The integration of these elements into a single system allows the musician to rapidly construct and control a pattern-based sequence, often with multiple instrumental or percussion voices playing simultaneously. A control surface that is a combination of knobs ( potentiometers or rotary encoders), sliders, buttons, and display elements ( LEDs and/or an LCD screen).One or more sound sources, such as a drum machine, a synthesizer, or a sampler.The term has since entered general use, and dates back to the Movement Computer Systems Drum Computer in 1981.Ī groovebox consists of three integrated elements. The term 'Groovebox' was originally used by Roland Corporation to refer to its MC-303, released in 1996.
A groovebox is a self-contained electronic or digital musical instrument for the production of live, loop-based electronic music with a high degree of user control facilitating improvisation.