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3. Exploring Loopcloud’s browsing features

1 Let’s explore Loopcloud’s DAW integration in more detail. Getting started couldn’t be simpler: after installing the Loopcloud software, open your DAW and the Loopcloud browser, then add the Loopcloud VSTi to a MIDI channel. Look at the bottom centre of the Loopcloud browser and you’ll see that it’s connected to your DAW for synced playback.

2 First up, let’s find some percussion for the intro of a house track. Open the Store tab in Loopcloud, then go into the Instruments section. Select Ride, then House in the Genres section; this’ll give us a selection of house loops containing rides to choose from. Pick a loop and drag it into your DAW – we’ve gone for a wide clap and ride backbeat.

3 Now, we’ll find a melodic loop for the intro. First, clear the search criteria in Loopcloud’s browser before setting the Auto Key to C - this’ll transpose any out-ofkey samples into the key of our track during preview. Now select Synth Lead in the Instrument section before previewing some lead loops and choosing one you like the sound of.

4 We’ve chosen a lead that’s in A, so after dropping it onto the arrange page, we’ll pitch it up 3 semitones so it’s in key with our track. Next, we’ll add a snare to our main drum beat. Loop over the drop, then select Snare 1 from the Pattern box in Loopcloud’s browser to play back one-shots on beats 2 and 4 of each bar.

5 As before, we can use Loopcloud’s search function to find and preview a bunch of snares before picking one that suits the track well. When you’ve found your ideal snare, drag it into your DAW and place it on beats 2 and 4 of each bar. To finish, we’ll add a cool off-beat hi-hat to the second eight bars of our drop.

6 Clear the search options in the Loopcloud browser, then set the Pattern to Off Beat 1. Select Hi Hat from the Instruments section – this’ll show every hi-hat loop and one-shot available in Loopcloud. Now, pick a one-shot of your choice before arranging it on the offbeat over the second eight bars of the arrangement to add interest.