0x808 vs DMC60

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.

DMC60 is a drum machine and sampler for use in a DAW or as a standalone desktop app. Its sequencer holds 99 patterns, with six swing settings from 50% to 71% and independent track lengths. Sampling tools provide eight banks of 16 pads, with transient, even, marker-based, and live chopping. It loads WAV, AIFF, AIF, and FLAC files, or can turn a folder into a kit. Sampling can use 12-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit float resolution, with playback for vintage character or at the stored resolution. DMC60 also includes a keygroup synth and 21 synthesized drum voices inspired by the 808 and 909. Mixing features include track EQ, master compression, eight send buses, and six insert slots per track, bus, and master; projects can be exported as audio or stems. It supports VST3 on Mac and Windows, AU on Mac, DAW sync, and Ableton Link in standalone mode. Pricing is $9.99 per month or $129.00 one-time.