Beatsurfing VRAC is a free plugin for macOS and Windows that turns any sample you import into a unique drum kit.
A drum kit consists of various elements, such as a kick/bass drum, a snare, two toms, and more. In the digital music production age, these can be recreated either through synthesis methods or by working with sample-based content.
Beatsurfing, the creators of LOW synth and other tools, have released a free plugin that allows you to build drum sounds from all kinds of sounds.
Beatsurfing VRAC
VRAC is a new sample-based drum machine that turns any sound into a drum kit. It is described here as sample-based, but in the background, a synthesis or analysis process is running that makes this wild plugin possible.
The concept is simple. Drop any sample in the user interface, and start playing around with the engine. The exciting thing is: it doesn’t have to be a drum sample; it could also be a field recording of a passing bus, a dog barking, etc.
Once imported, set the sample start in the dedicated editor. The big Drumify parameters route the sample into the engine and transform it into a unique drum sound.
An X/Y pad with various drumification models lets you morph seamlessly between kick, snare, hat, and clap profiles. The process is adjustable with drumification parameters. You can tweak the blend and the intensity of the drum model.
There is also a global shaping section that offers controls like pan, velocity, length, and more.
The VRAC plugin can turn any samples from your audio library into punchy, original beats built for the stage, the studio, or both.
First Impression
Samples or drum synthesis, which should I choose? Well, in VRAC, you have both but in a combination that is rarely seen. It’s a fun, free plugin that lets you design very original drum sounds.
Sometimes more classic, sometimes more unusual and experimental. It does both. It’s a great tool that shouldn’t be missed.
Beatsurfing VRAC is available now as a free download. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Beatsurfing
A really fun to use and well designed app! And it could actually be quite useful!