BeatBurner

I tried the demo of the standalone version of this product about 6 months ago and I didn't particularly like it. This was probably down to the fact that being standalone made it difficult to try this thing's output in the context of a track, you had to export files and import them into your host and it was a hit and miss affair actually generating something worth using. I took a gamble on buying the VST version as I knew it had potential and my tracks are generally percussion driven. I took delivery yesterday (it's a boxed product), loaded it up, loaded a wav file into it and started hitting the randomise button. After doing so for five minutes, not only did I have a huge grin on my face but I had generated some great noises!!

The product comes with a load of drumloops and bass loops to get you started, but I only managed to audition two of these last night, purely because each loop is capable of such variation that you begin to realise the options are almost endless.

I'll probably edit this review in a week or so when I've got to grips with this product, but the fact that i've reviewed it so soon, means that either I'm a total idiot or this is an outstanding product (or maybe both).

I don't post reviews very often, in fact my only other review was for PhatmatikPro which goes to show how excited I am about BeatBurner - it's a stonker!!!!

My only real criticism is the less than comprehensive manual, but then you soon realise that by using the randomise button that you don't really need a manual.

Edited on 20/08/03. After using this thing for a week or so, it's still excellent. I've discovered that some of the best noises you can get out of it are if you put synth loops through instead of drumloops. It gives a real gritty lo-fi effect to the sounds, great for breakdowns in tracks. I think this could be looked upon as more of an effect than an instrument, but the fact remains that you can get some really evil noises going - great!