Pro Tools | GrooveCell Has A Really Cool Feature That Makes It More Than A Drum Machine
Pro Tools | GrooveCell is one of the instruments now included with Pro Tools, but Avid may be missing a trick with their marketing info on a feature that makes GrooveCell more than just a drum machine.
In the description of GrooveCell, Avid say;
“Pro Tools | GrooveCell is a virtual drum machine and sequencer that makes it easy to create intricate beats and drum patterns in Pro Tools.”
However, we’ve discovered something very cool about GrooveCell that expands its usefulness beyond being a drum machine. In our tests we’ve found that there is no sample length limit for each pad. This opens up GrooveCell to a number of possibilites;
Trigger Song Parts Live
We’ve discovered that a song can be chopped up into component parts and then triggered live in Pro Tools, either while the session is playing from MIDI notes, or live from a keyboard. There’s no looping option which means that it’s not a full blown looper (yet), but it does mean in a live environment Pro Tools with GrooveCell can be used to play a song in any order.
Trigger Song Elements
Another great way to use GrooveCell beyond being a drum machine, elements such as the vocal parts, BV stacks, in fact anything, can be triggered within the song. You can do stutter vocal parts and more!
Audio seperated on the grid in Pro Tools
Chop Up Drum Loops
If you want to take a drum loop and make it your own then GrooveCell makes it easy. Use the Separate Clip option in Pro Tools. Set the grid in the timeline to the divisions you want to use and then use the ‘On Grid’ option in the Seperate Clip option. Export the audio and then drag it onto the pads. Use the Spread option and you’ve got the loop across the pads. Then in the sequencer you can do what you like with the original loop.
Use For FX and Foley
Stepping away from music production and GrooveCell can be used to trigger sound effects and foley, be they footsteps, gun shots or swords. You can also use things like pitch and the filters to mash up the sounds.
Podcasters
If you make a regular podcast then you can use GrooveCell for all your stings, bumpers and other podcast elements, then either drop them in during the edit or even live!
Summary
GrooveCell was made to be a drum machine, but it’s clear that its function extends beyond beats. With sample length seemingly unlimited it’s possible to do some really cool stuff.