Groovemaker gets the thumbs up from the guys over at MacNN.

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Review re-published with thanks to MacNN Product Reviews. This review is written by Steve Berry and Hylton Coxwell.

GrooveMaker 2.0
**** GrooveMaker
Product Page
SRP: $79 (2 CDs, 750 loops), $129 (4 CDs, 1250 loops)

Pros: easy to use, import mp3s, more included loops, super fun
Cons: can't export as mp3; no way to fade volume, pan or tempo during a loop for recording

Given the nature of dance and trance music, one would assume that the relatively consistant and repetitive qualities would lend themselves to easy duplication if you have the right equipment. For those without a mixing studio--or talent, for that matter--GrooveMaker is all you need to become the next club sensation, or at least have fun trying.

Making grooves
GrooveMaker 2.0 builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering several improvements while maintaining its shining quality: the ease of use of that allows even users with virtually no talent to create tunes that actually sound good.

GrooveMaker consists of both the software as well as a number of loops--750 or 1250 depending on which version your purchase--which represent the foundation of your songs.

Central to the application is the GrooveMaker itself, a collection of eight independently controlled channels that contain the loops. From the GrooveMaker you control such vital functions as volume, pan and beats per minute through conveniently located sliders.

The manner in which you select loops is similarly quick and inutitive, allowing you to find unique combinations almost instantaneously. If selecting each individual sound is too tedious you can use the four Randomix buttons to quickly surf through thousands of different combinations.

You can also lock in certain channels, such as bass and drums, and then use the Randomix feature to come up with tunes for the remaining channels, allowing you to create several different yet collectively similar tracks since the rhythm can remain consistant.

The GrooveMaker's interface remains functionally identical to its predecessor, although slight changes make the already intuitive interface even easier to uderstand. A few glances at the manual is all takes to immediately understand how everything works.

Once you have sequenced your song, you can output it either in several formats, including the audio CD-compatible AIFF format, the QDesign streaming format, or in as many as eight separate tracks for use in a third-party audio editing package or manual mixer. While GrooveMaker 2.0 can import MP3s, among several other formats, it dissapointingly can't directly export in the MP3 format.

Other grooves
The Synth Arpeggiator, a virtual synth keyboard, features a new interface but performs the same functions as the previous version. Keys that are in tune with the currently playing loop library are highlighted, and keys will be looped in the order you click them. Like the GrooveMaker, your "synths" can also be marked and sequenced together. From there you can export them and import them into the GrooveMaker as any other loop. GrooveMaker includes 250 synth sound banks in a variety of styles (basses, analog, synths, hihats, etc.).

If you'd like to take a break and let GrooveMaker do its thing on its own, the V-Mix tool allows for exactly that. After specifiying what style of music you'd like to hear, the virtual DJ will create its own tunes. If you happen to come accross one you like, it can be transferred to the GrooveMaker for editing.

Final word
GrooveMaker's packaging claims there are millions of groove combinations. While this is mathematically true, ignoring the fact that many would be identical but with the tracks in a different order, realistically you can expect to create 10 to 20 full (five minute), unique-sounding songs from each loop library. Outside of that, most would just be minor variations of each other. This would explain why one of the background pieces in the hit TV show Survivor (which uses GrooveMaker) sounds almost identical to a song we put together in GrooveMaker a year ago.

However there are 12 loop libraries included with GrooveMaker 2.0, and though the possibilities are not endless, they are very large. If those aren't enough, there are many more loop packages available for purchase.

Despite whatever disc jockey roots GroveMaker may have, it remains an excellent tool for a myriad of tasks including soundtracks games, multimedia presentations, Web sites, iMovies, or broadcast productions. Above all, though, it's extremely enjoyable to use and well worth the price of admission.

Review re-published with thanks to MacNN Product Reviews. This review is written by Steve Berry and Hylton Coxwell.

 

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