Published
Tue, Mar 8, 2005, 09:07
- Rockstar Games - better known for its hit videogames such as wildly successful Grand Theft Auto franchise - released its free Macromedia Flash-based on-line sequencing software Beaterator
Rockstar Games - better known for its hit videogames such as wildly successful Grand Theft Auto franchise - released its free Macromedia Flash-based on-line sequencing software Beaterator on Friday. The online software has a decent feature set, features a built-in royalty-free loops and samples bank from some serious producers, and best of all - is free to use.
Beaterator continues Rockstar's tradition of giving something back to the on-line creative community which started with the annual Rockstar "Upload" competitions which last year made two thousand dollar and higher awards for best DJ Mix, Best Short Subject Film, Best Short Fiction and Best Multimedia. Rockstar's "Rhymerator" (also free Flash software) for aspiring MCs followed.
With Rockstar's music sequencer Beaterator, according to some, Reason and Logic are no longer necessary to make beats. For comparison, most music sequencers cost upwards of U.S. $999 - a steep price for your average bedroom producer. Beaterator allows aspiring electronic musicians to sequence up to 8 drum tracks, basslines, and other elements. It also has an advanced effects module, 240 bar limit, full BPM control, and the ability to upload samples as well as create original drum loops using Rockstar's original sound bank comprised of hundreds of hi-hats, cymbals, loops, drum kit sounds, synths and strings which are provided free-for-use - all running entirely within its browser-based, Flash application environment.
Rockstar has successfully engaged some very respected production names to lend credibility to its sound banks with techno gurus Juan Atkins, Matthew Dear and Josh Wink's Ovum co-conspirator King Britt and hip-hop producers and remixers Steinski and Avee & 3D supplying the loops and samples.
At the very least, Rockstar should be congratulated for making what looks to be a useful piece of interactive sequencing software available for free on the internet - it's bound to help and inspire budding electronic producers sink their teeth into that first track.