GrooveDNA User Manual

Version 1.0 • Precision Groove Generation Plugin

1. Introduction

What is GrooveDNA?

GrooveDNA is a tool for creating and editing rhythms with sample-level internal precision. It provides a structured workflow for groove creation, combining hardware-inspired templates, real-time parameter controls, and direct step editing in a single interface.

Core Features

High-Precision Editing

Click and drag individual steps horizontally to adjust timing by single samples (sub-millisecond precision). Drag vertically to adjust velocity.

Template Combination

Combine two hardware-inspired timing templates to create hybrid grooves. Load a 12BitClassic pattern and combine it with a ModernSeq pattern to get timing characteristics that don't exist in any single piece of hardware.

Beat Magnetism

Apply tension dynamics to grooves by setting either downbeats or upbeats as attractors. This pulls even-numbered sixteenth notes toward them, providing a different type of timing manipulation than traditional swing.

Infectify

Apply research-backed timing modifications that increase perceived groove quality. Based on studies of what makes rhythms compelling to human listeners.

Microrhythmic Grouping

Select multiple steps and subdivide them with adjustable tension, rotation, and fade parameters. Create complex polyrhythmic fills and stutters within your main groove pattern.

Multiple Timing Paradigms

Work in straight 16ths, triplets, quintuplets, septuplets, nonuplets.

Workflow Overview

GrooveDNA provides an additive workflow for groove creation: start with hardware-inspired templates (or import your own), combine them to create hybrid timing, apply beat magnetism for tension characteristics, make sample-level edits to specific steps, and add microrhythmic patterns where needed. All within a single interface focused on rhythm generation.

Key Features

Generation Tools

  • Hardware-inspired template library with sample-accurate timing characteristics
  • Template combination engine (Mix, Alternate, custom pattern ratios)
  • Sample-accurate internal editing (1-sample precision)
  • Multiple timing paradigms (straight 16ths, triplets, quintuplets, septuplets, nonuplets)
  • MIDI import with sample-accurate analysis

Creative Controls

  • Advanced swing (-100% to +100%)
  • Beat magnetism (attractor-based tension control)
  • Velocity patterns (accents, dynamics)
  • Velocity depth scaling
  • Active steps control (odd-length patterns for polyrhythms)
  • Infectify (controlled organic variation)

Precision Tools

  • Visual groove editor with direct timing/velocity manipulation
  • Real-time tooltip (sample offsets, PPQ, millisecond deviations)
  • Grouped quantize blocks (subdivisions with tension/rotation/fade)
  • Non-destructive workflow

Workflow Features

  • Drag-to-DAW MIDI export (32,767 PPQ - max MIDI resolution)
  • Template management and organization
  • Preset system

System Requirements

  • macOS 10.13+ or Windows 10+
  • VST3 or AU compatible DAW
  • 64-bit processor
  • 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)

2. Quick Start

Make Your First Groove in 60 Seconds

  1. Load the plugin in your DAW on a MIDI track
  2. Select a groove template from dropdown #1 (try "12BitClassic" category)
  3. Choose a velocity pattern from dropdown #2 (try "Accents" category)
  4. Adjust swing with the Swing knob to taste (-100% to +100%)
  5. Drag the Export MIDI button into your DAW timeline to create a MIDI clip
  6. Route the MIDI to your drum instrument and press play
You now have a groove with authentic hardware timing character!

3. Interface Overview

Layout Structure

The GrooveDNA interface is organized into four main sections:

Header Section (Top)

  • Timing paradigm selector and groove/pattern dropdowns
  • Combine, Clear, and Infectify buttons
  • Save and Export MIDI controls

Parameter Section (Upper middle)

  • Three rotary knobs: Swing, Velocity Depth, Beat Magnetism
  • Real-time performance controls

Groove Editor (Center - main area)

  • Visual step display (cyan bars = timing and velocity)
  • Active steps slider (cyan horizontal bar)
  • Bar markers (1, 2, 3, 4) for orientation

Utility Section (Bottom)

  • MIDI drop zone (left)
  • Grouped block editing indicator (right)

4. Component Reference

1 Groove Template Selector (Groove A)

Purpose: Load hardware-inspired groove templates or user-imported grooves

Preset Categories

Category Description
12BitClassic Late 80s 12-bit sampler timing, known for signature swing character
90sSampler 90s flagship 16-bit sampler with refined timing characteristics
AnalogDrumBox Modern analog drum synthesizer with distinctive timing feel
Basic Patterns Fundamental timing feels (straight, shuffle, swing variations)
ClassicSeq Early 80s digital drum machine sequencer timing
ModernSeq Contemporary analog monosynth sequencer feels
Factory Presets Combined hardware grooves and patterns with grouped blocks
NuclearDrumMachine Pioneering early 80s digital drum machine timing
VintageSampler Legendary late 80s 12-bit sampler with gritty timing character
Each template models sample-accurate timing inspired by classic hardware. Templates are starting points - edit them freely in the Groove Editor.

2 Velocity Pattern Selector

Purpose: Apply independent velocity dynamics to your groove

Pattern Categories

Category Description
Basic Fundamental velocity patterns and manual control
Kicks Velocity patterns optimized for kick drum dynamics
Snares Velocity patterns for snare ghost notes and accents
Hats Hi-hat velocity variations and open/closed dynamics
Genres Genre-specific velocity patterns (house, techno, hip-hop, etc.)
World Velocity patterns inspired by world percussion traditions
Dynamics Crescendos, decrescendos, and dynamic curves
Accents Downbeat, upbeat, and syncopated accent patterns
Experimental Unconventional and randomized velocity patterns

3 Groove Template Selector (Groove B)

Purpose: Select a second groove for combination operations

Functions identically to Groove A selector. Only active when preparing to combine grooves.

4 Combination Method Selector

Purpose: Choose how to combine Groove A and Groove B

Blend Methods

  • Mix 50/50 - Weighted average of timing positions
  • A Dominant (75/25) - 75% Groove A, 25% Groove B
  • B Dominant (25/75) - 25% Groove A, 75% Groove B
  • Random Mix - Randomly selects from A or B for each step

Alternate Methods

  • Alternate Eighths - Alternates every pair of steps
  • Alternate Bars - Bar 1 from A, Bar 2 from B
  • 4+4 Pattern - 4 steps from A, 4 steps from B

Complex Methods

  • 4+2 Pattern - 4 steps from A, 2 from B
  • 6+2 Pattern - 6 steps from A, 2 from B
  • 10+2 Pattern - 10 steps from A, 2 from B
  • 14+2 Pattern - 14 steps from A, 2 from B
  • 30+2 Pattern - 30 steps from A, 2 from B

5 Combine Grooves Button

Purpose: Fuse two grooves to create hybrid rhythmic characteristics

Usage

  1. Select Groove A - This becomes the base timing
  2. Select Groove B - This provides the fusion characteristics
  3. Choose combination method from dropdown
  4. Click "Combine Grooves" button
  5. Result appears in Groove Editor as new editable groove

6 Clear Button

Purpose: Reset the current groove to defaults

  • Returns to perfectly straight timing (no swing, no offsets)
  • Resets all velocities to 80% (MIDI 102)
  • Does not change timing paradigm or active steps

7 Infectify Button

Purpose: Apply intelligent randomization to add organic variation

Usage

  • Click to apply controlled randomization to timing and velocity
  • Creates human-like imperfections while staying musical
  • Multiple clicks produce different results
  • Subtle enough for professional production
Infectify adds the subtle timing variations that make programmed beats feel more human and engaging. Use it to bring life to rigid patterns.

8 Save Button

Purpose: Save current groove as a new template in your library

What Gets Saved

  • All step timing offsets (sample-accurate)
  • All step velocities
  • Active step count
  • Timing paradigm
  • Grouped block configurations
  • Manual edits and modifications

9 Export MIDI Button

Purpose: Drag to create MIDI file of current groove

Usage

  1. Ensure groove is ready in Groove Editor
  2. Click and hold "Export MIDI" button
  3. Drag cursor into DAW timeline
  4. Release to create MIDI clip
  5. Route MIDI to your drum instrument

10 Swing Knob

Purpose: Apply swing timing to the groove

Parameter Range: -100% to +100%

  • 0% = Perfectly straight (no swing)
  • Positive values = Delay even-numbered sixteenth notes
  • Negative values = Rush even-numbered sixteenth notes
  • 67% = Classic triplet feel

11 Velocity Depth Knob

Purpose: Control the intensity of velocity patterns

Parameter Range: 0% to 100%

  • 0% = All steps at same velocity (no dynamics)
  • 50% = Moderate dynamics
  • 100% = Maximum dynamic range

12 Beat Magnetism Knob

Purpose: Create tension by setting beat attractors

Parameter Range: -50% to +50%

  • Turn Left - Downbeats become attractors
  • Center (0%) - No magnetism applied
  • Turn Right - Upbeats become attractors

13 Active Steps Slider

Purpose: Define groove length by activating/deactivating steps

Creative Applications

  • Odd time signatures: Set to 11 steps for 11/16 pattern
  • Polyrhythms: 13 steps over 4/4 creates phase shifting
  • Progressive patterns: Start with 8, expand to 16 for build-up

14 Groove Editor (Main Area)

Purpose: Visual representation and direct editing of groove

Direct Editing

  • Velocity: Click and drag vertically
  • Timing: Click and drag horizontally
  • Multi-select: Lasso to select multiple steps
  • Right-click: Context menu for grouping

15 Timing Paradigm Selector

Purpose: Select the rhythmic subdivision grid

Paradigm Steps per Bar Total Steps
Straight (1/16 Notes) 16 64
Triplets 24 96
Quintuplets 20 80
Septuplets 28 112
Nonuplets 36 144

16 MIDI Drop Zone

Purpose: Import external MIDI files

What Gets Imported

  • Note timing (sub-millisecond precision)
  • Note velocities
  • Pattern length (up to 4 bars)

17 Grouped Block Selection

Purpose: Create subdivided microrhythms by grouping multiple steps together

How to Create a Grouped Block

  1. Lasso select multiple adjacent steps in the Groove Editor
  2. Either right-click the selection and choose "Group" OR press G
  3. The selected steps merge into a single grouped block
  4. Use the subdivision controls (bottom right) to edit the block

Subdivision Parameters

  • Divisions: Split block into sub-steps (1-128)
  • Tension: Adjust timing distribution within the block
  • Rotation: Rotate the subdivision pattern start point
  • Fade: Control velocity envelope across subdivisions
Grouped blocks are useful for creating fills, rolls, and glitchy microrhythms. Try grouping 2-4 steps and setting divisions to 6 or 8 for classic drum roll effects.

5. Workflows & Techniques

Basic Workflow: Quick Groove Creation

  1. Select timing paradigm - Start with "Straight"
  2. Choose groove template - Pick from factory library
  3. Apply velocity pattern - Add dynamics
  4. Adjust swing - Fine-tune feel (-30% to 67% typical)
  5. Tweak magnetism - Keep low (0-20%) for authenticity
  6. Export to DAW - Drag Export MIDI button to timeline
  7. Route and play - Connect to drum instrument
Time investment: 30 seconds to 2 minutes

Pro Technique: Comprehensive Groove Generation

Phase 1: Conceptualize

Define what you want:

  • Musical style and BPM
  • Groove feel (loose, tight, hybrid)
  • Timing paradigm (straight, triplets, polyrhythmic)
  • Dynamic character (aggressive, subtle, evolving)

Phase 2: Foundation

Option A - Hardware Template

  • Browse factory library for closest feel
  • Leverage decades of proven groove DNA
  • Start from authentic hardware timing

Option B - MIDI Import

  • Drag reference groove from favorite track
  • Capture sample-accurate timing automatically
  • Use as-is or as starting point

Option C - Blank Canvas

  • Click Clear button for straight timing
  • Build from scratch with manual editing
  • Complete creative freedom

Pro Technique: Polyrhythmic Patterns

Method 1: Odd Active Steps

  1. Set Active Steps to 11 (for 11/16 feel over 4/4)
  2. Pattern completes over multiple bars before looping
  3. Creates metric modulation effect
  4. Export 4-8 bars for full evolution

Method 2: Grouped Blocks with Tension

  1. Lasso select 8 steps
  2. Group and set Divisions to 7
  3. Adjust Tension to skew timing
  4. Rotate for variation
  5. Creates 7-over-8 polyrhythm

6. Technical Reference

Internal Timing Precision

What It Means: GrooveDNA processes and stores timing deviations at the individual sample level internally. This provides sub-millisecond precision for all editing operations, template storage, and real-time parameter calculations.

Internal Specifications

  • Internal timing resolution: 1 sample (0.023ms @ 44.1kHz)
  • Maximum timing offset: ±500 milliseconds per step
  • Velocity resolution: 128 levels (MIDI standard)

MIDI Export Note

GrooveDNA exports MIDI at 32,767 PPQ (the maximum allowed by the MIDI specification). However, your DAW may impose its own MIDI resolution limits when importing the file. Common DAW internal resolutions range from 480 to 960 PPQ. This means that while the plugin exports at maximum MIDI resolution, the final timing accuracy depends on your DAW's MIDI implementation.

For maximum accuracy, check your DAW's MIDI resolution settings and documentation.

Timing Paradigms

Paradigm Steps per Bar Total Steps (4 bars) Common Use
Straight (1/16 Notes) 16 64 Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Electronic
Triplets 24 96 Shuffle, Blues, Jazz
Quintuplets 20 80 Polyrhythmic, Experimental
Septuplets 28 112 Progressive, Math Rock
Nonuplets 36 144 Dense Subdivisions

Key Technical Features

High Resolution MIDI Export

GrooveDNA exports MIDI at 32,767 PPQ (the maximum allowed by the MIDI specification). Standard MIDI files typically use 480-960 PPQ. The actual resolution preserved depends on your DAW's MIDI import capabilities.

Internal Groove Precision

Hardware drum machines introduce characteristic timing deviations of 50-200 samples. GrooveDNA stores and processes these at full sample-level precision internally.

Real-Time Processing

All timing adjustments, swing, and beat magnetism are calculated in real-time without introducing latency or affecting your DAW's performance.

MIDI Export Details

Parameter Value
Format Standard MIDI File (SMF) Type 0
Export Resolution 32,767 PPQ (MIDI spec maximum)
Channel MIDI Channel 10 (GM Drums)
Note Mapping C1 (MIDI note 36) = Step 1
Duration Based on active steps (up to 4 bars)
DAWs vary in how they handle high-resolution MIDI imports. The exported file contains maximum precision; the imported result depends on your DAW.

7. Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Groove doesn't export

  • Ensure at least one step is active
  • Check that groove is loaded in editor
  • Verify DAW supports drag-and-drop MIDI

Timing sounds off

  • Check your DAW's sample rate matches session
  • Ensure no additional quantization in DAW
  • Verify plugin latency compensation is enabled

Can't combine grooves

  • Both Groove A and B must be selected
  • Combination method must be chosen
  • Grooves must be compatible timing paradigms

Performance Tips

CPU Usage

  • Close plugin window when not editing
  • Freeze track after exporting MIDI

Timing Accuracy

  • Work at higher sample rates for maximum precision
  • Use buffer sizes of 256 samples or lower
  • Enable direct monitoring if available

Version History

Version 1.0.0 (January 2026)

  • Initial release
  • Factory groove library with 9 hardware-inspired categories
  • Velocity pattern library with 9 categories
  • High-precision internal timing
  • Drag-and-drop MIDI import/export (32,767 PPQ)
  • Grouped block quantization with subdivision controls
  • Real-time parameter control

License & Copyright

GrooveDNA is copyright Enzyme Technologies LLC 2026. All rights reserved.

The included groove templates are derived from analysis of hardware units and are provided for musical use. MIDI files created with GrooveDNA are yours to use in your productions without restriction.

This manual reflects GrooveDNA version 1.0.0.