We searched the App Store for the top and most innovative drum machines, sequencing tools and other instruments available in 2021.
We have the perfect solution for you, whether you want to create full tracks on your smartphone or use classic drum machine sounds.
Ruismaker – Hammerhead Rhythm Station
- Price iOS – $7.99/PS7.99
- Contact Ruismaker
When it first appeared nearly 25 years ago, the original Hammerhead Rhythm Station was a huge success. Bram Bos, a developer, has released an iOS version of the groovebox sensation via his Ruismaker plug in brand.
Hammerhead’s desktop counterpart has a per-voice drum machine and sample import. It also retains some of the design elements and samples that were in the original. Hammerhead allows you to import and use your own samples to enhance the app’s percussive range.
You can also add per-step flam or retrig options to your sequencer, as well as global glitch and “Mutation” controls to keep your patterns fresh. This drum machine is incredibly powerful and can be used standalone or as an AUv3 plug in in an iOS DAW.
We said “The 1990s groovebox was an important step in dance music production. Hammerhead seamlessly brings this to the iOS platform in an elegantly modern manner without losing its traditional roots.”
Olympia Noise Co. – Patterning 2
- Price iOS $19.99 (iPad), No Charge (iPhone version), In-App purchases
- Contact Olympia Noise Co.
Patterning 2 is undoubtedly the best example of what a modern, forward-thinking drum machine app should look. Its sleek interface and unique circular sequencer would look great on a spaceship HUD. However, its intuitive UI makes it easy to use. To create complex and intricate beats, you can adjust the loop settings as well as automate, ratchet and randomize parameters. You can also use Ableton Live export to control external hardware and MIDI to create songs. You can download the iPhone version free of charge, but you will need to pay more to export and save.
We said: Patterning 2 offers a fun and engaging approach to rhythm building. You’ll be creating in no time.
Endlesss Ltd – Endlesss
- Price iOS Free (PS4.49 for “Infinite”) Subscription), Mac – PS159 PS79
- Contact Endlesss Ltd
Endlesss allows instant jamming with strangers and friends in the palm of your hands with a set of finely tuned tools for audio manipulation and writing. The program includes a powerful library of synth and drum instruments, as well as live input recording and one of our most intuitive live loopers. The “Infinite”, which includes regular sound updates and a live sampler, allows you to easily modify audio in real time. You can also join a vibrant global jammer community and invite your friends to a jam or drop in on a public jam to get creative. This seamless workflow can be achieved in your DAW with the release of Endlesss Studio.
We said “Whether youre remixing your work or working with others using hardware, samples, and plug-ins to create new music, live improvisation is never been easier or more fun.”
Elliot Garage – EGDR808
- Price iOS – $5.99, Android PS4.19
- Contact Elliot Garage
This recreation of the most iconic drum machine ever made is a great choice if you are looking for something more retro. Elliot Garage faithfully recreated Roland’s TR-808 sound and look in an app for Android and iOS. The classic 16-step sequencer features 12 programmable rhythm patterns, four fill patterns, and autofill. There’s also a song mode page, swing, tap pace, and more. You can also use Ableton Link to jam with Ableton Live. There are also versions 909 and 606 if the 808 drum flavor is not your favorite.
Zaplin Music – TriqTraq Jam Sequencer
- Price iOS $7.99 (includes AbletonLive 11 Lite), free (LE Edition).
- Contact Zaplin Music
It can be difficult to remember how to make music with complex studios that are stuffed full of gear and a long list of plug-ins. TriqTraq allows instant jamming, including real-time sound shaping, recordable effects sliders and per-channel track lengths automation. There are over 400 sounds included in TriqTraq. In order to create new and inspiring kits, you can instantly record and insert samples using iTunes, AudioCopy, or the built-in mic. You can record up 16 patterns and then use the Queue Page to create arrangements. There are four channels with each a 16-step sequencer. You can also access a Mixer page, various audio export options and the ability to save as Ableton Live sets. Ableton Live 11 Light is included in the latest version. To see the full extent of the hype, you can free-of-charge test the LE Edition.
We said “The interface’s a joy to use. Amazing sound selection. It’s hard to put it down.”
Alexandernaut – Fugue Machine: MIDI Sequencer
- Price iOS – PS12.99
- Contact Alexandernaut
This unique app allows you to add classical composition techniques into your patterns. It is inspired by Schoenberg’s twelve-tone serialism method and Bach’s canons. Fugue Machine, the world’s first multiplayhead piano roll allows you to create a sequence of notes and then play it back with up to four playheads simultaneously. You can create complex polyrhythms or dancing countermelodies by using these playheads. They can also play in different directions and pitches. Fugue Machine works with iPad, iPhone and MIDI.
Beep Street – Drambo
- Price iOS $19.99 (in app purchases)
- Contact Beep Street
This innovative modular groovebox by Beep Street is a great way to make electronic beats. The interface is cable-free and drag-and-drop, with colour coding for easy sound design. Over 120 modules are available, including samplers and physical modeling modules, MIDI effect, various modulators, sequencers and effects. The sequencer can be used to create glitched out beats, melodic patterns, or entire tracks. It also has powerful features such as parameter locking and conditional steps components. You can use it as a standalone application or an effect, MIDI and AUv3 MIDI instrument.
Paulo Ribeiro – DrumKnee 3D Drums (iOS & Android)
- Price iOS and Android – No in-app purchases required to unlock all kit
- Contact Paulo Riberiro
We thought it would make sense to include an acoustic instrument on the list. It’s not just electronic drum machines or drum machines. DrumKnee 3D drums is an excellent practice tool for drummers on the go. There are a variety of kits that you can choose from, and they have realistic 3D skins which move when you hit them. They also have low latency. You can choke the cymbals by placing your finger on them while they are being played. Also, you can save your performances to record for later use. You can use the kick drum to trigger the phone by placing it on your leg. You can also play along to select songs that are not drum-less, and you can subscribe to DK Music for new music every month.
mikrosonic – RD4 Groovebox
- Price iOS and Android – No cost ($3.99 for the full version that unlocks all instruments).
- Contact mikrosonic
This groovebox is a great choice for those who want a simple to use and intuitive interface. You can select from Analog and Beats to create 70s-style mono synth sounds and Bassline for a 303-like squelch. There are four channels. Although the free version has a limited selection, it is worth upgrading to get all 10 legendary drum kits, as well as all five audio effects (reverb. distortion. phaser. filter. delay), MIDI input, and save/record/export. You can also select and edit four effects simultaneously on one screen. There are four X/Y buttons for real-time manipulation.
Planet-H – G-Stomper Rhythm
- Price Android – Free
- Contact Earth-H
This Android-only groovebox features a drum machine, sampler, and track grid sequencer. It also includes 24 drum pads, an effect rack, a master section, and a line mixer. The graphical sample editor allows you to edit and sync samples, as well as export WAVs andMIDI. Additional features include side-chain support and full MIDI integration, 47 effect types, multi-filter per track, and full MIDI integration. Ads support the free version. However, you can purchase a key for removing these. G-Stomper Studio or G-Stomper Producer are DAW-like apps that can be used to create more detailed music.
Sphero Inc. – Specdrums MIX
- Price Android & iOS – Free (requires 2 Specdrums $99 each)
- Contact Sphero Inc.
This app can be used with the Specdrums Bluetooth rings for something a bit different. It can be used to tap rhythms on different coloured surfaces. These devices are clever because they use an accelerometer to detect taps on surfaces, which triggers a sensor that recognizes different colours and a light. The device comes with a coloured mat but can be used on any surface. The free Specdrums MIX App includes a large library of sound packs, including loops and one-shots that can be used to create instant music. You can record your own sounds and save sessions.
We said “Everything you see becomes trigger-fodder. It’s funny, ridiculous, and fun to use a banana and an Apple to launch beats.
Okaynokay – Seaquence
- Price iOS Free (in-app payment PS8.99
- Contact Oknokay
The beautiful and hypnotic Seaquence won the award for most unusual sequencer tool. By creating, modifing and sharing swimming “planktones”, you can build compositions in a spatialised mixing bowl. Each one acts as a synth voice pattern and the closest ones are heard as they move around. You can edit the sound’s sonic characteristics using the simple interface. This allows you to create layered rhythms and ambient drones. A composition can contain up to 64 voices. However, only eight of these can be heard at once, and each voice can only have five notes. In-app purchases unlock additional features like per-voice state variable and morphable filters as well as filter envelope, portamento and stereo delay.
Audiomodern – Riffer
- Price iPhone – PlayStation6.99, Mac & Computer – EUR49
- Contact Soundmodern
This smart MIDI tool is a great way to get creative ideas flowing. It can generate musical riffs and sequences in varying pitches, durations, velocity, and density. It can be used to drive any instrument or drum machine, soft synth, or hardware. You can also choose complexity, steps and start and end points. Playback motion, pitch, transpose, pitch and set pitch can all be controlled. Infinity mode, which creates changes for each repetition, is available with Ableton Link support as well as MIDI over WiFi and cable. Polyphonic Mode is a new feature in the latest version 3. It adds four layers to intertwine sequences. There’s also a Density feature that allows for fast stutters and individual notes to be added.