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 Installation & Activation
Please visit www.pitchinnovations.com and either sign up or log in as needed. Once you have successfully logged in
or created an account, you can proceed to download the latest installer for MacOS or PC.

Upon launching Groove Shaper for the rst time, you will be prompted to enter your email and password. Please
utilise the username and password that you previously created on our website to activate the plugin. For successful
activation, ensure that you have an active internet connection.

In the event of encountering any errors during the installation or activation process, we encourage you to reach out to
our dedicated support team at support@pitchinnovations.com. Kindly quote the speci c error text for swift and
e cient assistance.

System Requirements
64 bit Operating Systems:
• Windows 10 and above
• OS X 10.12 and above
• Windows 7 (will work but not o cially supported)

Available Formats
• AU • MFX
• VST • Standalone
• VST3

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 Plugin Scanner
When you rst open the plugin, a pop-up window will appear.
Click the 'Scan' button to initiate the scanning process, and it will take
a few minutes to complete.

If you are satis ed with the listed plugins, click on 'Close Scanner.

Alternatively, if you wish to further customise the plugin list, click

Figure - 1

‘Add Custom Plugin Locations.'

Drag & Drop :

You can also drag and drop any component/VST/VST3 le into the plugin scanner application.

Clicking on 'Options' provides access to various additional settings, including the ability to customise the plugin list
and con gure other scanning options.

Missing Plugins? Contact Support: If any desired plugins are absent, contact support@pitchinnovations.com for
assistance.

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 User Interface Guide

Figure - 2

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 Header

Figure - 3

Host - Click here to select your preferred Synth or Sampler instruments.

Time - Click here to reveal a dropdown list to choose your time signature for the Shape Sequencer.

Bars - Click here to modify the loop length of the sequencer. Four steps are equal to one bar.

Presets - Click here to load your sequencer presets. It comes with a collection of factory presets to get you
started.

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 Mode
‣ AUTO (DAW/PERFORM) - Groove Shaper intelligently switches between DAW and Perform modes
based on how you're using the plugin. When your DAW is not in playback, Groove Shaper enters
PERFORM mode, optimising for live performance with MIDI devices. Conversely, when your DAW is
playing, Groove Shaper switches to DAW mode, ideal for working with MIDI clips in your DAW.

‣ PERFORM - This mode is optimised for live playback using MIDI devices. Once the plugin receives MIDI
input, the sequencer activates instantly, stops immediately when the MIDI data input stops. The sequencer
will reset to the top when MIDI input is not received. This ensures smooth and precise performances from
your MIDI input device, allowing for seamless play and stop transitions.

‣ DAW - This mode is speci cally tailored for use when a MIDI clip is present in your Digital Audio
Workstation (DAW). It starts sequencing upon receiving MIDI signals, similar to Perform mode, but with a
distinction: it waits for a brief bu er period after MIDI input. If no further MIDI input is detected during this
bu er, the sequencer stops, ensuring clean sequences or playback without overlapping notes.

‣ SHAPE HOLD - In this mode, the plugin loops a single shape when it receives the MIDI input signal.
When the user re-triggers the MIDI input, the plugin moves to the next shape and continues looping that
shape until the user re-triggers it.

Arpeggiator - Click here to trigger an arpeggiation of each note in the sequence, ascending in pitch.

Settings - Click here to access the settings tab, where you can transpose, select a skin, and modify other
settings.
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 Introducing the Shape Blocks

Figure - 4

DRAG & DROP :

The lower eight blocks are known as the ‘Shape Blocks’. Users can drag and drop desired shapes into the
Shape Sequencer located above. (Fig. 5).

HOW SHAPE BLOCKS WORK :

Shapes are represented based on the number of sides they possess, and the notes are distributed across a beat
(equivalent to a quarter note). For instance, a Triangle with three sides corresponds to a triplet rhythm, while a
Pentagon with ve sides corresponds to a quintuplet rhythm.

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 You can hover over these shape blocks to display the rhythm that they
encapsulate in Western classical music notation (Fig. 5).

USING SHAPE BLOCKS :

The Shape Sequencer functions as a step sequencer, allowing users add
each Shape Block into a step.

Shape Blocks can be added by drag and drop or left-clicking the

desired block. The sequencer begins looping every 4 beats (a bar) and
automatically extends loop length when adding shapes. You can adjust
loop length using the bar dropdown.
Figure - 5

CLEAR STEPS :
To clear all steps simultaneously, you can utilise the "CLEAR ALL
STEPS" option located between the Shape Sequencer and the Shape
Blocks (Fig. 7). The option 'CLEAR ALL STEPS' will be visible only
when the sequencer setting tab is open.

Conversely, if the shape setting tab is open, you'll see 'CLEAR STEP',
enabling you to clear the selected step.
Figure - 6

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 SWAP & TOOGLE WITHIN A SHAPE
Shapes can be swapped by dragging and dropping one onto another. Additionally, hovering over a shape within the
sequencer will unveil a pair of white arrows that allow you to change the shape within the sequencer.

Sequencer Settings

Figure - 7

ON/OFF - Click here to either bypass the sequencer or activate it.

Global Gate - Use this slider to adjust the global gate length of the sequencer.

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 Swing - Utilise this slider to infuse your rhythm with the desired amount of swing.

Global Velocity - Use this slider to adjust the global velocity of the sequencer.

Dynamics - The Dynamics parameter alters velocity values by adjusting the di erences between soft and loud
notes (dynamics) using a percentage value, rather than adding or subtracting a xed amount. This process is
similar to the operation of an audio compressor or expander.

MIDI Capture - This feature allows you to record the output of Groove Shaper and generate MIDI les, which
can then be easily dragged and dropped into your DAW.

How to use MIDI Capture?

STEP - 1 To begin, click on "CAPTURE NOTES" in the MIDI Capture section.

Once Groove Shaper receives a MIDI signal, it will commence recording. You
can then continue jamming with your MIDI device or a sequenced MIDI input
from your DAW.

STEP - 2 Click "STOP CAPTURING" to conclude the recording process.

STEP - 3 A "DRAG & DROP" button will emerge; click this button and drag
the MIDI le to your DAW. To capture the notes once more, click retry button
and repeat the process. Figure - 8

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 Shape Settings

Figure - 9

Note Velocity - This tab allows you to ne-tune the velocity of each note within a shape. Each bar corresponds
to an individual note and the number of bars varying based on the shape type. These bars can be adjusted by
dragging them vertically to modify the velocity value, ranging from 0 to 127.

Enable/Disable Note Repeats - Right-clicking on the bars provides the option to toggle the notes on and o .

Reset Button - Use the reset button to reset all the velocity to the default value.

Note Length - This tab allows you to edit the note length for each individual note within a shape. Similar to
Note Velocity, each bar represents a note repeat. You can drag these bars vertically to edit the note length,
which ranges from 0 to 100. Right-clicking on the bars provides the option to toggle the notes on and o .
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 Note Tie - Click on it to create a tie between the note and the adjacent
note.

Toggle (between - Note Length - Note Delay)

Randomise - Use this button to randomise shape setting properties Figure - 10

such as Note Mute, Note Velocity, and Note Length within each shape.

Note Delay - Use this slider to ne-tune the delay of the shape, with a range spanning from -127 to 127 ticks.

Magic Dice
Magic Dice enables you to generate fresh rhythms, o ering six algorithms
to select from. These algorithms are tailored to di erent types of instruments,
as listed below. To generate, click the button located at the centre, and you can
switch algorithms by using the navigation buttons.

Figure - 11

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 Built-In Sampler
With the built-in sampler, you have the ability to e ortlessly drag and drop
audio samples from your DAW or any external browser. The sampler includes
essential parameters such as volume, pitch, attack, and decay, o ering
comprehensive control over your audio.

The folder icon located above the drag-and-drop window enables easy
navigation of samples via Finder (Mac) or Explorer (Windows). Additionally,
using the arrow keys to adjust the folder icon allows seamless toggling between
samples within the selected folder.

Figure - 12

Toolbar

Figure - 13

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 Undo & Redo - To undo or redo the last adjustment you made within the plug-in.

Help Text - Provides help prompts to learn about the controls and function while you’re working.

Sequencer Views
Shape View: This default view visualises rhythms using our Groove Shaper's shape system. An asterisk
symbol indicates customisations.

Bar View: This view displays rhythm patterns in bars, allowing users to customise the on/o parameter
within steps by clicking the bars.

Score View: This view shows rhythm patterns in the Western music notation system. An asterisk symbol(*)
denotes customisations, similar to the Shape View.

Sequencer Speed - This tab allows you to edit the note length for each individual note within a shape. Similar
to Note Velocity, each bar represents a note repeat. You can drag these bars vertically to edit the note length,
which ranges from 0 to 100. Right-clicking on the bars provides the option to toggle the notes on and o .

Key Limit - This feature allows users to set the input note range for the sequencer. It enables users to bypass
the sequencer for MIDI notes outside the speci ed range, o ering the exibility to simultaneously input MIDI
through Groove Shaper and bypass the sequencer for other notes beyond the set range.

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 Settings Menu

Global Settings

Figure - 14

Tempo
Ext (DAW): The sequencer's tempo will synchronise with the DAW.
Internal: This option allows you to set an independent tempo within sequencer.

Transpose - This feature enables you to transpose the input MIDI signal, allowing transposition up and down by
two octaves within the range of -24 to +24.

Switch Play Modes Automatically - Toggle the here to on/o the automatic switch between modes.

Help Tray - Toggle the here to turn the help tray view on or o .
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 Advanced Settings

Use MIDI Input Velocity - Toggle this button to input or bypass MIDI velocity for the internal sequencer.

Display Note Values on Hover - This option allows you to toggle the display of note values on or o when
hovering over the shapes in the Shape Holder.

Select Last played Shape - This option automatically opens the shape settings of the last played shape in the
sequencer.

Seq. Bypass(Or Key Limit Bypass) via Sustain Pedal - Bypass the internal sequencer or bypass the key limit
when the sustain pedal is engaged.

Skins
Groove Shaper o ers three distinct skins listed below. Select your preferred skin to match your work ow style.

Aqua Glow

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 Dark Velvet

MFX Version (only for Logic Pro X User)

MFX is currently exclusively supported by Logic Pro X. This plugin version does not
possess the host function found in the regular version. Users are encouraged to insert
Groove Shaper MFX in ‘MIDI FX’ insert in Logic Pro X and host any other synths/
sampler under ‘Instrument’ .

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 Using Groove Shaper MFX (VST) Version
with Ableton Live

Once you've loaded Groove Shaper MFX on a MIDI track, select the instrument
you want to control on a separate track.

In the track's In/Out section, choose "Groove Shaper" from the MIDI From
dropdown and set the Input Channel to "Groove Shaper".

Arm both tracks, then begin triggering MIDI input from your device.

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 Using Groove Shaper (VST3) as MIDI FX in Cubase
Load the Groove Shaper VST 3 version onto an
instrument track.

Note: It is not necessary to use the Groove Shaper

MFX version for Cubase.

In the Groove Shaper window, click on 'Host' and set it

to 'NO SOUND'.

Load the instrument you wish to control on a second

track.

Route the MIDI out of Groove Shaper to the

instrument by changing the MIDI input of the second
track to Groove Shaper.

Now, arm the Groove Shaper track to receive MIDI from your controller and turn on monitoring for the controlled track.

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 Using Groove Shaper Standalone App with any DAW
Groove Shaper Standalone App can run outside the DAW. It takes in MIDI from the MIDI input device and sends the
MIDI to the DAW through the virtual MIDI port called “Groove Shaper STANDALONE” which will be created
automatically on opening the standalone app.

Setting up the Standalone App with the DAW

1. Open the Groove Shapers standalone app.

2. Go to Settings and choose
i. Your MIDI Keyboard as the MIDI Input
ii. The “Groove Shapers STANDALONE” port as the MIDI Output
3. Open your DAW and in the settings
4. Disable the keyboard input from the MIDI Inputs temporarily
5. Insert a Synth plugin on a track and choose the “Groove Shapers STANDALONE” as the MIDI input.

Groove Shaper Standalone with External Hardware

1. Launch the Groove Shaper standalone application.
2. Navigate to Settings and select your MIDI keyboard as the MIDI input for the standalone app.
3. Route the MIDI out of the standalone app to the MIDI port of your hardware synthesiser.

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 Contact
For further queries, please contact us at support@pitchinnovations.com

Trademarks, Copyrights and Third Party Rights

Logic Pro, Mainstage, Mac, Mac OS and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc. Studio One® is a registered trademark of
PreSonus Software, Ltd. Ableton, the Ableton logo, Live Pack and Operator are trademarks of Ableton AG. Bitwig
Studio is a registered trademark of Bitwig GmbH, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Cubase and VST are
trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, registered in Europe and other countries. Reaper is a registered
trademark of Cockos Inc., America. FL Studio is a registered trademark of Image-line, Belgium. Cakewalk is a
registered trademark of Cakewalk, Inc. Gig Performer is a registered trademarks of Deskew Technologies, LLC.
Windows, Windows XP and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and other countries. All other products and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders. Use of them does not imply any a liation with or endorsement by them. All speci cations are
subject to change without notice.

© 2023 Pitch Innovations, Chennai, India. All rights reserved.

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