Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library

 

Note: Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library is only available in SONAR “Braintree” Update 1. After Update 1, Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library can be purchased separately from www.cakewalk.com.

Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library features 150 unique loops (available in both REX and Groove Clip formats) by Public Enemy bass player and bandleader Brian Hardgroove. While based in R&B, these loops provide strong foundations for rock and other musical genres. The library also includes individual notes for tweaking existing loops or creating your own—there’s over 430 MB of total content.

The loops are arranged in two groups of seven folders. Each group has its own native tempo (80 BPM and 100 BPM).

Each folder starts with a Hardgroove loop. Then in collaboration with Craig Anderton, additional variations on the main loop were created from this loop by cutting, pasting, re-arranging, and sometimes transposing notes. By retaining the original notes, tone, and style, these variations allow building up a song with variations that can be far more interesting than conventional repetitive loops. Just drag them in, and get inspired.

Transposing and stretching

Each loop has a “native” key, which is the letter prior to the RX2 or WAV suffix. Note that the REX and Groove Clip (WAV) formats have different strengths and limitations:

REX files are optimum for playing at the native key, and stretch well over a wide range of tempos. REX files stretch more elegantly to slower tempos than WAV files. REX files do not follow Pitch marker changes in SONAR.

Groove Clip files stretch over a wide range, but sound better when sped up compared to slowing them down. They also transpose well and follow Pitch Markers; the fidelity depends on how far you transpose from the native pitch.

Modifying the loops

These loops transpose very well in Melodyne. After choosing the tempo and importing the file, convert either format to a standard WAV file by bouncing the clip to itself. Now you can open it in Melodyne and transpose individual notes or even entire patterns.

You can also cut and paste loops to create variations, and there’s an additional folder of single chromatic bass notes. Drop them into a track to augment the existing loops, or create sections from scratch.

Most importantly, now you can have Brian Hardgroove play bass on your session, and add his unique combination of R&B and rock flair to your own productions.

 

See:

Using the Media Browser

Melodyne (Platinum and Professional only)

Working with loops and Groove Clips

New features