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Groove Agent 4

Profile picture for user petearch
petearch
Posted

The new version of Groove Agent  looks pretty amazing: (http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/vst/groove_agent/start.html?et_cid…)

I'm lucky enough to be able to upgrade from version 3 so I can get it for 82 GBP.  Unfortunately though, I don't see it working with Synfire.

So it's about time I started learning how to use drones in Cubase so I can get the best of both worlds!  I know there's a good thread on here about that somewhere.  As soon as I get the time, I must try it.

I guess my question is therefore, what is the advantage of using Synfire standalone as opposed to using drones in a DAW?

Profile picture for user andre
andre
Wed, 2014-07-30 - 09:50 Permalink

what is the advantage of using Synfire standalone as opposed to using drones in a DAW?

Advantages of Synfire standalone:

  1. Self-contained project, nothing to synch or mirror
  2. No hassle with 2 programs using ASIO and MIDI at the same time (a Windows issue only)
  3. Easier sound management

Advantanges of DAW + Drones:

  1. Enjoy audio & mixing capabilities of DAW
  2. Add vocal or live recordings

 

What exactly is not working with Groove Agent and Synfire?

Profile picture for user petearch
petearch
Wed, 2014-07-30 - 19:23 Permalink

What exactly is not working with Groove Agent and Synfire?

Sorry, I should clarify that a bit.  Of course it will work in Synfire, as long as it is assigned to a track that has some symbols on it.

What I meant was, in a DAW you don't need any MIDI data on the track.  You can just select various patterns and the instrument plays along in sync with your project.  This is, of course, the same as other instruments of this type (e.g. BFD, EZ Drummer, etc.).  It's a great way to find something that fits with your song, and can sometimes even give you an idea for a new song if you start with a drum part alone!

You also have the option (in a DAW) to drag and drop your results to the MIDI track if you want to, which then (on Cubase anyway) automatically maps the notes correctly in the Drum Editor so you can easily see which is the snare, bass drum, etc.

I'm not complaining, I know Synfire is not a DAW.  Although I have to admit I generally find drums quite difficult to work with in Synfire.