Loopmasters award-winning free software suite Loopcloud has garnered ever increasing amounts of attention since its release in 2017. With updates coming regularly and bringing with them huge new feature additions, the main Loopcloud app has gone from a sample library manager to a powerful tool for building musical ideas. This new course from Senior Tutor Rob Jones is a detailed guide to using the app to make music, which covers both the basics and advanced operation, so that beginners and more experienced users can learn ways of using Loopcloud most productively.

The course begins with a walkthrough of the app interface, to help cement the core functionality and basics of sample searching, before providing a quick intro to the player and the full extent of its reach. In the next module, Rob then goes back to basics with a slow workflow that builds up a groove by finding various loops, which are exported individually from the player into the DAW. He ends the module by showing the benefits of working in multitrack mode, where loops can be combined within Loopcloud to get further in the creative process before spending any points!

To further develop an understanding of the player’s multitrack feature, Rob embarks on 2 pattern editing modules that show how to create beats and melodic ideas, respectively, increasing in complexity as the lessons progress. These modules look at many of the editing tools in the player, showing how to customise pattern presets as well as create your own from scratch, and even start to delve into how to apply automated effects. Module 5 then takes this a stage further with a number of inspirational examples of advanced pattern creation, showing how the player can be used as a tool for making instant loops, whether they’re traditional FX fillers or more experimental, glitchy phrases.

The course ends with an example of how Loopcloud can be used to make more complete arrangements, when pushed to its limits! Although not something that’s recommended or certainly its intended use, it’s an interesting way of summarising everything covered on the course, showing some additional techniques for working in the player and also throwing in some bonus arrangement tips too.

Signing up to the course provides immediate access to nearly 7 hours of streamed tutorials, along with the Loopcloud presets from the lessons and a bonus set of patterns for manipulating bass samples. Sample modules are available so you can check out the content and teaching style in advance, before enrolling and learning to master Loopcloud for yourself.

Course Breakdown

Module 1 - Introduction to Loopcloud

Rob begins the course by providing an introduction to the Loopcloud app and plugin, showing how samples can be quickly and easily located within your own library or the store. He gives a short demonstration of how to combine a few different loops before moving on to a demo of some of the more advanced features in the player, as well as AI searching.

Lesson 1 - Sample Searching Basics - 20.54

Lesson 2 - Player Intro & AI Searching - 20.23

Module 2 - Making a Hip Hop Groove with Loops

A simple workflow that shows how to search and export individual loops in the app, starting with beats and then moving onto melodic elements, sticking purely to single track player usage. The module ends with a quick demonstration of the benefits of multitrack player usage however. Lesson 1 - Intro - 3.38

Lesson 2 - Adding a Percussion Loop to a Loopcloud Drum Groove - 11.15

Lesson 3 - Finding Bass and Synth Loops - 12.01

Lesson 4 - Searching for a Matching Melody Loop - 15.31

Lesson 5 - Using Multiple Tracks in the Player - 7.01

Module 3 - Pattern Editing Part 1 - Building your own Groove Templates

A guide to working with the player in multitrack mode, showing how to create a template (session file) for making Trap beats. Along the way, there are examples of loading up pattern presets as well as editing and creating your own patterns from scratch.

Lesson 1 - Making Trap Beats from Loops - 14.07

Lesson 2 - Making Trap Beats from Oneshots - 16.56

Lesson 3 - Creating a Vocal and Modified Arp Pattern - 14.34

Lesson 4 - Loading a Session and Switching Out Samples - 4.31

Module 4 - Pattern Editing Part 2 - Making Melodic Patterns

Another lengthy workflow that shows how to layer up different melodic elements in the player, creating patterns for pads, vocals, bass and synths, which are backed by beats from Loopcloud Drum. The final pattern example introduces the basics of FX automation.

Lesson 1 - Setting up Beats in Loopcloud Drum - 8.32

Lesson 2 - Choosing Bass & Creating Pad Patterns - 10.34

Lesson 3 - Making a Pluck Lead Pattern - 12.02

Lesson 4 - Creating a Bass Pattern - 8.29

Lesson 5 - Designing Vocal Chops - 13.04

Lesson 6 - Custom Filter Automation Patterns - 17.57

Module 5 - Advanced Pattern Creation

A series of highly usable pattern examples, to add to your collection and serve as inspiration for making patterns of your own. Patterns build in complexity and incorporate increasing amounts of FX and automation as they go.

Lesson 1 - Crash Pattern - 8.14

Lesson 2 - Drum Fills & Glitches - 14.42

Lesson 3 - Versatile MultiFX Patterns (Percussion/Vocal/Bass) - 14.13

Lesson 4 - Making Risers - 4.55

Module 6 - Advanced (Insane) Player Techniques - Making a Bass House Track!

An adventurous end to the course, as Rob embarks on a somewhat reckless task of creating a lengthier arrangement in Loopcloud. Although more for demonstration purposes than anything, this is an example of how far the app can be taken and the outer limits of sample editing within the player.

Lesson 1 - Sample Selection - 27.09

Lesson 2 - Arrangement Part 1 - 33.20

Lesson 3 - Arrangement Part 2 - 46.19

Bonus Module - Course Presets Guide & Additional Pattern Techniques

A quick look at the bonus patterns that come with the course, for making instant filtered and delayed bass loops, as well as some techniques for how to create similar patterns for yourself.

Lesson 1 - Patterns Demo & Installation - 3.37

Lesson 2 - Filtered Bass Pattern Techniques - 11.46

Course Outro

1.00

Over 6.5 Hours of Streamed Tutorials

Bonus Loopcloud Patterns

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