0x808 vs Playbeat 4

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.

Playbeat 4 is a drum designer for creating patterns, sounds, grooves, and remixes. Its genre-based randomization generates patterns for selected music styles, with control over beat complexity. Eight pattern tracks support sequencing, and the factory library includes patterns, sounds, and 1500 kits. MIDI output can control other plugins or external hardware, and supported DAWs include Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reaper, and Reason.

Desktop versions come as VST3, AU, AAX, or standalone for macOS 10.14 and newer or Windows 10 and newer, including native Apple Silicon M1/M2 compatibility. On iPad, formats are AUv3 and standalone; that app requires a separate purchase from desktop. The unlimited-time trial includes the factory library and algorithms, but disables MIDI output, importing personal sounds, and saving presets. Playbeat 4 costs €89, paid once, the version with all expansions costs €99, paid once, and previous-version owners can upgrade for €29 as a one-time purchase.