# Groove Rider GR-16 — Groove Box / AUv3

> Professional step-sequenced groove box with a powerful synth engine and effects. (iPhone/iPad app by Dmitrij Pavlov.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groove-rider-gr-16/id1318750537 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Dmitrij Pavlov](https://appshunter.io/developer/478154322)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: $14.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 352 App Store ratings · 188 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 201 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-12-23
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groove-rider-gr-16/id1318750537/reviews.md

## What is Groove Rider GR?

Our users will tell better than us:

"A really good groove box, so easy to get beats and hooks going in moments and the sound is just stunning!" - App Store review

"Well this is something special I can tell you, so much has gone into this and many people are going to just love this" - thesoundtestroom

"Lots of preinstalled sounds, effects and the usability is there. It allows you to be as creative as you like with no need for the numerous sub-menus you find on other software" - App Store review

"This is a very well thought out and inspirational app. It goes much further than just electronic dance music... Highly recommended!" - App Store review

"Where has this been my whole life!... Gorgeous, user friendly, simple and sonically vibrant" - App Store review
-------
Groove Rider GR-16 is a professional step-sequenced groove box, inspired by professional hardware drum machines and rhythm boxes. It has a powerful Poison-202 based two oscillator synthesizer engine, plus a big variety of included PCM drum samples, insert/send/master effects, arpeggiator, automation recording, modulator, ADSR and filter block, and more! Built-in factory pattern library includes patterns in different music styles, which will inspire you (the list will be appended with the regular updates). Check out the patterns demo video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rnGM_rL2cY

One remarkable feature of GR-16 is that all the controls are arranged on one screen, just like on a real groove box device! It lets you access almost all useful parameters from the one screen. Forget about numerous sub-windows and dialogs, which ruined your inspiration in another musical apps! Groove Rider is the fastest path from your imagination to reality!

You can use GR-16 as a ready-to-go realtime musical instrument (groove box) in your jam sessions together with Ableton Link feature to synchronize it with your other music gear. Groove Rider is also very handy for quickly sketching your musical ideas, allowing you to instantly record them directly by using the Record function. Making music becomes easy and fun, in contrast with boring note drawing process and dealing with tons of files and expensive plugins in the DAW's! Don't loose your inspiration, boost it up with Groove Rider!

Features:

• supports Ableton Link, AUv3 (can be hosted as Audio Unit), AudioBus, AudioShare, Inter-App Audio, Core Midi, Virtual Midi In/Out, Bluetooth Midi, Midi Clock sync

• synth engine is Poison-202 based: 2 oscillators, 5 waveforms (Saw, Pulse, Sine, Triangle and Super-Saw)
• synth oscillator modulation types: Ring, Sync, PW and XFM
• 83 available oscillator configurations
• WaveTable synthesis with ability to import user wavetables (Serum .wav format supported)
• Filter module with LP, BP, HP, Notch type filters, 12 and 24 dB/octave
• ADSR envelope, assignable to Amp and Filter
• Modulator module with 9 LFO shapes x 6 destinations (Pitch, Filter, Level, Pan, Osc Edit, IFX Edit)
• portamento

• polyphony up to 32 voices
• 16 sounding parts per pattern
• 16 steps x 8 bars per each part
• each step consist of up to 4 voices (notes)
• each step can be time shifted forward/backward a fractional value
• strokes for each step (to play several notes at one step)
• step trigger conditions for each note

• 12 send effect types, one send effect per pattern
• 22 master effect types, one master effect per pattern
• 34 insert effect types, one insert effect per each part
• master Limiter
• Arpeggiator with 6 modes and 50 rhythm patterns
• Scale play mode with 36 different scales to select from
• Chords and Notes play mode
• 30+ different midi groove templates
• 116 microtonal scales
• Song mode

• store up to 256 user patterns
• import & export user patterns and banks via share sheet
• pattern audio export in 16, 24 and 32 bit wav format
• Ableton Live Set export
• 29 interface skins

Guide:
https://www.jimaudio.pro/grooverider/grooverider_manual.pdf

Website:
https://www.jimaudio.pro

## Key features

- Step-sequenced groove box
- Poison-202 synth engine
- PCM drum samples
- Insert/send/master effects
- Arpeggiator
- Automation recording
- One-screen interface

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $14.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Techno Sessions Bank | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vinyl House Grooves Bank | $4.99 | one-time |
| Hip Hop Beats Bank | $4.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Groove Rider GR?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Powerful and feature-rich
- 👍 Intuitive workflow and interface
- 🎨 Great sound quality and synthesis capabilities
- 🔧 Highly customizable and flexible
- 🎛️ Excellent for live performance and jamming
- 💸 Great value for the price

**Cons**

- 🐛 Some bugs and stability issues
- 🔀 Challenging learning curve for beginners
- 🔇 Limited built-in sample library
- 🔀 Occasional menu diving required for advanced features

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Occasional crashes and stability issues
- Trouble importing and managing samples
- Inconsistent MIDI implementation and mapping
- Limitations with the built-in mixer and effects

**Most requested features**

- Stereo sample import
- More built-in instruments and sound banks
- Improved MIDI implementation and control
- Ability to record and resample directly within the app
- Pattern chaining and song mode improvements
- Expanded effects and modulation options

## Recent user reviews (10 of 188)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groove-rider-gr-16/id1318750537/reviews.md

### 1/5 — No Refund???

*2025-04-17, version 2.2.1*

I tried Groove Rider 16 and it didn’t fit my workflow, cumbersome to change sounds and create user racks… I thought I had the right of withdrawal within 15 days, but apparently they won’t refund me and now I’m stuck with an app that I won’t use…

### 5/5 — Awesome!!!

*2025-03-26*

So much fun. Amazing way to make wicked sounding tunes!

### 5/5 — Groove Rider 2 coming

*2025-01-28, version 2.2.1*

The genius continues!

UPDATE 2: Jim even more genius. Buy the IAP just to give Jim some love for all the time, effort and patience he has put into this app. If you can’t afford $5 considering all the effort that has gone into this app then get out of the kitchen!

UPDATE: Jim still genius...

Jim is a genius.

### 5/5 — Super excited for v2!

*2024-12-25, version 2.2.1*

Just saw the recent reveal teaser, so excited to get GR-16 2!

### 4/5 — Bien cool mais manque le Tempo Global

*2024-09-02*

App bien sympa à plein de points d'oreille et de vue : 
son, ergonomie, design & look, customisation, presets. 
 
Mais par contre, il manque un élément majeur pour le live : il n'y a pas de réglage du TEMPO global. M'enfin ! 
Peut-être que le pad X/Y pourrait être commutable/shiftable en Master Tempo ?

### 5/5 — Love it, but...

*2024-02-07, version 2.2.1*

Great app, dope sounds especially for drums. Standalone is fine. I use it as a VST in GarageBand and unfortunately it records all midi notes to pitch instead of auto routing. Would love for that to be an update. It would make this the PERFECT! Plugin.

### 5/5 — Wow

*2024-01-01*

Une de mes applications préférées … foncez vous ne serez pas déçu ! Concept génial…pour la création et le live tout y est

### 5/5 — Deeper than it first appears

*2023-12-28*

I wasn’t sure about getting this due to concerns that it would be like going back to the days of hardware with serious limitations and tedious programming methodology. I still struggle a little with the old fashioned way of programming but the sound capabilities are worth the effort. I can’t understand why anyone still wants to pay close to a grand for a hardware box that can’t do half of what this can without the cost of power supplies, cables, sync issues, need for expensive hardware mixers and all of that. This is going to take some mastering but I have been getting such amazing bass and drum sounds so far that I am going to put the time in. Although impressive I am not into any of the styles in the presets apart from two but if you want a dub machine for great bass and drums this could be for you.

### 4/5 — How do I change tempo?

*2023-08-21*

Hi everybody, late to the party here.  I'm enjoying the app, but I can't figure out how to change tempo.  Under pattern, most of the parameters (Length, Rhythm Base, Swing, etc) open up drop-down menus when you hold them.  When I hold the Tempo parameter, nothing happens, no drop-down.  It just sits there. Is the tempo parameter supposed to open a drop-down?  I can't see any other way to change the tempo.  Am I missing something, or do I have a bad copy of the app or something?  Thanks!

### 5/5 — Launchpad Pro Mk3との連携が

*2023-05-29*

めちゃくちゃ良いです。アプリとの統合と言ってもいいぐらい、スクリプトが作り込まれていて驚く。そして楽しい。作者への支援を含めてdlcも買います。

## Frequently asked questions about Groove Rider GR

### What is Groove Rider GR-16?

Groove Rider GR-16 is a professional step-sequenced groove box designed for creating beats and musical ideas quickly. It draws inspiration from hardware drum machines and rhythm boxes, offering a powerful synth engine, a variety of sounds, effects, and an intuitive one-screen interface.

### What are the key features of Groove Rider GR-16?

Key features include a Poison-202 based two-oscillator synthesizer engine, a large selection of PCM drum samples, insert/send/master effects, an arpeggiator, automation recording, and a filter block. It also supports Ableton Link for synchronization and offers a user-friendly, single-screen layout.

### How much does Groove Rider GR-16 cost?

The application is available for free with in-app purchases. This model allows users to explore the core functionality without initial cost, with options to acquire additional features or content through in-app transactions.

### What music styles can I create with Groove Rider GR-16?

While inspired by electronic dance music, the app is versatile and can be used for various music styles. It includes a factory pattern library with patterns in different genres, and its flexible synth engine and effects allow for extensive creative exploration beyond just electronic music.

### Can I use Groove Rider GR-16 with other music software or hardware?

Yes, Groove Rider GR-16 supports numerous connectivity options for integration with other music gear. It features Ableton Link for synchronization, AUv3 hosting, AudioBus, Inter-App Audio, and various MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI connections, making it compatible with DAWs and other music applications.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2.2 — 2025-10-18

• fixed bug with incorrect screen size when launching GR-16 under another host app via Inter-App Audio;
• fixed bug when midi program change event crashed GR-16 in Song Mode;
• framework libraries (LinkKit, ALSExport and AudioBus) have been updated to their latest versions;
• added support for new device screen resolutions;
• other minor bug fixes.

### 2.2.1 — 2021-10-31

Bug fixes:
- sample folders with dots in their names were not seen - fixed;
- AUv3: "Start with Host" setting was not working/displaying correctly;
- AUv3: if you solo one part and then reopen plugin's window, solo will be cancelled - fixed;
- Copy/Paste Entire Part now pastes part's name too;
- pressing and holding the Part select, Mute, Erase, Trigger etc. buttons from the external midi controller (previously assigned via Midi Learn) was not working correctly: it would release when you touched some pads on the screen at the same time - fixed now;
- using with LaunchPad Pro: during playback, "Follow Cursor" function was not working (not updating the current bar) while app was in the background - fixed;

Other changes:
- you can now use EXIT button during playback to cancel jumping to the next pattern in case you have occasionally selected it;
- during pattern playback, if you occasionally touched the SONG mode button, you can now cancel it by tapping the SONG button again. EXIT button will work for this too;
- Revert to Saved: you can now use this function during pattern playback, no need to stop the pattern.

### 2.2.0 — 2021-04-28

- introducing Novation LaunchPad Pro mk3 support (in standalone app only)! Connect your LP Pro and get full control over your live performance with Groove Rider GR-16! You can access up to four different pad modes simultaneously. It can display, for example, Mute, Trigger, Jump and Keys modes simultaneously on one LP Pro surface! Also, you can control the MFX touch pad, Arpeggiator, adjust part Volume, Pan, Send amount, Mutes, Solo, browse your patterns bank and much more!
- added a separate Settings Page (standalone app only) with a new dedicated Settings button next to the Mixer button. Settings Page contains all the global GR-16 settings like Audio, Midi, Colors, Sync etc. displayed in a convenient way, and also all the Export/Share functions. Note, that the old "Settings" menu and all the export functions from the "Util" menu were moved to this new Settings Page;
- LaunchPad Pro mk3 section added to the Midi menu of the Settings Page, where you can tweak certain things like e.g. Arpeggiator x-axis and y-axis parameter assign, enable/disable screen saver and text hints;
- fixed bug in AUv3 with assigning knob parameters under AUM: knobs were reacting only in every other pattern you select;
- fixed in AUv3: REC aim (REC paused) mode now starts to play together with host;
- other minor bug fixes.

### 2.1.3 — 2021-01-30

- added: you can now swipe left in the Patterns List to quickly Rename, Init or Duplicate selected pattern;
- added: UNDO button now can be Midi Learned;
- added (AUv3): you can now copy/paste pattern data between two audio units of the same type using Copy button. It works between GR-16 units of the same type only, which means that you cannot copy/paste between multiout and non-multiout unit;
- fixed (standalone): in Song or Chain mode, playback sometimes skipped several beats when jumping to the next pattern in a song;
- fixed (user patterns related): modifying a pattern inside one AU in the shared user patterns base sometimes did not update these changes to the other currently loaded AU;
- other minor bug fixes.

### 2.1.2 — 2021-01-17

- bug fixed in AUv3, which could lead to incorrect state saving/restoring when using several instances of GR-16 inside one host project;
- fixed: pattern started to play incorrectly when you paste a copied pattern during playback.

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## More apps by Dmitrij Pavlov

- [Electronika PRO](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/electronika-pro/id591764200)
- [Mr. Doodle!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mr-doodle/id1025721338)
- [Poison-202 Vintage Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poison-202-vintage-synthesizer/id1145895278)
- [Pure Acid](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-acid/id1481283602)
- [Groove Rider 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groove-rider-2/id6480135731)

All apps by Dmitrij Pavlov: https://appshunter.io/developer/478154322

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-03.*