DMC60 vs Playbeat 4

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.

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.