Those routings will produce the most predictable
results. But you can send those signals to any parameters that will accept them.
8.4 CV/Gate/Mod specifications
Some analog synthesizers have unusual implementations that are not fully compatible
with the KeyStep CV/Gate/Mod signals. Please refer to their specifications before making
a purchase so you can be sure the two devices will work together well.
We’ve designed KeyStep to be as flexible as possible, though: the MIDI Control Center
allows you to configure the response of the CV/Gate and Mod jacks in a number of ways.
Here are the ranges of electrical signals that can be sent by the KeyStep CV, Gate, and
Mod jacks:
 Pitch has two options, each with its own keyboard reference settings:
o 1 Volt/octave (0-10V)
 0 volt MIDI note range: C-2 to G8
o Hertz per volt (max ~12V)
 1 volt MIDI note range: C-2 to G8 (1V reference default: C0)
 The Gate output has three options:
o S-trigger
o V-trigger: 5 volts
o V-trigger: 12 volts