Atlas 2 vs Hydrogen

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.

Hydrogen is a drum sequencer and sample-based synthesizer for pattern-based rhythm programming, songwriting, or use with an external MIDI keyboard or sequencer. Its sequencer supports unlimited patterns that can be chained into songs. The pattern editor adjusts per-note properties such as velocity and pan, and humanization functions cover velocity, timing, pitch, and swing. Hydrogen imports WAV, AU, AIFF, and FLAC samples and provides downloadable drumkits through a sound library manager. It supports MIDI and OSC automation, time-stretching, and pitch shifting. Audio driver support includes JACK, ALSA, PortAudio, and OSS; exports include WAV, AIFF, FLAC, OGG, MIDI, and LilyPond. Hydrogen is free under GPLv2+ and runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS. Listed Windows downloads support Vista and later, while the current macOS release supports 10.14 and later. The project describes use for home practice, studio work, and live performance. Its FAQ says there are no current plans for an LV2 plugin version.