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SPECIFICTION
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0x808

github.com

WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.6 #17 of 30 in Drum Machine Software

What it is

0x808 is a drum machine, step sequencer, and synthesizer for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It can run as a standalone workstation or as VST3 and CLAP plugins, and the project also provides terminal and plugin frontends. The drum grid has 16 tracks with per-step velocity and pitch controls, plus mute and solo. Patterns can be chained in song or perform mode. Sound options include subtractive, four-operator FM, and wavetable synthesis with built-in presets. The sample browser loads WAV, MP3, and FLAC files, and the project includes 72 CC0 drum samples. Effects include filter, delay, reverb, overdrive, fuzz, and chorus, with per-track and master-bus options. Offline export supports WAV at 16-, 24-, or 32-bit and MP3 at 128–320k; MP3 export requires an optional build setting. USB MIDI works on the listed desktop platforms, but Bluetooth MIDI is not directly supported. The project is free and open source under an MIT license. Downloads include Windows installers and portable ZIPs, Linux tarballs and AppImages, and macOS DMGs and ZIPs. The README says dependencies are vendored and there are no external runtime dependencies.

Spec sheet

Product
0x808 is a standalone drum machine, step sequencer, and synthesizer, also available as VST3 and CLAP plugins.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
The project describes itself as a drum machine and synth workstation and provides standalone, plugin, and terminal frontends.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platforms
The maker lists standalone builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a GTK 4.0 native frontend for Linux.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository identifies the project as MIT licensed.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Arrangement and effects
Patterns can be chained in song or perform mode, with filter, delay, reverb, overdrive, fuzz, and chorus effects.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
DAW and MIDI support
VST3 and CLAP plugins embed in DAW host windows, and USB MIDI controllers are supported across the listed platforms.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
DAW integration
The VST3 and CLAP plugins are listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows and install into the corresponding plugin folders.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The releases page lists Windows installers and portable ZIPs, Linux tarballs and AppImages, and macOS DMGs and ZIPs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Effects and export
It offers per-track and master-bus effects and offline WAV export; MP3 export requires an optional build setting.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Export
Offline export supports WAV at 16-, 24-, or 32-bit and MP3 at 128–320k; MP3 export requires an optional build setting.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
MIDI
USB MIDI is supported on Linux, Windows, and macOS; Bluetooth MIDI is not directly supported.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
MIDI limitation
Bluetooth MIDI is not directly supported; the README describes a Windows virtual-port bridge workaround.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release
The releases page lists v1.3.0 downloads for Windows, Linux, and macOS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Runtime dependencies
The README says all dependencies are vendored and there are zero external runtime dependencies.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Samples
The sample browser loads WAV, MP3, and FLAC files, and the project includes 72 CC0 drum samples.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Samples and formats
It includes 72 CC0 drum samples and can load WAV, MP3, and FLAC samples.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security and compliance
The project page identifies an MIT license and does not state a security certification or compliance program.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Sequencer
Its drum grid has 16 tracks with per-step velocity and pitch controls, plus mute and solo.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Synthesis
It includes subtractive, four-operator FM, and wavetable synthesis modes with built-in presets.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Offers 16 tracks with per-step controls.
  • Includes subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis.
  • Loads WAV, MP3, and FLAC samples.
  • Available as VST3 and CLAP plugins.
  • Free and MIT licensed.

Limits

  • Bluetooth MIDI is not directly supported.
  • MP3 export requires an optional build setting.

Who it suits

0x808 suits musicians who want a desktop drum machine and synth workstation, either standalone or within a DAW. Its sequencing, sample import, and USB MIDI support also suit users building patterns with external controllers.

Verdict

0x808 brings sequencing, synthesis, samples, effects, and offline export into one desktop project. Check the MP3 build requirement and MIDI limitation if those are part of your setup.

Where Specifiction places it

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