The sequencer is an incredibly powerful tool that completely changes the way you work with electronic instruments.

1. Best Drum Sequencer Vst
2. Best Sequencer Vst Free Plugins
3. Best Sequencer Vst Free Plugin
4. Best Free Sequencer Vst Mac
5. Midi Sequencer Vst

Here are the best free drum VST plugins that will give you professional sounds quickly. Producing music is not only time consuming, but sometimes it can be downright expensive. In an effort to save both time and money, music producers will often turn to working with drum samples and synthesized instruments in their tracks. Explore & download the best free Step Sequencer plugin (VST, AU, AAX, RTAS and Stand Alone). Visit and discover thousands of pro audio and music freebies! The Best Audio Sequencers. VST instruments, apps, MIDI synthesizers and analog gear. It’s designed with 16 backlit buttons/drum pads, 16 encoders and 16 presets, offering one versatile device.

Podolski was created in 2005 and still going strong. Podolski is a free, straightforward, CPU-efficient virtual analogue synthesizer. One oscillator, one filter, one envelope and an arpeggiator / sequencer. LMMS is a free cross-platform DAW / sequencer allowing you to produce music with your computer. Basically LMMS is a free FL Studio clone. It features: a song-editor for composing songs, a beat and bassline-editor for creating beats and basslines, a piano-Roll for editing patterns and melodies, an FX mixer with 64 FX channels, automation. Oct 15, 2020 HY-Plugins has released HY-RPE2 Free, a freeware grid sequencer in VST, VST3, and AU plugin formats. The full version of HY-RPE2 offers two sequencer engines (Grid and Euclidean) and it’s on a 30% OFF sale until October 30th, 2020. If you’ve browsed the internet for free audio stuff, you’ve undoubtedly come across HY-Plugins. LMMS is a free cross-platform DAW / sequencer allowing you to produce music with your computer. Basically LMMS is a free FL Studio clone. It features: a song-editor for composing songs, a beat.

Sequencers make it possible to automatically play repeating patterns in whatever way you want, without actually having to play the keyboard.

Using a pattern programmed by a sequencer to trigger notes takes away the stress of knowing how to play a keyboard in time.

But it’s not just about getting a robot to play notes for you, sequencing also lets artists trigger multiple instruments at once and focus on crafting sounds without touching a keyboard.

There’s so many sequencers on the market today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

In this list, we’ll look at the best sequencer options right now from the affordable to the rare and advanced.

1. Digitakt

It’s a drum machine, it’s a synthesizer, and among many other things, it’s also a great 64 step sequencer.

The sequencer is an incredibly powerful tool that completely changes the way you work with electronic instruments.

It can program 8 midi tracks with different sequences, you can add effects to each sequence, and in some cases you can even control MIDI parameters.

It’s a very powerful 8 track sampler too, so you’ll also want to sequence samples within the Digitakt

The price tag may seem like a bit of an investment, but considering how much functionality you get from one box, the Digitakt is a great choice if you’re looking for a good sequencer.

2. MPC X

The MPC X is a well-respected groove box that many well-known producers use.

But aside from its sampling and finger drumming capabilities, the MPC is also an excellent sequencer.

That’s because it’s capable of creating, chopping, and pasting together different sequences much the same way you might cut up and change parts in a DAW.

The MPC X gives the MPC brand a modern facelift with its large screen display and DAW like interface that connects the tactile side of MPC production with modern computer production.

For the considerably high price, you get a very powerful tool that is essentially an entire production studio in one product.

Hot tip: you can write MIDI sequences from onboard synth sequencers into an MPC and then use those sequences to trigger a keyboard. This makes it easy to write sequences with an onboard sequence and manipulate and change them in the MPC.

3. Arturia Keystep

If you’re just getting started with sequencing, the Arturia Keystep is a highly recommended place to start.

If you’re just getting started with sequencing, the Arturia Keystep is a highly recommended place to start.

It’s an affordable 32 key single track, eight-voice polyphony sequencer that also works as a MIDI keyboard.

The Keystep’s polyphonic capabilities set it apart from its Arturia Beat Step cousin. It’s really useful to be able to connect your sequencer to a polyphonic synth.

Aside from its sequencing capabilities, the Keystep has all the features you’ve come to expect from Arturia.

The sequence includes capacitive touch, arpeggiator mode, and CV outputs that work with vintage gear and modern mod boxes.

For an affordable initial foray into sequencing, this MIDI keyboard is an excellent option.

4. Polyend SEQ

The Polyend SEQ is the sequencer lover’s sequencer.

Visually it has the most inspiring interface of any sequencer on this list.

The highly tactile sequencer features eight visual sequencing tracks, each with 32 buttons that represent each step. That means there’s 256 step buttons you can play with.

The SEQ is essentially a huge grid that makes it possible to visualize exactly what you’re doing and make changes on the fly.

It has multiple MIDI outs to control multiple synths and also interfaces perfectly with Polyend’s Poly brain that is used to trigger euro rack modules.

If you want to play with a sequencer and have highly tactile and visual control over your sequence pattern, the Polyend SEQ is the best option for you.

However, its higher price tag makes it a little bit unnecessary for beginners.

It’s a little bit one dimensional and you could get a lot more functionality out of other similarly priced sequencers on this list.

5. MPC One

The MPC One is Akai’s brand new introduction into the MPC family, it launched earlier this year at NAMM 2020.

With it’s a smaller screen, small overall size, and limited buttons it’s definitely a watered-down version of its big brother the MPC X.

But that doesn’t mean it won’t pack a punch—MPC One is still a very powerful groove box and sequencer.

Much like the MPC X, it features DAW like capabilities that allow users to chop up, splice, and program sequences very easily.

Plus it still comes with that classic MPC pad feel and can be used in a number of ways.

If you’re looking for an affordable and modern MPC without going to the used market, this is an excellent option.

6. Arturia Beatstep Pro

The Arturia Beatstep Pro is very similar to the Keystep, except that it uses a drum machine like interface to trigger MIDI.

You can do all kinds of sequencing through multiple MIDI tracks to different instruments.

It has three sequencer channels which work with MIDI, pitch, velocity, and gate triggering.

It has 16 step sequencer buttons, but by switching pages you can get up to 64 steps for your entire sequence.

Each sequencer track can store up to 16 patterns, making it versatile for changing sequences on the fly.

The sequencer also contains plenty of addon features including clock in and out, sequence resolution settings, project save, swing for each track, and more.

For the price, you get a ton of functionality.

If you want a versatile trigger to control other synth instruments this is definitely something to look into.

7. Elektron Octatrack MKII

The Octatrack MkII is Elektron’s most recent update its ten-year-old Octatrack predecessor.

While it has many similarities, the MkII comes with some important updates.

The Octatrack can be a lot of things– it’s a sampler, sequencer, a DJ tool, and so much more.

The Octatrack can be a lot of things– it’s a sampler, sequencer, a DJ tool, and so much more.

There’s really too many features to list.

When it comes to sequencing you get eight audio tracks and eight midi tracks, with each having their own 64 step pattern.

Each track can play for its own length, in its own time signature, and you can set up dedicated trigger conditions and parameter locks.

One of the most dynamic parts of the Octatrack is its scene crossfader that allows you to seamlessly blend between track sequences.

This makes the Octatrack MkII incredibly versatile for live performance.

Considering the amount of functionality and creative flexibility you get out of the Octatrack, it’s worth its higher price tag.

8. Squarp Pyramid MkIII Sequencer

The Squarp Pyramid is an excellent choice to use as your main sequencer brain

It can connect to a whopping 32 MIDI instruments with two 16 channel MIDI outs, not to mention that it has full CV, GATE, and ENV connectivity.

Squarp has a huge core player too, with 64 tracks that can be played at one time.

Each track can have 32 unique patterns and 32 sequences, so your creative options are pretty much endless.

But the feature that defines the Squarp Pyramid MkII is its Euclidian rhythm tool that offers a very fun and intuitive user interface for adding complicated polyrhythms to its sequences.

The feature that defines the Squarp Pyramid MkII is its Euclidian rhythm tool

It’s really easy to twist a knob, find a polyrhythm pattern and completely switch up your rhythm.

If you’re looking for something that only does one job (sequencing), and does it well the Squarp might be your best bet.

9. NDLR

The NDLR doesn’t work like any other sequencer on this list.

The NDLR doesn’t work like any other sequencer on this list.

This sequencer is a very smart arpeggiator that works like a sequencer in that it takes you chord inputs, and converts them into sequenced MIDI notes.

But the buttons on the NDLR control the chord degrees you want to use for your sequence, so you can sequence both rhythms and chords.

It’s incredible how much control NDLR has over chord triggering and sequencing, especially because you can control up to four different synthesizers.

Whether you want to play a drone, rhythmic or arpeggiated chord pattern you will get a lot of control over the chord types, scale types, and pattern types you want to use.

Patterns can be up to 16 notes long, and rhythms can be up to 32 steps long, including ties and rests.

The NDLR is such a cool way to sequence melodic synthesizers and create chord patterns, arpeggiation patterns, and compositions.

While it won’t work very well for triggering percussion, as a brain for creating melodic synthesizer patterns this is an incredibly useful and inspiring tool.

10. Hermod

The second Squarp offering on this list (they only make sequencers) is the Hermod.

The Hermod is purely designed for eurorack applications, you can tell by its design that it’s meant to sit in a modular system.

With Hermod you get eight tracks to you get eight tracks with CV and GATE triggering.

This works well for the eurorack set up since you’ll mostly be using patch cables to trigger other elements in your box.

Of course, it also has MIDI in and out.

The Hermod is an excellent modular brain that can be a lot of things beyond just a sequencer.

For example, it can do MIDI to CV, multi LFO, or clock dividing.

The sequencer offers a maximum of eight polyphonic notes per step, and up to 64 steps.

But, with its ability to “zoom in” to a track by increasing its resolution, you can get up to 512 steps.

Each of its eight tracks can contain eight sequences, eight effects, and three automation parameters– modulation, pitch bend, and aftertouch.

For the eurorack user who wants to add sequencing to their setup, the Hermod is a definite go-to.

Choose your consequence

Getting a sequencer for your synth setup is a big moment, whether you’re upgrading or if you’re just getting started.

Best Drum Sequencer Vst

When you use sequencing as part of your music creation workflow you open up entirely new avenues for sound creation.

It’s inspiring when you can play parts on your drum machines, modern synths, vintage synths, samplers, and more from a single sequencer brain.

For inspiration, check out how electronic music producer, Barker, uses the Octatrack, Keystep and Beatstep Pro to trigger a Digitone, Nord Drum and solenoid percussion.

Best for beginners: Arturia Keystep

Best for the price: Beatstep Pro

Best overall: Squarp Pyramid MkII

Inspiring honorable mention: NDLR

For any modern producer, a sampler is essential. However, if you’re strapped for cash or just starting out, it can be difficult to find good-quality sampler plugins that actually work and add to your beats.

Luckily, we’ve cut through the weeds and compiled 9 of the best free sampler VST plugins out on the market today.

Best Sequencer Vst Free Plugins

Free Sampler VSTs

/free-tanpura-vst-plugin.html. Without delay, here are our top picks. Sit back, relax, and explore these excellent samplers.

Grace Sampler by One Small Clue

The Grace Sampler is simple, sleek, and suited to synth users. The sampler has optional patches free for download on its website, most of which are for synths, but there’s also a couple for drum kits, keys, and bass.

This sampler comes in both 32 and 64-bit versions, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility from device to device. With most DAWS, you can drag and drop your samples right into the sampler, simplifying your workflow.

Grace Sampler comes with 2 step sequencers, 2 LFOS, and 4 different control pads. The sampler supports WAV, AIF, and SND formats directly which is impressive for a free plugin.

Grooove by BPB

If you’re looking to create some vibey drums, Grooove by BPB is a great pick. This drum sampler is perfect for techno and EDM musicians, looking to create catchy, unique loops.

The plugin has different slots in which 2 different drum samples can be layered and played simultaneously. The slots all have built-in LFOs for altering filter cutoff, sample delay, pitch, and standard attack, volume, pan, and start/end times. Luckily, the VST is supported in both 32 and 64-bit versions.

Grooove BPB is the free version of a full-on instrument, so if you like the notable sampling capabilities that come with the free VST, the purchased version by brunsandpork is a great step up.

TX16W Software Sampler

The TX16W software sampler has a wide array of features that usually only come with paid plugins. With this sampler, you can record samples directly and edit keyboard mappings making it a great pick for musicians looking to incorporate their DAWs into live performance.

As for modulation, the sampler has 2 LFOs and 3 step sequencers. Velocity and mapping can be handled by drawing a custom curve or using the integrated knobs. The plugin also acts as a bus so you can send in and out effects in real-time.

TX16W has 64-bit support and has a built-in arpeggiator, for a paid add-on, you can have time-stretch and pitch-bend modes. For free or otherwise, this plugin is no joke.

Sforzando by Plogue

Sforzando prides itself on its simplicity, with no graphic visualizer. There’s only one sample slot, with no effects or mixers.

The plugin simply consists of standard ADSR knobs, volume, pan, tone, and tune controls. Although this may feel limiting, for seasoned producers looking for a specific sound that doesn’t need a whole lot of extra fluff, Sforzando can be extremely helpful.

If anything else, the plugin works as a great ear-training tool and can train musicians to rely on their skillset rather than software. It comes with 64-bit support.

Zampler by Plugin Boutique

Zampler by Plugin Boutique is an excellent add-on for electronic musicians as you can download drum & bass, hip hop, even dubstep expansion packs.

The sampler has 3 LFOs and a large effects library including chorus, phaser, tube saturation, and many more. There are 2 sample banks and 3 ADSR envelopes for full modulation control.

Zampler has a step sequencer as well as sample oscillators for you to further tweak your sound. Unfortunately, Mac users only have 32-bit support. Windows has both 32 and 64-bit support, but any sample formats outside of sfz must be converted.

Paraphrasis by VirtualAnalogy

Paraphrasis helps you create those retro analog tones with any sample. Simply place your sample into the Paraphrasis sampler, and the modeling synthesizer will analyze the sound data to produce a more classic sound.
This VST is pretty simple, and the UI reflects that; there’s simply a pitch, resolution, analyze, and source toggle with no extra bells or whistles. There’s only one slot to the plugin, but on the upside, it doesn’t take up a large amount of CPU.

There’s also a handy reverse toggle, so you can reverse your sample before giving it that added analog touch. Some users had trouble using this plugin in 64-bit though it supports both versions, so make sure you’re downloading the proper .dll when acquiring this plugin.

XTT01 by Synthedit Labo Japan

The XTT01 has that classic rack-mount feel and is designed to give you a sound reminiscent of the past. This sampler is known for its signature glide function.

This VST is pretty bare bones. There are the standard ADSR knobs to toggle the filter and amp envelopes, and a built-in LFO with speed, PW, and depth knobs. You can also pitch shift by semitones within the sampler.

XTT01 has no visualizer, so it’s a great tool to use for musicians who are more auditory based learners. You can only load one sample at a time in this plugin. Unfortunately, this simple yet powerful sampler only supports 32-bit software, so it may not work for you if you have more modern equipment.

Bassje by Odosynths

Bassje by Odosynths is a great drum sequencer to give your beats the funky groove they’ve been missing. It’s loaded with 3 different toms as well, so if you’re just looking for a great tom loop generator, Bassje is a great addition to your library.

The plugin is separated into two main sections: An octave and filter sequencer. Nothing can describe the sounds you can get out of this puppy other than using is. Bassje has a volume, reso, and volume knob.

Its retro UI speaks to the nature of the plugin, as it’ll generate patterns very reminiscent of physical drum machines. For any musician trying to create retro-inspired music, Bassje is perfect.

Helios by TobyBear

Helios is an impressive audio sampler unit that is meant to be used during live performance. It has 8 different LFOs, including 2 that sync up to the sample’s tempo.

This plugin is able to tweak a sample is real-time with pitch-bending, looping, delays, and LFO filters. You can drag and drop wave files directly into the interface, making it ideal for DJs or musicians who have to improvise often. Unfortunately, it only supports a 32-bit connection so newer equipment may not work with this plugin.

What We Recommend

Any of these VSTs are excellent to try out but there are two that stand out in our minds:

Grooove BPB

Grooove BPB stands out in its flexibility and abundance of features for a free plugin. With 6 different drum slots and a variety of effects, it’s a versatile sampler that can act as an effect bus if nothing else.

Oftentimes rhythm is the core and soul of music production, so having a drum sampler to assist in that process is priceless (literally).

TX16Wx Software Sampler

This sampler is a full-on replacement for any stock sampler you may have, and then some. No other sampler can compare to this VST’s level of flexibility: With separate windows MIDI mapping, envelopes, modulation, arpeggiator, and samples themselves, it’s hard to believe that this plugin is free.

Another great thing about this plugin is the ability to record and drag samples directly into the interface. This may seem like a small factor, but for the right producer, it can significantly simplify your workflow.

Paid Plugins

If you’ve tried out a couple of these free options and you’re looking to take the next step, be sure to check out our guide on the best-paid sampler VSTs of 2019. Here are our two standout picks from that piece.

Phalanx by Vengeance Sound

Phalanx is an impressive sampler and sound effects generator that is very versatile in use. The plugin has a number of optional expansion packs catered to specific genres of music, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.

The plugin has a polyphony threshold at 256 notes, and 32 single samples can be played at once. In addition to its bevy of embedded effects, Phalanx holds its ground when used as a drum sampler.

Best Sequencer Vst Free Plugin

Read more at Best Sampler VSTs

Polygon Sampler by Glitchmachines

This sampler is relatively affordable, making it a great paid VST to consider in your transition. Although it is mainly geared towards electronic music, the unique user interface and 120 embedded presets make this a fun tool for any producer.

If anything else, this sampler surprisingly works well as a synthesizer with an impressive 8 LFOs. It has a lot of granular synthesis capabilities, making it a great way to boost your low-end frequencies without altering the timing of your samples.

Best Free Sequencer Vst Mac

Read more at Best Sampler VSTs

***

Midi Sequencer Vst

All in all, any of these options are great to test out considering there’s no upfront cost other than your time. Have creating exciting new beats using your free Sampler VSTs!