5 Best Drum Machine VST Plugins for Beatmaking

Nerve: Overview

Nerve is a powerful beat creation and manipulation plugin created by the pros at Xfer Records. Operating as either a VSTi or AudioUnit plugin. Users can craft beats from the ground up using their own samples or the extensive factory drum kits, presets, and patterns provided. The interface features an intuitive mouse-driven step sequencer that facilitates quick programming alongside easy access to various controls.

You can either create your grooves and beats from scratch or use any of the factory presets: kits, patterns, presets, and sounds are all included.

The plugin boasts a substantial 2GB sound library sourced from prominent sound designers, supporting multiple audio formats such as WAV, AIF, REX, RX2, and AKAI SND. For those focused on live performance and production, Nerve integrates performance-oriented functionalities, including a real-time repeater control and MIDI input/output support. Each pad operates independently.

Arturia – Spark 2: Overview

Arturia's Spark 2 merges synthesis with acoustic and sampled sounds through its proprietary TAE and Phi technologies. The software features an intuitive all-in-one interface that simplifies the process of beat production.

One of the standout components is the 64-step sequencer, which includes advanced loop modes and humanization features. The modular drum synth editor enables in-depth sound customization. Additionally, Spark 2 is equipped with over 1,900 instruments and 180 drum kits that encompass a wide variety of styles, including vintage and electronic sounds.

Rob Papen Punch virtual drum synthesizer: Overview

One of the first plugins I bought was from a guy named Rob Papen. I’ve always loved the instruments from Rob, namely the Predator and BLUE-II.

The Punch virtual drum synthesizer features a dual approach to sound creation. Users can either utilize the built-in samples or import their own. The incorporation of synthesis alongside sample playback allows for a diverse range of sonic possibilities.

One of Punch's standout features is its powerful sound design capability, including a selection of filters and modulation options that mirror the functionality found in Rob Papen's other synthesizers. Additionally, the software includes built-in sequencers, providing users with multiple patterns that can be triggered live.

Rob Papen’s Punch includes preset kits built by famous DJs to get you started quickly.

StiX – xils-lab: Overview

XILS Lab is an audio developer famous for numerous synthesizers like the XILS 3, XILS 4, and PolyKB II. The StiX plugin is a virtual analog and multi synthesis drum machine, featuring a unique sequencer known as XoX.

StiX includes 2000 presets with 120+ globar presets, 720+ patterns, 700 drum samples, 60 drum kits, 390 exclusive samples, and more.

The StiX drum machine plugin from XILS Lab offers an incredible variety of drum sounds from several different periods. Whether you like vintage drum machines or newer digital ones, StiX has you covered.