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Skippy's
Noizbox
Keyboard Review
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A good loop library will have tons of vibe,
tight grooves and individual hits and patterns separated out construction
kit-style. Skippy's Noizbox goes beyond what you'd expect from a great
library by providing an ear-bending mix of sound design, intricately
woven beats, and a complete construction kit for each loop. Those
who spring for the CD-Rom version get even more, including Groove
Menu (programs consisting of all the loops beat-matched at specific
tempos), programs organised by categories such as kick, snare, etc.,
and Groove Control programs in which every last crack, smack and sound
effect for each loop is mapped out across the keyboard.
A data CD-Rom (included) contains MIDI files that can be used to play
these programs, allowing you to sped up and slow down the loops without
affecting the pitch. What's more, you can change the feel of the loops
by quantizing the MIDI tracks, replace kicks and snares with your
own samples, and create hybrid groove by combining elements from different
patterns.
Tempos range from 73 to 145 bpm, with more than half the loops over
120bpm. In most cases there may be only one loop at a given tempo,
but every loop is presented in three ways: full mix (with synths and
other pitched sounds), a groove only mix, and a breakdown. And remember,
using Groove Control programs and a sequencer, you can combine elements
from one loop with elements from another.
Noizbox moves from slick sounding hip-hop and synth inspired patterns
that recall early '90s stylings in the vein of Fine Young Cannibals,
to modern house, trance, and more Euro-tinged grooves complete with
flickering effects that bounce between (and seemingly around) the
speakers. On the whole these loops are incredibly hi-fi, so if you're
into gritty styles such as dub or trip-hop you'll need to apply our
own dirt. Second listener Greg Rule agreed, suggesting that "if
you have the time/energy, you can pull the layers apart and dunk them
in whatever lo-fi effect you desire."
Regardless of your sonic preference, Noizbox presents an outstanding
arsenal of sounds and grooves that die-hard loopmeisters could use
to cook up new loops for years and never get bored.
— John Krogh
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