Playbeat 4 vs Redrum

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.

Redrum is Reason’s pattern-based drum machine, with a drum-computer design inspired by classic 1980s machines. Its 10 stereo channels load, edit and play samples, either from users’ own collections or from included preset kits. The sequencer provides 32 patterns across four banks, with up to 64 steps per pattern. Redrum can play its own patterns, be triggered from Reason’s main sequencer or receive MIDI. For routing and control, it has individual audio and gate outputs, plus gate and CV inputs. Redrum is included in Reason 14 and the Reason subscription. Reason Rack is offered as a VST3, AU and AAX plugin and is described as compatible with major DAWs. Reason itself runs only on Mac and Windows computers. Listed plans include Reason Rack 14 at €159, paid once and Reason 14 at €239, paid once. Reason+ is billed annually and includes a free 7-day trial, but its annual price is not displayed.