Microtonic vs Playbeat 4

Microtonic is a VST/AU drum and percussion synthesizer paired with a pattern-based drum-machine engine for Windows and Mac. It generates sounds in real time through synthesis rather than samples or pre-rendered waveforms. Eight drum and percussion channels can play from a MIDI keyboard or sequencer, while patterns stay synchronized with a host sequencer. Sound-design features include over-sampled oscillators, sample-accurate triggering, morphing, smart alteration, and randomization. Factory sounds and patterns are included, and Patternarium provides thousands of computer-generated presets for royalty-free use. Presets can be heard online, downloaded or copied into Microtonic, and voted on. The Mac release includes a standalone application plus VST 2.4, VST3, and Audio Unit 2 plug-ins. Windows has no standalone application and requires a suitable VST host. Microtonic costs 99.00 USD as a one-time purchase, with a 21-day trial beginning at first launch in a host sequencer. Purchases include usage rights, support, and service updates.

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.