DMC60 vs Hydrogen

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.

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.