A groovebox is a digital musical instrument, self-contained, common to produce live looped-based electronic music. It has a high degree of user control, which facilitates improvisation. But before delving into specifics, we need a little bit of context. For this, we start with the groove machine.
The Groove Machine
A groove machine is a hardware device that is so much more than a plain old drum machine. Engineers enhance groove machines to compose pattern-based music. In addition, this machine has a tabletop with the key controls on the top of the device. Some groove machines have synched sounds, while others merge sampling and loop noises. Groove machines are most common among dance music producers. Nevertheless, anyone can use it.
Now Into the Groovebox
To begin with the name “groovebox” dates back to the Movement Computer Systems Drum Computer (1981). Crucially, it consists on three joined elements. Firstly there are the sound sources, such as a drum machine, a synthesizer, or a sampler. Secondly, a music sequencer. Lastly, on the top part of the groovebox, you will find knobs, sliders, buttons, and some display components, such as LEDs and LCD screens. These features give the musician the opportunity to create and control a pattern-based sequence fairly quickly. In addition, they enable the artist to use different instrumental or percussion voices at the same time.
All the Pros of the Groovebox
In summary, a groovebox is a machine that is capable of chaining sequences to a particular song during a live performance. You can save these sequences for further use, just as you can retrieve them from the groovebox’s memory, so that they appear while performing lively. The deal with the groove box is that it provides the musician with the possibility to create an entire musical performance with a single device. Plus, it has many different versions and varieties, that go from basic sequencing and sampling capabilities to high-end sampling, high-polyphony synthesizers, and extensive sequencing, as well as connection and storage options.
Groovebox instruments, in general, have been extremely beneficial to many performers and bands. This is particularly true for those who are not familiar with electronic music. These instruments have gained popularity and are part of many performances. The reason is, of course, that they incorporate electronic sounds to the conventional format. The groovebox controls external instruments over MIDI, whereas external equipment control the internal voices.
Groovebox vs Music Workstation
Grooveboxes have unique features. You can compare a groovebox to a music workstation. Although the first is much more portable, it may omit or include a simplified keyboard. And it generally has plenty of user controls. Music workstations and grooveboxes are different and suit different needs. In essence, a music workstation is better for studio musicians and composers. In contrast, grooveboxes are most efficient in live performances. The brilliance is that a groovebox allows the artist to alter the sequence and the sound parameters on the go.
