Is SEQ-16 free to use?

Yes. The sequencer and WAV export are free. A free account provides cloud saving and AI beat generation.

Can I use SEQ-16 to make music for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube?

Yes. SEQ-16 is a free audio tool for content creators designed to generate original, royalty-free audio tracks and loops. You can use the AI sequencer to create unique beats, export them as high-fidelity WAV files, and use them in your social media videos without worrying about copyright strikes.

Do I need to download an app?

No. SEQ-16 is browser-based with no download or installation required. Use it on desktop or mobile at drum-machine.app.

Can I load my own instrument samples?

Yes. You can import custom audio to instruments via drag and drop to the instrument's container. You can also drag single-shot audio slices from the slicer's beat pads for internal re-sampling and instantly remap your kit with new sounds.

What's the difference between MIDI and WAV export?

WAV gives you a ready-to-play audio file. MIDI gives you the note data to open in a DAW (e.g. Ableton, FL Studio) and use your own drum samples.

How does the AI Beat Generator work?

Use the Generate Variation button to create a new version of the pattern you're currently editing (e.g. pattern A or B). It only changes that one pattern, not the whole song. The Variation slider below it controls how much the AI changes the pattern—lower stays closer to what you have, higher adds more change. You can edit the result on the grid and export as WAV or MIDI.

Yes. Save projects to the cloud (free account) to access from any device, or download a local JSON file for backup.

Can I import MIDI into SEQ-16?

Yes. Load a .mid file to see it on the sequencer grid (quantized to 16th notes). Edit and export as WAV with SEQ-16's sounds.

Does it work on mobile?

Yes. SEQ-16 is mobile-optimized for touchscreens on iOS and Android.

How do I export a single slice from the Slicer?

Move the playhead to the step you want (click the step number or use Arrow Left/Right in the beat header when stopped). Press J to audition the slice, then click Download Slice (one-shot) in the Slicer row to get a WAV of that slice.

Can I export separate instrument tracks (stems)?

Yes. When exporting WAV, check 'WAV + stems' to get a ZIP containing the mix plus one WAV per instrument (single-instrument tracks). Optionally enable 'Effects on stems' to apply master effects to each stem for mixing in a DAW.

Free AI Drum Machine & Royalty-Free Loops

The #1 web-based drum sequencer for music producers and content creators.

SEQ-16 is a high-performance online drum machine that supports your custom samples. Seamlessly blend modern AI pattern generation with "crate-digging" to discover and sample historical audio textures right in your browser. Features include a pattern-extendable 16-step sequencer, studio-grade effects, and a dual-deck Slicer for advanced audio layering. Perfect for artists and content creators who need original, royalty-free music, this platform helps you easily create your own unique tracks and loops for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube without copyright concerns. Export your unique sound creations as WAV or MIDI files with no fees, accounts, or subscriptions required.

User Guide

User Guide for the SEQ-16 AI Drum Machine

Unlock Your Beatmaking Potential: Free 16-Track Modular Sequencer with AI Generation, Song Mode, and WAV Export.

This powerful online sequencer features advanced Pattern Chaining for full-song creation. Perfect for producers of House, Techno, and Hip-Hop, this app allows you to generate unique ideas with AI and export them instantly as MIDI or WAV files.

Generate AI Variation button (per pattern only)

Generate AI Variation creates a new version of the pattern you're currently editing (the one shown on the grid). It does not change the whole song or all patterns at once. So: select pattern A if you want to vary A, select B to vary B, and so on. Use it when you like the overall song but want a different take on one section.

Variation slider

The Variation slider (below Generate Variation) controls how much the AI changes the pattern when you use Generate Variation. Lower = closer to what you have; higher = more change. It only affects that per-pattern variation.

2. Song Mode (Pattern Chaining)

Move beyond 1-bar loops by chaining patterns together in the Timeline Editor (located above the exports section).

Pattern Banks (A, B, C, D)

You have 4 unique pattern slots. Each slot stores a complete state (16 tracks of rhythm + settings).

Select/Edit: Click a letter (A-D) to view and edit that specific pattern on the grid.
Add to Chain: Clicking a letter also appends it to your Song Timeline.
Management: Use the small Copy, Paste, and Clear links below each letter to move data between banks.

Timeline Editor

This bar represents your song structure (e.g., A - A - B - A).

Reorder: Drag and drop blocks in the timeline to rearrange your song.
Remove: Click the small × on a block to remove it from the chain.
Ghost Preview: Hover over a bank button to see where the block will be added.
Playback: When you press Play, the sequencer advances through this chain automatically.

Sequencer & playhead navigation

The beat header (step numbers 1-16 above the grid) also control the playhead position. Click a step number to jump to that step. When playback is stopped and focus is in the beat header, Arrow Left and Arrow Right move the playhead one step. This same playhead position is used by the Slicer for “current slice” and one-shot export.

3. Global Controls & Transport

The top section of the app manages your beat globally, affecting all 16 instrument tracks.

Control	Range / Function	Description
Tempo (BPM) Slider	40 to 240 BPM	Adjusts the playback BPM for the entire sequence.
Master Vol (dB)	-24.0 dB to 0.0 dB	Controls output gain. Keep below 0dB to avoid clipping.
Master Tone (Hz)	200 Hz to 20000 Hz	Global Lowpass Filter. Cut highs for "Lofi" or "Underwater" effects.
Overdrive (%)	0% to 100%	Global saturation/distortion for aggressive character.
Swing (%)	0% to 100%	Delays every second 16th note for a "bouncy" or "groovy" feel.
Humanize (ms)	0 to 50 ms	Adds random timing jitter to simulate a live drummer.
Delay / Reverb	0.0 to 1.0 (Wet)	Master spatial effects added to all tracks.

Master Bus Signal Chain Explained

The global controls are implemented as a Master Bus Effects Chain that processes the combined output. The chain is: Filter → Delay → Reverb → Compressor → Overdrive → Limiter. This "glues" the different drum voices together.

Transport & Master Function Buttons

Button	Function
Play / Stop	Start/Stop the sequencer playback.
Clear Sequencer	Clears the beat pattern (turns off all pads) on all tracks.
Random Beats	Generates a random sequence (pad clicks) while preserving your sound settings.
Random Tones	Randomizes only the instrument sliders (Volume, Pitch, Decay) for sound design inspiration.
Unmute All	Unmutes all tracks and cancels any active Solo functions.

4. The 16-Step Grid & Instruments

This application's main area features 16 individual track modules. Click pads to activate steps:

Track List:

KICK 1, KICK 2: Kick Drums (Acoustic & Electronic).
SNARE, RIMSHOT, CLAVES, CONGA: Percussion & Snare.
LOW/MID/HIGH TOM: Tunable Toms.
HI-HAT CL/O: Closed and Open Hats.
CRASH, RIDE, COWBELL: Cymbals & metallic percussion.

Track Controls

Button	Function
Mute (Icon)	Silence a track. The track name fades and glows red.
Solo (S)	Isolate this track. The track name glows green.
Clear (C) / Fill (F)	Quickly Clear (disable) all drum pads for an instrument or Fill (enable) all pads for an instrument.
Double Hit	Shift + Click a pad (or double tap on mobile) to trigger a "double hit" (flam) on that step.
Ghost Note	CTRL + Click a pad (or long press on mobile) to trigger a softer drum hit with less velocity.

Keyboard shortcuts

Elevate your workflow with tactile control and turn your keyboard into a live instrument! Use these shortcuts to freestyle in real-time while using Live Record, or quickly audition sounds while building your pattern.

Key	Action
Space	Play / Pause
← / → (in beat header, when stopped)	Move playhead to previous/next step (click step above sequencer first)
Z X C V B N M ,	Kick 1, Kick 2, Snare, Low Tom, Mid Tom, High Tom, Conga, Rimshot
A S D F G H J	Hi-hat Cl., Hi-hat O., Crash, Ride, Cowbell, Claves, Slicer

One-shot export from the Slicer: Move the playhead to the desired step (click the step number or use ←/→ in the beat header when stopped). Press J to trigger the Slicer at that step to audition the slice. Then click Download Slice (one-shot) in the Slicer row to export that slice as a WAV file.

5. Per-Track Sound Design

Below the grid for each track are four dedicated sliders for deep sound sculpting.

Slider	Effect	Description
VOL	Volume	Controls individual track volume (-30.0 dB to 0.0 dB).
PAN	Panning	Positions the sound in the stereo field (Left/Right).
PITCH / TUNE	Frequency	Primary frequency control. Use this to tune Kicks to your song's key.
DECAY / NOISE	Duration/Texture	Controls the length of the sound or the noise mix (for Snares).

6. Exporting (WAV & MIDI)

The core feature of this application is its ability to create production-ready files.

Export Loops (1-32): Determines how many times the entire timeline chain repeats in the exported file.
Export WAV: Renders a studio-quality .wav file of your song. This runs offline (faster than real-time) and captures all effects.
WAV + stems: Check WAV + stems to also export single-instrument tracks (one WAV per instrument) in a ZIP. Optionally enable Effects on stems to apply master effects to each stem. Ideal for mixing in a DAW.
Export MIDI: Downloads a standard .mid file containing all note data from your timeline. Import this into Ableton, FL Studio, or Logic to use your own VST plugins with the rhythm you created here.
Slicer one-shots: Use Download Slice (one-shot) in the Slicer row to export the slice at the current playhead as a WAV. Use the beat header and J to audition before exporting.

7. Presets & Saving

Save/Load Settings: Downloads/Uploads a JSON file containing your entire session state (Patterns, Chain, Sound Design, FX).
Load MIDI: You can import a MIDI file to visualize it on the sequencer grid (it will be quantized to 16th notes).
Share URL: Generates a unique link to your exact beat configuration to share with others.

Sound Design & Production Mastery

SEQ-16 is sample-based: the player triggers WAV samples with PITCH (semitones, playback speed), DECAY (envelope length in seconds), and TONE (lowpass filter cutoff in Hz). Shape kicks, hats, and percussion for 808/909-style and modern production without leaving the browser.

Drumkits

Choose a kit: Swap kits to change the character of the entire groove (clean, gritty, vintage, etc.).
Program patterns the same way: The 16-step grid, pattern banks (A/B/C/D), and timeline chaining all work exactly the same.
Custom instrument samples: Per-instrument custom one-shots (e.g. “Add Sample” on a track) persist in the drumkit until you remove them; they are stored per kit and survive reloads.
More kits coming: New drumkits will be added over time; this is a growing library of ready-to-go sounds.

Arrangement Strategy: From Loop to Song

Don't get stuck in the "4-bar loop." Use Song Mode (Pattern Chaining) to build dynamic tracks.

The A-B Structure

Use the pattern banks to define energy levels:

Pattern A (Verse): Keep it stripped back. Kick, Snare, Closed Hat. Leave space.
Pattern B (Chorus): Increase energy. Add Open Hats, Rides, and busy Percussion.
Pattern C (Breakdown): Remove the Kick. Focus on Toms and atmospheric Cymbals with high Reverb.

Example Chain: A - A - B - B - C - B (Construct this using the Timeline Editor).

Pitch, Decay & Tone

Tuning Kicks (Sub-Bass)

KICK 2 is a sample played with PITCH (semitones) and DECAY (envelope length). Lowering the pitch and increasing decay (e.g. 1.0s–2s) gives a deep, sustained sub-bass “boom” (808 style). Tuning the pitch to your song’s key helps the kick sit in the mix.

Tone (Lowpass) & Decay

The TONE slider is a lowpass filter (cutoff in Hz). Raising it lets more high frequencies through for a brighter, crisper sound; lowering it darkens the tone (e.g. for lofi or “underwater” feels). On hats and cymbals, DECAY defines the groove—short decays stay tight and punchy, long decays add wash and atmosphere.

Per-Track Mixing: Stereo Field

Creating Width

Use the PAN slider to create a realistic stage. Keep Kicks and Snare centered (0.00). Pan Hats slightly left/right (-0.30 / +0.30). Pan Toms wide (High Tom Left, Low Tom Right) to create movement during fills.

Gain Staging

Use the individual VOL sliders to balance your kit before touching the Master Volume. If your mix is distorting, turn all individual tracks down rather than turning the master up.

Rhythmic Complexity

Syncopation & Polyrhythms

Place kicks or percussion on "off-beats" (steps 2, 6, 10, 14) to drive the track forward. You can create Polyrhythms by programming a 3-step pattern (e.g., Claves on 1, 4, 7, 10, 13) against the standard 4/4 grid.

Humanization

Don't forget the Humanize slider! A small amount (5-15 ms) subtly shifts notes off the grid, capturing an authentic, non-robotic feel essential for Hip Hop and Jazz.

The Slicer: Slices, Decks, and Crate Digging

The Slicer is an expressive, “crate-digger” lane built for texture and storytelling. Instead of one-shot drum hits, it plays tiny slices from a longer audio recording, synced to the 16-step grid.

Load audio (or dig a random one): Use Load Audio File (max 20MB) in the Slicer row. Max file size 20MB, max duration 5 minutes. Load different sources on Deck A and Deck B for two independent slice lanes.
Use Deck A / Deck B: Each deck has its own sample, its own pads, and its own mix controls—perfect for call-and-response or layering two textures.
Navigate with the scrub box: Drag the box left/right over the waveform to choose which part of the file the 16-step window will pull slices from.
Program pads like an instrument: Each active step triggers a slice for that step’s duration. Use this for vocal chops, ambience stabs, radio fragments, or cinematic hits.
Mix it in: Use VOL, PAN, and TONE to tuck the slicer behind drums or push it upfront.
Pattern-aware: Slicer pads can change per pattern (A/B/C/D), so you can write “verses” and “choruses” with different chops.
One-shot export: Download Slice (one-shot) exports the slice at the current playhead as a WAV. Navigate with the beat header (click step or ←/→ when stopped), press J to hear the slice, then export.

Genre Recipes

Techno / House: BPM 125-135. Kick on 1, 5, 9, 13 (four-on-the-floor). Open Hat on off-beats (3, 7, 11, 15). Crank Overdrive and Reverb for a club sound.

Lofi / Hip-Hop: BPM 80-95. Increase Humanize and Swing. Turn down the Master Tone filter to cut high frequencies for a vintage, muffled sound.

Trap: BPM 140+. Focus on KICK 2 (Sub-bass) with low pitch/long decay. Use HI-HAT CL on every step, then use double-hits (Shift+Click) to create rapid rolls.

Jungle / Drum & Bass (DnB): BPM 160-180. Complex, staggered patterns using SNARE and RIMSHOT. Maximize volume of HI-HAT CL with short decays for energy.

Industrial Techno: Keep a strong 4/4 Kick. Rely heavily on RIMSHOT or CLAVES on off-beats. Use KICK 2 with low Pitch and crank Master Delay.

Reggaeton: BPM 90-100. Kick on 1, 5, 9, 13. Snare on 4, 7, 12, 15 (The "Dembow" rhythm). Keep the sounds dry and punchy.

Synthwave: Lower Master Tone gently. Use SNARE and CRASH with plenty of Reverb. KICK should be simple (1, 9).

Afrobeat / Funk: BPM 95-115. Maximize Humanize (15-30ms). Use CLAVES as the backbone and syncopated CONGA layers to build swing.

Your Thoughts & Ideas

I welcome hearing from you! Whether you have feedback, feature ideas, collaboration thoughts, or just want to say hi, this form is open to all. If you’ve created something with the app, tell me about it! I’d genuinely love to hear what you've made with it.

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SEQ-16 AI Drum Machine App