Jump start for inspiration

It doesn‘t make sense to have a track completely designed by algorithms, no matter how clever they are. But if you‘re feeling creative or running out of time, there are tools that can help you get started, so that the flow doesn‘t stop right at the beginning. The tools for phase 1 shown on the following pages will help you find sounds and chord progressions, create grooves, and also help you with vocals. Audiomodern Playbeat 3

Playbeat is a groove randomizer with four tracks, into which you can load any sample via drag & drop or via the browser. It doesn‘t have to be drums or percussion, you can also create exciting grooves with other short sounds. The starting point of each sample can be adjusted. Each sample has its own sequencer track with up to 16 steps. For each step you can set whether the sound is triggered and in which pitch and volume it is played. If you click on the big cube, Playbeat sets these values randomly and creates independent beats.

The random function can be applied to all or selected tracks. In addition, the range can be limited, e.g. to 5 steps per track with a pitch from C2 to C3 and a volume between 67 and 127. Step, pitch and volume can be randomized individually and excluded from the global random function.

A loop function changes the groove after a selectable number of runs and thus provides variety. Successful variations can be stored and recalled without detour in the lower area. Shuffle and an adjustable time grid are further functions.

Playbeat allows you to create random grooves quickly and convinces with intuitive operation and musical results. An all around inspiring tool.

www.audiomodern.com | 69 Euros | Win, Mac

Algonaut Atlas 2

Atlas presents itself in a sober look with drum pads and the so-called sample map, which consists of countless points, each representing a sample. Depending on the type of sample, its color will be different, predefined terms like clap, snare or kick help with the overview. New kits can be created quickly and without the hassle of digging around in the browser, because if you are looking for a snare, they are literally all in one place.

If that is not fast enough, click on „New Kit“and - this is where the AI comes into play - Atlas itself searches for samples to fill the kit. The previously loaded categories, however, remain intact. Where there was a kick before, a new kick is selected at random. The selection of the samples can also be rated with a like or dislike, which influences the selection of the algorithm for the next new kit.

The real strength of the step sequencer is once again in the artificial intelligence. In this way, either individual tracks or the entire pattern can be automatically varied slightly or completely re-rolled.

Atlas is a practical, easy-to-use drum sampler that focuses not on endlessly variable sound design, but on finding sounds and creating drum kits at lightning speed. Atlas 2 is hard to beat as an inspirational and incredibly fast generator of grooves and ideas.

www.algonaut.tech | 99 US dollars | Win, Mac