BeatForge: A Hybrid Drum Machine with Per-Step Sound Design [VST3/AU/Standalone]

Hey everyone on Gearspace!

I'm Paul, a solo developer, and for the past couple of months, I've been pouring all my passion for rhythm and sound design into a single project. Today, I'm incredibly excited to finally share it with you all. It's called BeatForge.

What is BeatForge?

At its heart, BeatForge is a drum machine that combines the classic, intuitive workflow of a 16-step sequencer with an incredibly deep and flexible sound design engine. It's available as a VST3/AU plugin for your DAW, and also as a standalone application.

The core idea was to break free from static, repetitive loops. I wanted to build an instrument where every single drum hit could have its own unique character. This led me to develop what I call Edit Groups—a system that lets you create up to 32 completely different sets of sound parameters for each track, and then assign them to any step in your sequence.

One step can be a clean, punchy kick. The next can be the same sample, but pitched down, distorted, and sent through a massive convolution reverb. This opens up a world of dynamic, evolving rhythmic possibilities that are incredibly fun to explore.

Key Features:

I've packed BeatForge with features I've always wanted in a single drum machine:

Hybrid Sound Engine: Each track can be a Sampler (load your own.wav,.aiff,.mp3 files) or a Synth (with Sine, Saw, Square, Triangle, and Noise oscillators).

The Sequencer - Deep Per-Step Control:

Edit Groups: The flagship feature. Design up to 32 different sound variations per track and assign them freely to any step.

Probability: Set the chance of any step triggering, from 0% to 100%.

Rolls/Flams: Add intricate rolls and flams with up to 16 hits per step.

Micro-Timing: Nudge steps off the grid for the perfect feel using a per-group trigger offset.

Per-Track Swing: Dial in that classic groove, unique to each track.

Powerful Sound Shaping:

High-Quality Pitch Shifting: Choose between classic Resampling for that vintage crunch, or pristine, modern Time-Stretching powered by the awesome Signalsmith Stretch library.

Full ADSR Envelope: Shape your sounds with precision.

Key Tracking: Let your samples follow your MIDI keyboard across a 6-octave range.

Onboard Effects: Per-group Distortion (4 types), Bit Crusher, and a Phaser.

HP/LP Filters: just to clean up, I'll add more eq options later

Advanced Modulation:

3 LFOs per Track: Modulate almost anything.

Multiple Destinations: Target Volume, Pan, Pitch, Distortion, Filter Cutoff, FX Send, and even ADSR parameters.

Tempo Sync: LFOs can run freely in Hz or be synced to your project's tempo.

Flexible Routing & Workflow:

Multi-Out Support: Route each track to a separate channel in your DAW for further processing.

Convolution Reverb: An internal FX bus features a convolution reverb where you can load your own Impulse Response files.

Drag-and-Drop: Drag samples directly onto tracks from your file browser. You can even drag a selection from the waveform display to an empty track to instantly create a new, duplicated slice.

Standalone App: Don't want to open your DAW? Just fire up the standalone version for quick beat-making sessions.

Who is this for?

I built BeatForge for producers and musicians who love the immediacy of a step sequencer but crave the deep sound-shaping power usually found in complex samplers and synths. If you enjoy creating intricate, evolving drum patterns and mangling your own samples into something new, I think you'll feel right at home.

Free Trial Available!

I'd be thrilled for you to give it a try. There's a 14-day, fully-functional free trial available on the website. No limitations, no noise bursts—just install and go.

You can download it and learn more here:

https://paulllux.github.io

As a solo dev, your feedback is pure gold. I'm really keen to hear what you think, what you'd like to see added, and of course, any bugs you might find.

Thanks for checking out my work!

All the best,

Paul