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In-depth Feature:  IK Multimedia Groovemaker v2.0
Serious music software or just another weapon of mass distraction?
Nigel Lord writes: .

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Sounds + Engine
If you're relying on the loops supplied with the package, you should find plenty of usable material to work with. Inevitably, the range of styles (techno, trance, drum&bass, etc) is limited, but there are an impressive 750 loops supplied with the package and a further 250 synth sounds, so there's plenty of scope. After that you can call by the Groovemaker website to pick up more.

At the heart of the software is an 8-track loop engine which keeps the mix going come what may, allowing you to add (and remove) loops or single sounds in real time. Working 'on the fly' takes a little getting used to if you've no DJ experience, but it's essentially a drag 'n drop process with Groovemaker taking care of all the tricky bits.

Some of the additional features include a Synth Arpeggiator with 128 presets and 'smart note' indicators and a Loopmaker utility through which loops can be imported and rhythmically matched with other loops. Clearly, for those who aren't happy working with grooves sourced by someone else, this is where much of the hard work takes place - if you could describe anything in Groovemaker II as hard work. The very essence of software like this is that it almost completely removes the graft from the process of music making, leaving just the fun and the sense of achievement when you come up with a real killer groove.

And finally…
Ah, but what to do with it then? Well Groovemaker 2.0 even helps you with this by enabling you to export files in any of 40 different audio formats for uploading onto the net or burning onto CD. You can even preserve the integrity of individual tracks and export them to a conventional audio sequencer. And there's good news for Apple users owners: version 2.0 is fully Mac/iMac compatible. Groovy.

About the author
Nigel Lord is the former editor of Rhythm and Music Technology magazines and has been writing on music matters for the best part of twenty years - and still isn't bored.

More Resources              Articles - full listing
  • Groovemaker site
  • Main page screen shot
  • Arpeggiator / loop screen shot

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