Augmatic Audio GRE is a new algorithmic drum pattern generator for iOS, macO, and now Windows, inspired by the Mutable Instruments Grids: update 1.2
At the end of February, Augmatic Audio released GRE, a fun algorithmic drum pattern generator for iOS, macOS, and Windows.
Part of its core is based on the brilliant open-source Mutable Instruments Grids module. As the developer stated, it’s created using Vibe coding.
Now there’s also good news for everyone who doesn’t have a DAW with AUv3 support or a Mac. GRE is now also available as a desktop VST3 plugin for macOS and Windows.
Not only is there now a new dedicated VST3 version, but also a new 1.2 update with new features. Version 1.2 introduces a beat monitor that provides visual feedback when beats are fired or blocked by the engine.
Then, you can now play the engine with six master sliders. It gives you hands-on control over all channels at once with soft and hard modes. There is also a new paint mode in the linear drumming priority matrix.
Augmatic Audio also improved the preset browser. Version 1.3 introduces a new preset and MIDI mapping browser with folders and favorites. Other new features and improvements include:
- whole-note (1N) velocity bender cycle
- scrollable lists now commit on release for smoother live performance
- MIDI channel selectable in plugin mode (no longer locked to channel 10)
- built-in interactive tutorial
- resizable AUv3 window on macOS
- fixed hanging MIDI notes on transport stop and preset switching
- fixed preset names not persisting in DAW project
Nice update with useful additions, making it more versatile and hands-on. It’s great that there’s now a Windows version too.
The new Augmatic Audio GRE VST3 version for macOS and Windows is now available at an introductory price of $19,99 instead of $24,99. The iOS version with macOS and AUv3 plugin support is out now for $9,99.
Article from March 10, 2026
Traditionally, drum patterns are programmed manually into the sequencer step by step. However, in recent years, generative ideas have emerged. These algorithms generate an infinite number of drum patterns for you.
One of those who made it very playful was the open-source Eurorack module Grids by Emilie Gillet, aka Mutable Instruments.
Now you can discover the magic of Grids in a new app. Augmatic Audio has released GRE, a drum pattern generator plugin for iOS and macOS built around this module.
Augmatic Audio GRE
GRE is a new algorithmic drum pattern generator for iOS (iPad, iPhone) and macOS (native Apple Silicon). It’s important to know that the plugin doesn’t generate drum sounds.
Augmatic Audio GRE is loaded as a MIDI FX plugin and routed to a drum instrument. The plugin is somewhat limited on macOS, as not many AUv3-compatible DAWs support MIDI plugins; for example, Ableton Live does not.
It consists of six algorithmic channels: bass drum, snare, hi-hat, plus accents which complement rhythms and don’t duplicate. Each channel can generate its own rhythmic voice.
GRE has two engines: the Mutable Instruments Grids and an Euclidean engine. The first is playable with an X/Y map of interconnected drum patterns.
By morphing the X/Y, you can create evolving beats on the fly, plus adjust the engine with density, chaos, and blend parameters per channel.
Blend Engines
Alongside Grids, there is a flexible Euclidean engine that allows you to create evenly distributed, world-inspired rhythms. Each channel offers adjustable parameters, such as step amount, hits, start position, or probability.
A highlight is the ability to crossfade between Emily Gillet’s open-source Grids engine and the Euclidean pattern generator. This function does not fundamentally change the groove, but adds inspiring variations.
Additionally, roles can be assigned to each channel, whether they play simultaneously or separately. According to the developers, it’s a helpful feature for Hip-Hop, IDM, or Funk drum patterns.
Augmatic Audio GRE also offers neat tools that sprinkle life into the patterns, including swing, humanization, clock division, and timing shift. Furthermore, you can shape the velocity dynamics in the dedicated velocity bender section.
First Impression
At first glance, a very exciting MIDI drum pattern generator that is not just a “MI Grids” plugin, but also goes beyond what the original module can do.
Augmatic Audio GRE is available now for $4,99. It runs as an AUv3 MIDI FX plugin on iOS (iPhone/iPad) and macOS.
More information here: Augmatic Audio / AppStore
There are so many aspects of this that are elegant and clever. That velocity shaping process is brilliant!
I agree with Gavinsky about the clock multiplier parameter– it would be nice to have it be selectable instantaneously without having to go through several values first. Still, it’s great to see that feature as it is.
I wish each track had “shift/nudge’ type control where it could make some track a little late or a little early. I suppose it can be dangerous to tinker with the time-space continuum.
v1.2 adds exactly that: “scrollable lists now commit on release for smoother live performance”
Regarding the clock multiplier: I wanted to keep the GUI simple, without pop‑ups or overlays, however Gavinski’s point is well taken. The behaviour of the lists will be changed in v1.2 (soon): the value won’t be applied until you lift your finger, and it will be greyed out while you scroll it to indicate that it’s “disabled”. A few more changes are coming in v1.2 based on community feedback, which has been great!
You are correct, pushing events on the transport is trickly, the SHIFT feature is already a stretch.
This is both excellent news and somewhat disappointing. I purchased GRE soon after it came out, and like it very much, but I don’t often use AUv3 plugins and realized that I won’t be using it as much as I would if it was a VST. Looks like I pulled the trigger a bit too soon. I see that the developer participates in this forum so I thought I’d ask if there might be an upgrade path from AUv3 to VST or possibly a way to perform some sort of exchange? Great product! Thank you!