KeyStep 37 Research

Independent firmware research for the original Arturia KeyStep 37, version 1.1.6.579. An address map, local analysis and patching tools, and the complete source of an additional hardware generator mode. Other KeyStep models and firmware revisions are not compatible targets.

No firmware images, vendor binaries, device backups or full disassemblies are distributed. Obtain the original firmware from Arturia's product downloads.

What you can do

GEN provides independent rhythm, motif and accent cycles, eight development operators, Chord note capture, Scale controls, Commit/Reset, native transport, and display/key LED integration. Its algorithms can be edited without creating another set of native hooks. New native hooks require a separate integration review; this is not a general firmware plugin loader.

First run

Follow setup and expected results for the compiler, linker and local image. Python tools use only the standard library. From the repository root, these checks need no firmware or connected keyboard:

python3 -B -m unittest discover -s tests -v
make -C device/tests test
python3 -B map/render.py --check
python3 -B tools/check_publication.py

Then create local/ and put your own unmodified 1.1.6.579 image there:

mkdir -p local
export KS37_STOCK=local/keystep37_Firmware_Update_1_1_6_579.led
python3 -B -m ks37 inspect "$KS37_STOCK"
python3 -B -m ks37 verify "$KS37_STOCK"
python3 -B map/check.py --firmware "$KS37_STOCK"
python3 -B device/build.py --stock "$KS37_STOCK"

The last command needs Clang with the ARM target and ld.lld. It compiles the additional mode, checks placement and hooks, and constructs the modified image in memory. Writing a new local image requires --output. See the device build and controls. The tools do not download firmware, open MIDI/USB ports or flash the device.

For a first independent change, follow the major-to-minor startup pool example, then choose a specific algorithm or native behavior to investigate.

Contents

Limits

The map is partial; recovered names are provisional. Static findings, host tests and hardware observations are distinct evidence. The color modification was observed on one device with a successful return to official firmware; this is not a general recovery guarantee. The generator build has run on a device and basic operation was acknowledged; extended controls, stress testing and musical acceptance remain incomplete. A checksum match does not establish boot acceptance or stability of a changed build.

See contribution rules and provenance. Original repository code and documentation use the MIT license. Vendor firmware is not part of this repository.