Groove Engine is a MIDI/CV Step Sequencer And Arranger - Would You Buy It?

Here's an interesting new idea for a product that, on paper at least, looks like it would be pretty cool. Described by its designers as "a MIDI beat and synth sequencing tool delivering hands-on control for hobbyists and professional musicians", Groove Engine aims to bring all your MIDI and CV-capable gear together and provide a more tactile alternative to using a computer for triggering your kit. The project has recently appeared on Indiegogo.

 

Bring all of your gear together. The groove engine's purpose is to provide a standalone production platform for live-stream and live venue performers. Ideal for breaking from the virtual mindset of computers, sub menus and limitations of on-board sequencers on samplers and synths.

Here's a concept video of how it might work. 

And here's a breakdown of the main features:

• 16-step sequencer across 16 instrument tracks
• Output any track to any MIDi channel
• 3 automation channels per track (CC / CV)
• 16 pattern slots
• 16 arrangement slots
• MIDI, CV or internal clock sync
• CV clock out
• Save / recall using SD card
• Expansion slot

Which all looks and sounds pretty cool. There's only one slight issue though - it doesn't exist yet. As you may have noticed from the promotional video, it's currently at the 3D-modelled stage and as far as we can tell a prototype doesn't yet exist. That's not the end of the world - every product starts life somewhere. But the sums involved to pledge backing to the project are quite large - $349 CAD for the basic unit, which apparently represents a discount on the eventual price of $499. Will people pledge these amounts - as much as $699 with bundled MIDI splitters and routers - without seeing a physical product? 

In fairness, D&W are upfront about this, stating that the funding will go towards:

• Equipment:
  • Rework / Soldering station.
  • CNC Router / Aluminum Milling machine.
• Stock
  • Controllers, Programmers and ICs.
  • Analog Components.
  • Aluminum plates.
  • Endmills.
• Development:
  • PCB layout.
  • PCB Print outsourcing.
  • Prototyping.
• Operations:
  • Marketing.
  • Shipping Costs.
  • Unforeseeable expenses

It's certainly an interesting idea - but does it tickle your fancy enough to part with some cash?

[Via Devin Taylor]