Best Free and Open Source Drum Machines

Autokit – drum machine plugin and standalone app

Autokit is a sample-based drum machine that runs as a standalone application or as a VST3 and CLAP plugin.

It scans a library of one-shot samples and uses spectral analysis to classify sounds such as kicks, snares, hi-hats, claps, percussion, cymbals and toms.

The samples are plotted on an interactive two-dimensional map where they can be previewed and assigned to eight pads. Autokit also includes a Digitakt-inspired step sequencer, pattern randomisation, effects, parameter locking and host transport synchronisation.

This is free and open source software.

Key Features

  • Recursively scans libraries containing WAV, FLAC and Ogg Vorbis samples.
  • Classifies one-shot samples using spectral analysis.
  • Caches analysis results to improve subsequent startup times.
  • Plots samples on an interactive map with category-based clusters.
  • Offers zooming, panning, searching and sample previewing.
  • Provides eight pads with volume, pan, pitch, decay and trimming controls.
  • Supports browsing and drag-and-drop sample assignment.
  • Includes a 16-step, eight-track sequencer.
  • Provides 16 patterns with queued switching at bar boundaries.
  • Supports per-step velocity, probability, pan and pitch settings.
  • Offers conditional triggers, swing and fill functionality.
  • Provides solo, mute and pattern randomisation controls.
  • Includes per-lane reverb and delay sends.
  • Offers a DJ-style filter with per-step parameter locking.
  • Provides compression, saturation and limiting on the master bus.
  • Synchronises playback with the host transport.
  • Saves kit and pattern state with DAW sessions.
  • Offers 64-level undo and redo history.
  • Saves and loads presets in JSON format.
  • Exports sequencer patterns as MIDI files.
  • Runs as a standalone application or as VST3 and CLAP plugins.

Website: github.com/Hornfisk/autokit
Support:
Developer: Hyperfocus DSP
License: GNU General Public License v3.0

Autokit

Autokit is written in Rust. Learn Rust with our recommended free books and free tutorials.


Related Software

Drum Machines
HydrogenHigh quality and sophisticated drum machine
GeonkickSynthesizer that can synthesize elements of percussion
DrumGizmoMultichannel, multilayered drum plugin and standalone application
orDrumboxReal-time drum machine and audio sequencer
avldrums.lv2Drum sample player plugin dedicated to Glen MacArthur’s AVLdrums
Drum MachineCreate and play drum beats
KickpadExperimental kick drum audio sample generator

Read our verdict in the software roundup.


Best Free and Open Source Software Explore our comprehensive directory of recommended free and open source software. Our carefully curated collection spans every major software category.

This directory is part of our ongoing series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. It features hundreds of detailed reviews, along with open source alternatives to proprietary solutions from major corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk.

You’ll also find interesting projects to try, hardware coverage, free programming books and tutorials, and much more.

Discovered a useful open source Linux program that we haven’t covered yet? Let us know by completing this form.
Subscribe

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted