Atlas 2 vs BeatForge

Atlas 2 uses AI to sort and organize drum samples, helping users find sounds and build beats. It runs as a standalone application or as a VST, VST3, AU or AAX plugin in major DAWs, with downloads for macOS, Windows and Linux; Linux support is experimental. It accepts formats including WAV, AIFF, FLAC, OGG, MP3 and WMA. The drum sequencer imports MIDI while preserving its original timing, supports polyrhythms, and exports MIDI and audio loops. Users can map MIDI, send MIDI to other plugins or hardware, and drag drum pads into applications such as Ableton Drum Rack. Samples can be embedded in a DAW project with the Atlas plugin instance. The 14-day trial unlocks all features, then continues outputting audio but hides the interface and prevents editing. The full version costs 99.00 USD as a one-time purchase and can be installed on three machines; it is 64-bit only.

BeatForge is a drum machine, step sequencer, and REX player plugin for macOS and Windows. Its drum section models TR-606, TR-808, and TR-909 machines, while more than 40 sound engines generate voices on demand instead of relying on a sample library. Sequencing includes per-step parameter locks, 32 edit groups per track, polymeter, swing, Euclidean fills, and a 16-pattern song mode. Sound tools include a modeled 1176 compressor, tube saturation, EQ, delay, per-track plate reverb, and drawable LFOs. The slicer accepts WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, and OGG files, and native.rx2 files are supported. Tracks provide MIDI input and output, every control supports MIDI learning, and separate output pairs can be used for tracks or slices. Donk FM imports Yamaha.syx banks. The plugin integrates Beat This! for sample analysis. A €39 one-time perpetual licence includes free updates, with a 14-day full trial and no payment card.