Audiomodern Playbeat 4: the smart drum machine plugin is back for round 4 with all-new genre-based AI randomization algorithms and more.
Drum sequencers are popular hardware and software tools for creating drum beats. In recent years, this has become much easier and more accessible due to the emergence of more generative sequencing concepts.
Audiomodern’s smart Playbeat software for macOS, Windows, and iOS is an early adopter of this. It offers algorithms for generating drum patterns quickly and easily. Audiomodern today released Playbeat 4, making their generative engine even more smarter, flexible, and on point.
Audiomodern Playbeat 4
Playbeat 4 is not a free update. However, Audiomodern offers a fair update path (29€) with a good range of new goodies to discover.
As a reminder, Playbeat 3 was released in November 2021 and has been on the market for over 3 years. If you use the previous version intensively, you will notice a major design change in Playbeat 4.
Audiomodern has abandoned the point sequencer and replaced it with bigger color-coded steps. I like the new design of the eight independent sequencer lanes better because it is more visually pleasing and has a more classic step sequencing style than in version 3.
Like in v3, Playbeat 4 uses sample content as sound sources. You can load them from the factory library or import custom samples via drag-and-drop in the plugin. This also includes again the full sample editing capabilities.
The new algorithms are the big news and highlight of Playbeat 4. First, select one of the four unique randomization modes: random, remix, smart, or instant.
Random mode generates a new pattern randomly. Remix takes your existing pattern and adds slight variation while maintaining the initial vibe.Smart is a randomizer algorithm that generates new patterns from a pre-selected number of presets.
For example, if you select all the techno-related presets, the algorithm creates new patterns from this selection. The fourth and last algorithm, instant, generates new patterns instantly and works with all other modes.
Then, you decide whether the randomizer is applied to the pattern, the sound, or both. Important: the sound option does not generate new sounds from scratch but picks a sample from the library.
An AI drum sound generator is still missing but would also be an excellent feature for a new Playbeat update. Plus, you can adjust the complexity of the generated pattern.
AI-based Genre-Based Pattern Generation
Previously, pattern generation was random, and you chose what best suited the track you are working on. Audiomodern has also made the generation more intelligent in Playbeat 4. Now, AI algorithms are used to make this more personalized.
In a dedicated AI page, you can now generate genre-based patterns. Pick up to three genres, and Playbeat 4 creates new patterns based on your selection. You can find various genres, including afro, ambient, breakbeat, chill-out, downtempo, experimental, and more.
In addition, the eight independent sequencer lanes contain all the features from the previous version, including real-time pitch shifting, scales, tunings, density, feature, track delay, volume, pan, and more.
Also new in Audiomodern Playbeat 4 is the reworked sample and preset manager. It allows you to add any folder from your device, browse any samples, and quickly drag and drop any sample to the sequencers & sample slots to create your kits.
Neat, you can preview each preset and create/share your own Pleatbeat packs with the author’s name, artwork, and description.
Other Features
Further, Audiomodern Playbeat 4 has a multi-functional keyboard to trigger sounds, sequencers, or patterns on the fly. And yes, it is again fully MIDI controllable with MIDI support. So, you can control any parameter from your DAW and feed any other plugin or even hardware.
Also, exporting your MIDI patterns and audio data onboard is easy. Plus, you get multiple outputs for flexible routing of your eight sequencer tracks. Audiomodern ships Playbeat 4 with a built-in factory library of patterns, sounds, and 1500 kits.
Audiomodern Playbeat 4 First Impression
An excellent further development of the Playbeat software. The new AI genre-based generation makes everything much simpler and more personalized. So, it’s less wild random. It’s a shame that there is no built-in AI sound generation yet. Maybe we’ll see that in Playbeat 5. Plus points for the iOS version, too.
Audiomodern Playbeat 4 is now available for an introductory price of 69€ instead of 89€. You can update for 29€ from the previous versions. The Playbeat 4 + expansion bundle is out for an introductory price of 79€ instead of 119€.
It runs as a standalone app and VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugins on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. The iOS version with AUv3 support is a free download, and the full version is available for $29,99 as an in-app purchase.
More information here: Audiomodern
I really like the old Playbeat version because you can control every parameter via MIDI. That’s unique. The new version looks great, but has such small controls that it’s a pain (iPad). What are the developers thinking? Sugar Bytes have exactly the same problem. Great software, but the touchscreen controls are a farce!