What is a Groovebox?

Simply put: A Groovebox is originally conceived as an all-in-one device. A small box, with an integrated sequencer and sounds, which was quick and relatively easy to use and fun. The concept was first introduced to the market by the manufacturer Roland in 1996 with the first Groovebox: The Roland MC303.

The concept caught on and quickly gained popularity. All manufacturers released their more or less successful ideas of a Groovebox in the following years, and a veritable wave flooded the market. Whether from EMU, Yamaha, Roland , or Korg. Each device had its pros and cons, but they all had one thing in common: they brought quick and decent musical fun.

The Boom in the 2000s

Fueled by the success that Korg achieved with its MC series, every major manufacturer started producing Grooveboxes - and each tried to outdo the competition with new ideas and features.

Thus, the boxes were filled with numerous innovations and enhancements such as:

• Sampling functionality
• Velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads
• Greatly expanded effect sections
• Possibilities for expanding internal sound generation with Rom sound chips
• Scratch emulations
• Increase in polyphony up to 128 voices
• Sophisticated sequencers and control concepts

and many other points found their way into the various boxes. Often, each manufacturer had a "special" feature that couldn't be found in another Groovebox, so you had to adjust to a model and deal with its pros and cons.

The well-known E-Mu Command Station, for example, sorely misses a sampler, but it can boast 128 voices and sophisticated synthesis functionalities and many expansion slots.

A Roland MC-909 had a large display, a sampler, and a good sequencer - unfortunately, only one expansion card for new sounds could be inserted.

The Yamaha RS-7000 had a sampler and good factory sounds, but lacked velocity-sensitive pads or expansion slots. It led a niche existence, although the Groovebox was one of the best-equipped.

Perhaps its somewhat more cumbersome control concept and high price didn't convince everyone.

These were all known shortcomings and, if anything, complaints at a high level. Groovy music could be extracted from all these boxes, and in the end, it wasn't the above-mentioned shortcomings that spelled the end for "classic" Grooveboxes, but simply the dated sounds, lack of effects, and processing power. The possibilities on the computer had simply become better, faster, easier, and more cost-effective.

The Groovebox in the New Decade

After the turn of the millennium and with the increasing potency of CPUs, hardware in both large and small studios was progressively replaced by software. Or more commonly, by a combination of hardware seamlessly integrated into software.

Consequently, the demand for Grooveboxes as a purely hardware solution diminished, and manufacturers either retreated or introduced hybrids to the market, merging hardware and software together. The computer took over, but the feel of hardware was still ensured through the use of a dedicated, well-integrated MIDI controller. A prime example is: the Native Instruments Maschine.

This device successfully combined both aspects into a comprehensive package and is still very successful in 2024.

However, there is still one manufacturer offering "true" standalone Grooveboxes: Korg with its electribe series.

These units have been built nearly the same for almost 2 decades, improving only in detail, and still offer the true experience of a Groovebox. But even under the hood, comfort has been brought up to date in the new decade of time. SD cards have become commonplace and instead of recording multiple outputs analogically, it's now exported directly to Ableton within the device.

What Should a Good Groovebox Be Able to Do?

The times of compromise are over thanks to increased CPU power and cheaper components. Here's what a well-equipped Groovebox should offer:

• Sequencer Functions: A Groovebox should have a sequencer that allows the user to program and arrange sounds and rhythms. Virtually all units have this capability. However, the workflow for recording sequences can vary significantly between devices. An efficient workflow is crucial for a Groovebox.
• Sound Generation: A Groovebox should be able to generate various sounds through synthesis or sample-based sound generation and should already offer a wide arsenal of sounds. A good Groovebox can also be expanded with new sounds.
• Effects: A Groovebox should have a range of effects that can be applied to sounds to modify and refine them. These may include reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, and other effects.
• MIDI Support: Most Grooveboxes can record and play MIDI data, allowing communication and synchronization with other MIDI-enabled devices. A good Groovebox is distinguished by the extent of MIDI integration.
• Pads: Most units have pads or keys that allow the user to record melodies and harmonies. Especially, attention should be paid to playable, velocity-sensitive pads, illuminated in RGB.
• Connections: A good Groovebox should have a large number of outputs to allow recording the mix on multiple tracks simultaneously. Alternatively, it should be equipped with an audio interface or a function to export individual tracks.
• Display: A Groovebox should have one or more displays providing the user with important information such as the current sequence, played sounds, and effects. Generally, the larger the screen, the easier it is to work. Touchscreens are now present in Grooveboxes but are still rare.

Which Groovebox is right for you?

It depends on usage and preferences. If you're looking for a Groovebox with its own sounds for quick and fun sequencing, you should go for the Korg electribe series.

These have always been available in two different versions. The "normal" version is designed as a synthesizer and simply goes by the name "electribe 2". A brief "S" after the name indicates the sampler variant. Essentially the same machine, but you can load samples into the device as desired.

Roland means business with its new Groovebox series. With the Roland MC-101 and the MC-707, the manufacturer has reintroduced a classic Groovebox to the market that works completely standalone.

On 4 or 8 tracks, you can compile tracks to your heart's content. Everything you need is included: sampler, good-sounding effects, and over 3000! sounds from Roland's legendary sound pool.

If you have no issue with working non-standalone, you'll be well served with Native Instruments' Maschine.

Both are complex controllers that work excellently in their DAW environment and allow for production at a professional level.

A somewhat special device is the OP-Z by Teenage Engineering. This small mini-box is a full-fledged workstation in a truly small pocket-sized format with several integrated synthesis forms and a sampler. This device is ideal for mobile sketches or even complete productions. Unfortunately, the manufacturer struggles to keep up with production. In any case, an extremely interesting and intuitive machine.

With each of these solutions, you can create complete beats and songs at a professional level. It always depends on the creative mind in front of the device. Maybe it's you?