Grooveboxes are neat, standalone chunks of hardware that can be used to write and produce a track from beginning to end. These units put a sound source and sequencer/recorder in one box, so you can play around with a range of different sounds while enjoying a more hands-on production process than working with software. As well as serving as a solid tool for writers and producers, some DJs have even replaced their laptops with grooveboxes, but if you just want to build drum beats, then you'll need a drum machine instead.
The Groovebox Hardware: A Drum Machine, Sampler & Synthesizer
A groovebox is like a hybrid, all-in-one production and performance tool. These potent bits of kit form an overlap between MIDI studio controllers, synthesizers, drum machines, audio interfaces, and samplers, and are designed for musicians and producers that are looking for a very specific yet very hands-on workflow. As such, there's actually no fixed definition of 'groovebox', but some of the biggest names that make them include Elektron, Roland, Novation and Native Instruments.
A Standalone Grooveboox or a Controller + Software
If you're looking for a groovebox/workstation, then be aware that there are standalone systems and then there are controllers. With a standalone system - the real grooveboxes - you usually won't need a computer because the hardware itself is essentially a computer. With a controller, on the other hand, you need a computer loaded with DAW software. Luckily, most controllers will come including compatible software. A good example of a groovebox-style controller is the Ableton Push which is used with Ableton Live software.
Different Sequencers: From the Akai MPC to the Roland MC-303
You can roughly divide grooveboxes into two different kinds: MPC and x0x. MPC grooveboxes refer to the old Akai MPCs that came out in the eighties. These units have a 2D grid of sound-triggering pads and helped lay the groundwork for a lot of urban genres. The x0x system uses the different workflow of step-time sequencers - a Roland standard. This standard was used by the TB-303 bass synth, the TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines, and the MC-303: the instrument that originally introduced the term 'groovebox'. x0x grooveboxes are partly-responsible for countless EDM genres. A variation on the MPC interface also came with the release of Ableton Live. While the old Akai MPC was about linking a sound to a pad (so, a button), with Ableton live software you can trigger clips with a whole sequence of audio and MIDI data within the clip. This setup allows you play entire tracks live and to extend the build up to the climax of a track simply by triggering the right clips, allowing DJs to actually 'play live' and respond the vibe of the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grooveboxes
What's the best groovebox?
When picking out a groovebox, the main thing to check is that the workflow will match up with what you want. Grooveboxes are designed to set up musicians, DJs and producers with a more hands-on approach to making electronic music, so it's a good idea to try as many models out as you can before making a decision.
