Hydrogen vs Nepheton 2
Hydrogen
hydrogen-music.orgNepheton 2
d16.plSide by side
| Figure | Hydrogen | Nepheton 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Drum Machine Software | 7.4 (#20) | 7.8 (#11) |
| MIDI | Hydrogen supports MIDI input and can export songs to MIDI files. | It supports drag-and-drop MIDI export, MIDI Learn, and pattern triggering by MIDI notes, MIDI CC, or GUI. |
| Purpose | Hydrogen is a software synthesizer that can run as a pattern-based drum machine or work with an external MIDI keyboard or sequencer. | Nepheton 2 emulates the sounds of the classic TR-808 drum machine. |
| Support | The manual directs users to GitHub issues or discussions and the mailing list for questions about building Hydrogen. | D16 provides helpdesk support for installation, compatibility, software issues, registration, and purchasing difficulties. |
Plans
In their own words
Hydrogen
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.