PATTERN-MACHINE
PatternMachine is a rhythm-focused software groovebox built around classic drum machines, generated patterns and song arranging.
Runs in the browser, as a desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux, and as a plug-in inside Logic Pro.
Website: patternmachine.tongatron.org ·
Desktop app ·
Logic plug-in ·
Guide ·
The machines
Contents
Overview
PATTERN-MACHINE is a step drum machine styled after the front panel of the E-mu SP-1200. Pick a machine, generate a
beat in the style you want, edit it step by step, chain patterns into a song and take it to your DAW as MIDI, WAV, MP3
or a ready-made project folder.
It comes in three forms that share the same interface:
| Runs on | Adds |
|---|
| 🌐 Website | any modern browser | nothing to install |
| 🖥️ Desktop app | macOS, Windows, Linux | virtual MIDI port, sync to the DAW's MIDI Clock, drag-and-drop into the DAW timeline, projects as files, offline use, custom sample kits |
| 🎛️ Logic plug-in | Logic Pro (AU) and other hosts (VST3) | plays inside an instrument track, sample-accurate with the host transport, state saved with the Logic project |
Current releases
The current published versions are desktop app 0.2.10 and Logic plug-in 0.1.4.
| Package | Version | Platforms / formats | Download |
|---|
| Desktop app | 0.2.10 | macOS Apple Silicon, Windows x64, Linux x64 AppImage | Download page |
| Logic plug-in | 0.1.4 | macOS Apple Silicon, AU + VST3 | Plug-in page |
| Logic starter project | — | Logic Pro template, no recordings | Download the template |
The starter project is based on a working Logic session and contains a PATTERN MACHINE software-instrument track,
the plug-in output routed to Bus 1, Aux 1 receiving that bus, and an empty Audio Print track ready to record.
The template is also included in the macOS plug-in release package.
Features
Classic machines
E-mu SP-1200 (16-bit and the original 12-bit samples), Yamaha RX-5, Roland TR-808, TR-909, TR-707,
TR-727, TR-606, CR-78, CR-8000, Linn LinnDrum, Oberheim DMX, E-mu Drumulator, Sequential
DrumTraks and Simmons SDS-V.
Switching machine maps every row to the closest sound. Each machine shows its maker, year and specs, and the
machines page covers the history of each one with photos and Wikipedia links.
Pattern generator
- 67 styles in 10 families: punk, post-punk, classic drum machines, alternative, hip hop / dance / latin, reggae / dub, breakbeat / DnB, soul / disco / afro, heavy rock / metal, electronic / club.
- One-click variations, automatic fills and a library that suggests 8 patterns whenever you change style.
- Import patterns from text (PatternTXT format) or MIDI.
Step grid
- 8, 16 or 32 steps, 40–240 BPM, swing, humanize, per-track nudge, polyrhythms, choke groups.
- Every hit can be normal, accent or ghost note.
- Per-step probability, ratchets, flam, pitch, decay and filter.
- Live recording from the pads or the keyboard (
1 2 3 4 · Q W E R · A S D F · Z X C V), 80 levels of undo.
- Metronome that also runs with the transport stopped, so you can play along to a click without a beat.
Song mode
Chain patterns into blocks (verse, chorus, fill…), each with its own repeats. Drag blocks to reorder them, start playback
from any point on the timeline or solo a single block.
Export
| Format | What you get |
|---|
| MIDI (pattern or song) | General MIDI (36 kick, 38 snare, 42/46 hi-hats) or the Logic SP-1200 kit mapping; tempo, swing and ratchets included |
| WAV and stems | full mix and separate tracks, aligned to bar 1 |
| MP3 | for listening and sharing, works in every browser |
| DAW package | a folder ready for Logic Pro, Ableton Live, REAPER and other DAWs |
| Project / link | project JSON and a shareable link |
Experimental
A Synthesizer and a Sampler are still in testing. They are off by default (switch them on from the account menu,
under Synth & Sampler) and may change, so nothing else in this project depends on them.
Desktop app (macOS, Windows, Linux)
Download it from the app page (requires a site account).
This is the beginning of the README. Read the rest at the original. Read the full README ↗
