Steinberg Groove Agent 4 Manual

							Operation Manual
Benutzerhandbuch Mode d’Emploi
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							English 
						

							Matthias Klag, Michael Ruf
Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Sabine Pfeifer, 
Kevin Quarshie, Benjamin Schütte
This PDF provides improved access for vision-impaired users. Please note that due to the 
complexity and number of images in this docu ment, it is not possible to include text 
descriptions of images.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent 
a commitment on the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. The software described 
by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media 
except as specifically allowed in the License Ag reement. No part of this publication may be 
copied, reproduced, or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior 
written permission by Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Registered licensees of the 
product described herein may print one copy of this document for their personal use.
All product and company names are ™ or ® tradem arks of their respective holders. For more 
information, please visit www.steinberg.net/trademarks.
© Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, 2014.
All rights reserved. 
						

							4
Table of Contents
6Installation and Setup
6 Welcome
7 Typographical Conventions
7 USB-eLicenser
8 System Requirements
8 Launching Installation via the Start Center
9 Launching Installation Manually
9 How You Can Reach Us
9 Setting Up
10 Setting Up Groove Agent as a VST 
Instrument
11 Selecting Outputs
11 Using Groove Agent in an AU-Compatible 
Application
12 Using the Instrument as Standalone 
Application
13Introduction
13 Window Overview
14 About Kits, Presets, and Groove Agent ONE 
Content
16 Managing Your Sounds
16 Loading Kits
16 Kit Slot
17 Kit Rack
18 Kit Context Menu
19 Managing and Loading Files
20 Managing Files via the MediaBay
24 Loading Files Using the Browser
30Common Editing Methods
30 Encoders and Sliders
30 Multi Selection and  Par
 ameter Controls
31Adjusting the Value Ranges
31Buttons
31 Value Fields
32 Using Key Commands
33 Presets
33 Handling Section and Module Presets
33 Handling VST Presets
35Working With Pads
36 Instrument Pads
37 Using an Alternative MIDI Note Assignment
38 Pad Section
40 Pattern Section
42 Performance Section
43 Using MIDI Effects
47Pattern Pads
47 Assigning MIDI Files to Pads
48 Assigning Multiple MIDI Files to Pads
48 Removing MIDI Files from Pads
48 Using MIDI Port B for Pattern Pads
49 Locking Pad Settings
49 Moving and Copying Pattern Pads
50 Overview Tab
52 Pattern Editor
61Common Pad Settings
62 Pad Functions
63 Beat Agent
63 Sound Editing
64 Absolute and Relative Editing
64 Editing Selection or All
64 Assigning Samples to Pads
66 Changing the Order of Pads
67 Mapping View
68 Main Tab
71 Editing the Envelope
76 Pitch Tab
78 Filter Tab
80 Amp Tab
81
Sample Tab
91 Slice Tab
96Pattern Editing
96 Mixing
97 Agent Mixer
98Importing and Exporting Files
98 Importing MPC and GAK Files
98 Importing REX Files and Sliced Loops
99 Exporting Kits with Samples
99 Finding Missing Samples 
						

							5
101Acoustic Agent
101 Sound Editing
102 About the 24 Bit and 16 Bit Sample Versions
102 Instrument Preview
102 Sound Parameters
107Pattern Editing
108 Agent Tab
113Mixing
113 Agent Mixer
117Percussion Agent
117 Sound Editing
118 About the 24 Bit and 16 Bit Sample Versions
118 Instrument Preview
119 Sound Parameters
120Pattern Editing
120 Agent Tab
123Mixing
123 Agent Mixer
124 Agent Mixer Overview
124 Channel Parameters
125 Agent Mixer Equalizer and Effects
126Mixing and Effect Handling
126 Mixer Page
126 AUX Mixer
127 Kit Mixer
128 Master Mixer
128Effect Handling
129 Using the Insert Effect Slots
131Effects Reference
131 Reverb and Delay Effects
131 REVerence
132 Reverb
135 Multi Delay
136EQ Effects
136 Studio EQ
137 Graphic EQ
138 DJ-EQ
139Filter Effects
139 Auto Filter
142 MorphFilter
143Distortion Effects
143 Distortion
144 Tape Saturator
145 Tube Saturator
145Modulation Effects
145 Chorus
146 Flanger
147 Step Flanger
148 Phaser
149 Ring Modulator
151 Frequency Shifter
153 Vintage Ensemble
154Dynamics Effects
154 Compressor
156 VintageCompressor
157 Tube Compressor
158 Limiter
159 Brickwall Limiter
160 Maximizer
160 Expander
162 Gate
163 Envelope Shaper
164Panner Effects
164 Stereo Pan
164 StereoEnhancer
165Automation and MIDI Controllers
165 Automation
166MIDI Controllers
167 Assigning MIDI Controllers
167 Setting the Parameter Range
169Global Functions and Settings
169 Plug-in Functions Section
169 Multi Slot Section
169 Master Section
170 Performance Displays
170The Plug-in Name and Steinberg Logo
171 Toolbar
172 The Keyboard
173 Options Page
178 Using the Standalone Version of the 
Plug-In
178 Making Preferences Settings
178 Preferences Dialog
180 Selecting the MIDI Input and the Audio 
Output
181 Scratch Pad
181 Transport Controls
181 The Info Icon
181 Song Position Indicator
182 Tempo and Time Signature
182 Recording Your Performance
183 Using the Metronome
183Loading a MIDI File
183 MIDI Channel Filter
183Saving a MIDI File
184 Master Volume
185 Mixer Routing Diagrams
188 Index 
						

							6
Installation and Setup
Welcome
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing Steinberg’s Groove Agent 4.
With the fourth incarnation of your favorite virtual drummer, Groove Agent emerges 
as an entirely revamped instrument that raises the level in terms of quality, 
functionality, and authenticity. The whole library was created from scratch to meet 
the requirements of contemporary music producers, for both acoustic and 
electronic music productions. Many innovative features have found their way into 
the new version to enhance the initial design that made Groove Agent exceptional 
in its class.
All the new features and functionalities are  described in detail in this manual. Please 
don’t forget to register at MySteinberg in order to gain access to online support 
offers and additional exclusive services. And check out the official Steinberg 
community at www.steinberg.net/forum for ti ps and tons of other useful information.
We wish you lots of musical inspiration while working with your brand-new drum 
studio!
The Steinberg Team
The Agent Concept
Groove Agent 4 combines the creative power of 3 different rhythm modules: the 
Acoustic, Beat, and  Percussion Agents.
Each of these tools offers its own approa ch to drums and rhythms, with special 
ways of creating your own inspiring beats in a huge range of styles. The creative 
potential of each agent can even be combin ed with any of the others. 4 agent slots 
allow you to mix and match your ideal rhythm section or combine Acoustic Agent 
and Beat Agent to create ultra-modern hybrid beats. 
						

							Installation and Setup
Typographical Conventions7
Typographical Conventions
Many of the default key commands use modifier keys, some of which are different 
depending on the operating system. For example, the default key command for 
Undo is [Ctrl]-[Z] on Windows  and [Command]-[Z] on Mac OS X.
When key commands with modifier keys are described in this manual, they are 
sho
 wn with the Windows modifier  key first, in the following way:
• [Win modifier key]/[Mac modifier key]-[key]
For example, [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Z] means  “
 press [Ctrl] on Windows or [Command] 
on Mac OS X, then press [Z]”.
Similarly, [Alt]/[Option]-[X]  means “press [Alt] on Wind ows or [Option] on Mac OS 
X, then press [X]”.
USB-eLicenser
Operation of Steinberg software often requ ires a USB-eLicenser, a hardware copy 
protection device.
The USB-eLicenser is a USB device on which your Steinberg software licenses are 
stored. All hardware-protected Steinberg  products use the same type of device, 
and you can store several licenses on one device. Also, licenses can – within certain 
limits – be transferred between USB-eLicensers.
If your Steinberg software product does  not include a USB-eLicenser, you can 
purchase one through the Steinberg online shop.
In the eLicenser Control Center, you can activate new licenses and check which 
licenses are installed on your USB-eLicenser. After installation of your Steinberg 
application, the eLicenser Control Center can be opened via the Start menu on 
Windows systems or the Applicatio ns folder on Mac OS X systems.
If you are using other copy-protected Stei nberg products, you may want to transfer 
all licenses for your applications to one USB-eLicenser, thus using up only one USB 
port of your computer. Refer to the eLicenser Control Center Help for information 
on how to transfer licenses between USB-eLicensers. 
						

							Installation and Setup
System Requirements8
System Requirements
Your computer must meet the following minimum requirements:
Launching Installation via the Start Center
From the Start Center application you can easily install your program and inform 
yourself about the package contents.
• For Steinberg software delivered with an installation medium, the Start Center 
lau
 nches automatically as soon as you insert the disc in your computer’s 
CD/DVD drive, provided that autorun is activated.
• For Steinberg software downloaded from the internet, the Start Center  laun
 ches when you double-click the downloaded file.
NOTE
The installer allows you to save the conten t files on a different hard drive than the 
program files.
PROCEDURE
1. In the Start Center, choose your preferred language.
2. Click Install.
3. Follow the instructions on screen.
Mac OS X Windows
Mac OS X Version 10.8/10.9*
Intel dual-core processor
CoreAudio-compatib le audio hardware
VST 3 or AU-compatible host application for 
using Groove Agent as a plug-in Windows 7/Windows 8*
Intel or AMD dual-core processor
Windows-compatible audio hardware**
VST 3 or VST 2-compatible host application 
for using Groove Agent as a plug-in
4 GB  RAM
10 GB of free hard-disk space
Display resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels DVD ROM dual-layer drive
USB-eLicenser (not included)
Internet connection required for installation, activation, account setup, and  personal/product registration.
*Native 32-bit and 64-bit program version.
**ASIO-compatible audio hardware recommended for low-latency performance. 
						

							Installation and Setup
Launching Installation Manually9
Launching Installation Manually
If you do not want to install the program via the Start Center, you can install it 
manually.
• On Windows systems, double-click the file “Setup.exe” and follow the in
 structions on screen.
• On Mac OS X systems, double-click the file “Groove Agent.mpkg” and follow  the
  instructions on screen.
How You Can Reach Us
Click the Steinberg logo in the top right corner of the control panel to open a 
pop-up menu containing items for gett ing additional information and help.
• This menu contains links to various Steinberg web pages. Select a link to  op
 en the corresponding page. On the  web pages, you can find support and 
compatibility information, answers to  frequently asked questions, links for 
downloading new drivers, etc.
• To open the Operation Manual, select  Help.
• You also find a menu item for the registration of your product. As a registered user, you are entitled to technical support, you gain access to 
e
xclusive offers such as software updates and upgrades, and more.
Setting Up
The following sections describe how to us e Groove Agent as a plug-in in different 
host applications.
NOTE
Groove Agent can also be used as a standalone application. 
						

							Installation and Setup
Setting Up10
Setting Up Groove Agent as a VST Instrument
Steinberg DAWs provide two ways of working with VST instruments: the VST 
Instruments rack and instrument tracks.
Accessing Groove Agent via the VST Instruments Rack
PREREQUISITE 
You have correctly set up your Steinberg DAW, as well as your MIDI and audio 
hardware, and the DAW receives MIDI data  from your external MIDI keyboard.
PROCEDURE
1. Select Devices > VST Instruments .
2. In the VST Instruments  window, click the  Add Rack Instrument  button and 
select  Groove Agent .
You are asked whether you want to create  an associated MIDI track connected to the 
VST instrument.
3. Click  Create.
RESULT 
Groove Agent is loaded and activated, and its control panel opens. A 
corresponding MIDI track is added to the trac k list. The output of this track is routed 
to Groove Agent.
NOTE
If you want to use Groove Agent in another VST host application, please refer to the 
documentation of the corresponding application.
Accessing Groove Agent via an Instrument Track
PROCEDURE
1. In the Steinberg DAW, you can add instrument tracks in the following way:
• Select  Project > Add Track > Instrument .
• In the  VST
  Instruments window, click the Add Instrument Track  button.
The  Add Instrument Track  di
 alog opens.