How do I change the tempo (BPM) of my beat?

Locate the BPM (Beats Per Minute) slider or input field on the control panel. Increasing the number will make the beat faster, while decreasing it will slow the rhythm down. The default is usually set to 120 BPM.

Does this drum machine work on mobile phones?

Yes. The application is built with responsive web design and optimized for touch interactions, allowing you to tap pads and program sequences on iOS and Android devices directly in the browser.

Is there any latency (lag) when playing?

This tool uses the modern HTML5 Web Audio API, which provides professional-grade timing accuracy and near-zero latency, ensuring your loops stay perfectly in sync regardless of your browser speed.

Free Online Drum Machine & 16-Track Sequencer w/ WAV Export

Show User Guide / Instructions ▼

User Guide for the Online 16-Track Modular Drum Machine

Unlock Your Beatmaking Potential: Free 16-Track Drum Sequencer with Lossless WAV Export!

Welcome to the comprehensive user manual for the Online 16-Track Modular Drum Machine. This powerful, free web application is a virtual drum synthesizer designed for producers and musicians. It features a full 16-step sequencer across 16 individual tracks, providing deep per-track sound design with dedicated parameters for volume, pitch, decay, and tone. Easily create professional-grade rhythms for genres like Techno, Hip-Hop, House, Lofi, and more, then export your final creation as a high-quality lossless WAV file.

1. 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	20 to 240 BPM (Default: 120)	Adjusts the playback BPM (Beats Per Minute) for the entire 16-step sequence.
Master Vol (dB) Slider	-24.0 dB to 0.0 dB (Default: 0.0 dB)	Controls the Master Volume (output gain) of the entire mix.
Master Tone (Hz) Slider	200 Hz to 20000 Hz (Default: 20000 Hz)	Applies a global Master Lowpass Filter, allowing you to cut high frequencies for a darker, vintage, or "Lofi" sound.
Humanize (ms) Slider	0 to 50 ms (0.05 seconds)	Adds slight, random timing jitter to each step to give your beat a more natural, less robotic or "quantized" feel.
Delay (x) Slider	0.0 to 1.0 (Wet Mix)	Controls the amount of Master Delay Effect added to all tracks.
Reverb (x) Slider	0.0 to 1.0 (Wet Mix)	Controls the amount of Master Reverb Effect added to all tracks for spatial depth.

Master Bus Signal Chain Explained

The global controls are implemented as a Master Bus Effects Chain that processes the combined output of all 14 drum voices. This chain is what gives your entire beat cohesion.

Chain Order: All non-percussive voices are routed through the Master Tone Filter → Master Delay → Master Reverb → Master Volume → Output.
Why a Chain? Applying effects like the Master Filter, Delay, and Reverb to the entire mix simultaneously helps "glue" the different drum voices together, making them sound like they exist in the same space and share a consistent tone.
Key Exception: High-impact, transient-heavy sounds like the Claves are routed after the Master FX, directly to the Master Volume, to preserve their dry punch and clarity.

Transport & Master Function Buttons

The main button row provides powerful global editing and playback tools:

Button	Function
Play Track / Stop Track	Start/Stop the 16-step sequencer playback.
Clear All	Clears the beat pattern (turns off all 16-step pads) on all 16 tracks.
Random Beats	Generates a random sequence pattern (pad clicks) on all 16 tracks, preserving all slider settings.
Default Tones	Resets all 16 instrument sliders (Volume, Pan, Pitch, Decay, Tone) to their initial, factory default settings.
Center Tones	Sets all instrument sliders (Volume, Pan, Pitch, Decay, Tone) to a neutral center position (e.g., Pan to 0, Volume to 0 dB, filter to max).
Random Tones	Randomizes only the instrument slider settings (Volume, Pan, Pitch, Decay, Tone) across all 16 tracks.
Random Mutes	Randomly Mutes or Unmutes each instrument track.
Unmute All	Unmutes all tracks and cancels any active Solo functions.

2. Sequencing (The 16-Step Grid)

The main area of the app consists of 16 individual track modules, each with 16 clickable pads.

Track List (Modular Synth Voices)

The application features 16 unique, synth-generated drum and percussion voices with dedicated parameter controls:

BASS 1, BASS 2 (Kick Drums)
SNARE, RIMSHOT, CLAVES, CONGA
LOW TOM, MID TOM, HIGH TOM (Toms)
HI-HAT CL. (Closed Hat), HI-HAT O. (Open Hat)
CRASH, RIDE
COWBELL

Track-Level Controls (Mute, Solo, Copy, Paste)

Located next to the track name, these four buttons give you surgical control over each voice:

Button	Label	Function
Mute	M	Toggles the volume for this track ON/OFF. The track name fades and glows red when muted.
Solo	S	Mutes all other tracks, allowing you to hear this track in isolation. The track name glows green when soloed.
Copy	C	Copies the full state of this track (all slider settings and the 16-step pattern).
Paste	P	Pastes the copied state onto this track, overwriting its current settings and pattern.

3. Per-Track Sound Design

Below the 16-step grid for each track are four dedicated horizontal sliders, allowing for deep sound sculpting for each synthesized drum voice.

Slider Label	Effect	Description
VOL	Individual Track Volume	Controls the volume in dB (-30.0 dB to 0.0 dB) for the specific track.
PAN	Stereo Panning	Positions the sound in the stereo field (Left: -1.00 to Right: 1.00).
PITCH / TUNE / FREQ	Primary Instrument Parameter	Controls the core frequency (Hz) or tuning of the drum. This significantly alters the sound, especially for kicks, toms, and cowbell.
DECAY / NOISE	Secondary Instrument Parameter	Controls the length (seconds) of the drum hit (Decay) or the mix level of the noise layer (Noise) (e.g., on the Snare).

4. Exporting Your Beat (Lossless WAV)

The core feature of this application is its ability to create a high-fidelity, production-ready audio file of your work.

Export Controls

Export Loops (1-64): An input box that determines the final length of your exported audio file (e.g., setting it to 4 will export four complete 16-step loops).
Export WAV: Initiates the offline rendering process. The application synthesizes your entire beat, including all parameter settings and master effects, into a single, high-quality, lossless WAV file for professional use.

How to Export

Set your desired loop count in the Export Loops box (e.g., 8 loops for a 32-second track at 120 BPM).
Click the Export WAV button.
The app will stop playback, render the audio in the background, and automatically prompt you to download the .wav file to your computer.
The file name will include a timestamp for easy organization (e.g., chrisyst_beats_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.wav).

5. Preset Management

The application features a built-in system for loading external beat patterns and saving your own configurations.

Loading Presets

Select a musical style from the Load Base Preset: Genre dropdown.
The Beat dropdown will populate with available patterns for that genre.
Selecting a beat will instantly load the pattern and apply the associated BPM. Note: Loading a preset does NOT overwrite your instrument tone settings (Volume, Pan, Pitch, Decay).

Saving and Loading Custom Configurations

Save Settings File: Downloads a JSON file containing your entire current state, including the beat pattern, all 16 tracks' parameter values, Mute/Solo states, and all Global Controls.
Load Settings File: Use this to load a previously saved JSON file, restoring the application exactly as you saved it.

Sound Design & Production Mastery ▼

Online Modular Drum Synthesis: Master Analog Sound Design for Pro Production

At its core, this application is a modular drum synthesis engine. Unlike simply playing back recorded samples, these synths generate sounds from scratch using core components like tunable oscillators (for bass and tone), specialized noise generators (for snares and hats), and custom decay envelopes. This deep control allows you to sculpt sounds inspired by iconic analog drum machines. By adjusting the Pitch (or Frequency) and Decay controls on instruments like the kick, you can recreate legendary tones from classic House to the massive sub-bass of modern Hip-Hop. This gives you authentic synth drum sound design capability right in your browser. Fundamental sound architecture parameters (Pitch, Decay, Tone) are provided to truly understand and manipulate the voices, offering professional control without complicated hardware or software.

Mastering Synthesis: Pitch, Tone, and Noise Parameters

This drum machine features deep controls for drum synthesis decay parameter and tuning, allowing you to move beyond the default sound profiles.

Pitch/Freq/Tune Parameter Control

The "Pitch" parameter fundamentally changes the sound's frequency, turning a large kick into a small tick, or a deep tom into a high-pitched wooden block.

Tuning Kicks: Lowering the Pitch on BASS 1 creates a sub-bass punch. Raising it results in a sharp, vintage kick. Consider tuning kick drums to music key for better cohesion in a full song mix.
Tuning Clicks: For metallic instruments like the COWBELL, the FREQ parameter determines its exact pitch, allowing you to tune it to play harmonic notes within your track.

Decay, Length, and Filtering

These controls manage the time and frequency content of the sound once it's triggered.

Decay Parameter: This controls the length of the sound. Set the decay on HI-HAT CL. very short (low value) for a tight click, or maximize the decay on CRASH and RIDE to achieve a long, smooth cymbal wash effect.
Noise Synthesis (SNARE): The NOISE parameter on the Snare adjusts the amount and duration of the white noise layer, controlling the "sizzle" or "snappy" quality of the hit.
Tone/Filter (Cymbals): On the noise-based instruments (CH, OH, CRASH, RIDE), the TONE parameter acts as a High-Pass Filter. Raising the frequency cuts the low-end mud, resulting in a cleaner, sharper metallic sound.

Per-Track Mixing: Stereo Field and Dynamics

Moving beyond pattern sequencing, using the individual VOL and PAN controls is essential for achieving a studio-grade mix. This is where you master the stereo image and manage your overall dynamic range.

Creating a Wide Stereo Image (Panning)

Use the PAN slider on each track to position the sound in the stereo field (Left/Right).

Center Anchors (0.00): Always keep your main rhythmic elements—the Kicks (BASS 1, BASS 2) and Snare—perfectly centered (PAN: 0.00) for maximum punch and mono compatibility.
Spreading the Kit: Pan hi-hats (CH, OH) and shakers slightly left or right (e.g., -0.30 or +0.45). For toms, pan the HIGH TOM left and the LOW TOM right to create a realistic, wide drum kit feel.

Mastering Headroom (Gain Staging)

Use the individual VOL sliders (ranging from -30 dB to 0 dB) for proper gain staging.

Initial Level Setting: Set individual instrument levels so that the Master Volume meter (top control) stays near 0 dB or below.
Preventing Distortion: Lowering track volumes individually prevents digital clipping and preserves the natural dynamic range of your beat, ensuring clean, high-quality WAV export.

Rhythmic Complexity: Polyrhythms and Off-Grid Grooves

Release the power of this 16-step sequencer by adding layers of syncopation and polyrhythms. This adds depth and groove, moving beyond simple quarter and eighth notes.

Creating Syncopated Patterns

A syncopated rhythm emphasizes the beats *between* the main count (the off-beats). Focus on the 16th-note steps for complexity:

Off-Beat Kick Drums: Place KICK hits on 16th notes (steps 2, 4, 6, etc.) rather than just on the 4th notes (1, 5, 9, 13). This helps how to make house beats with sequencer that push forward.
Clave/Rim Syncopation: Use the CLAVES or RIMSHOT tracks to create Latin or afrobeat rhythms by hitting uneven steps (e.g., 3, 6, 9, 12, 14), giving the track a unique, infectious swing.

Fills and Pattern Variation

Turn a static loop into a complex arrangement by using your tom and cymbal tracks strategically to create breaks and transitions.

Creating Fills: Dedicate the LTOM, MTOM, and HTOM tracks almost exclusively to the last four steps of the 16-step sequence (steps 13-16). Vary these notes to create dramatic drum fills that resolve back to step 1.
Humanize for Feel: Don't forget the Humanize slider! A small amount (5-15 ms) will subtly shift your perfectly quantized notes, capturing an authentic, off-grid, live drummer feel.

Presets, Session Management, and Creative Expansion

Starting with a Blueprint (Presets)

Why Start with a Preset? The Genre and Beat Presets are your starting blueprints. They instantly provide basic rhythms and set the ideal starting BPM. This is the fastest way to make beats online or learn the rhythmic structure of a new genre (like DnB or Reggaeton).

How to Expand: Once a preset is loaded, your creativity begins! Use the Copy (C) and Paste (P) buttons to duplicate patterns between tracks (e.g., copying a Kick pattern to Kick 2, then editing one slightly). Use the Solo (S) button to isolate a single rhythm for fine-tuning.
Advanced Tip: Load a preset, then hit Random Tones to keep the rhythm but give it entirely new instrument sounds!

The Power of Track Synchronization (Modular Play)

This sequencer runs every track simultaneously, making it a true modular sequencing playground. This allows for the creation of polyrhythmic drum machine ideas.

What is Polyrhythm? It's when two different rhythms are played simultaneously (e.g., a three-step pattern against a four-step pattern). While your main grid is 16 steps (four beats), you can create simple polyrhythms by repeating a three-step pattern (e.g., KICK on 1, 4, 7, 10, 13) against the 4/4 grid.
Creative Potential: This ability to layer and re-time distinct patterns across 14 synchronized voices allows producers to explore complex experimental beat design not possible in simpler loopers.

Saving, Loading, and Asset Management

Why You Should Save Your Settings: The Save Settings File feature is crucial because it captures every single parameter in the app—your 16-step patterns, all 14 instrument volumes, pans, pitch/decay settings, and all master FX levels. It's your complete session backup, allowing you to return to a complex idea instantly.

How to Re-Use: Click the "Save Settings File" button to download a .json file. To load it back, click "Load Settings File" and select your saved .json. The app state instantly restores, ready for further expansion. This provides true online drum machine session management.

Beat Production Workflow & Master FX Control

The Recommended Workflow (Start to Finish)

Follow these steps to ensure a clean, professional beat ready for a full production pipeline:

Foundation: Select a low BPM (90-110) and program your Kick and Snare pattern first.
Groove: Build rhythm with Hi-Hats (`CH`/`OH`). Use the Humanize slider sparingly (5-15ms) to dial in the desired swing or "looseness."
Sound Sculpting: Adjust the individual Pitch and Decay sliders on each voice to define the character of your drums (e.g., to dial in a deep Kick).
Mix: Set individual VOL and PAN controls. Maintain Master Volume near 0 dB.
FX Detail: Apply subtle Delay and Reverb (see note below).
Export: Set loops (e.g., 8) and hit Export WAV for the final, clean audio file.

Minimalist Mixing Advice: FX Control

Why Minimal FX are Best: Effects like Delay and Reverb can easily overwhelm the mix, especially on loud drums. Use them minimally for taste, rather than volume, to avoid a washed-out or muddy sound. This is essential for professional-sounding mastering drum machine beats.

Delay & Reverb: Keep the Master Delay and Reverb Wet sliders low (typically below 0.3 or 0.4). This ensures the effects add space and size without drowning the punch of the drums.
Humanize: Use Humanize under 20ms unless you are intentionally trying to create a noticeable, heavy swing or a broken-beat feel.

Studio-Grade Features for Professional Music Production

The Export Advantage

The ability to use lossless WAV export is paramount for high-quality production. Unlike lossy formats like MP3, WAV files provide clean, studio-grade audio ready to drop into any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Ableton, Logic, or FL Studio, making your app a true producer's toolkit.

Genre Breakdowns: Using the 16-Step Sequencer

Techno / House: To make classic House beats, set the BPM high (125-135). Use the Kick on steps 1, 5, 9, 13 (four-on-the-floor). Add the Open Hat (HI-HAT O.) on 8th notes (3, 7, 11, 15) and increase the Master Reverb and Delay levels for a wide, club-ready sound. This is your essential online beat maker for techno.

Lofi / Hip-Hop: For the best free Lofi drum machine experience, lower the BPM (80-100). Use the Humanize slider to add slight timing imperfections for a warmer, groove-heavy feel. Crucially, turn down the Master Tone filter to cut high frequencies and give the whole track that characteristic vintage, muffled sound.

Trap / Modern Hip-Hop: Set the BPM to 140-160 (or half-time 70-80). Focus on heavy sub-bass by dramatically lowering the Pitch on BASS 1. Use sparse, syncopated KICK patterns and rapid-fire 16th-note hits on the HI-HAT CL., occasionally inserting a quick HI-HAT O. for emphasis.

Jungle / Drum & Bass (DnB): To emulate classic Jungle breakbeats, use high BPM (160-180). Focus on complex, staggered patterns using a combination of SNARE and RIMSHOT for fast, syncopated hits. Maximize the volume and pan of the HI-HAT CL. and experiment with short, tight Decay settings on the noise voices to capture that high-energy sound.

Techno (Industrial/Minimal): For hard, driving Techno sequencing, keep a strong four-on-the-floor pattern and rely heavily on the RIMSHOT or CLAVES on off-beats (steps 3, 7, 11, 15). Use the KICK 2 voice with a low Pitch and longer Decay for deep rumble, and crank up the Master Delay for rhythmic repetition.

Reggaeton / Latin: The core Reggaeton beat (Dembow) requires specific placement. Set the BPM to 90-105. Place the KICK on steps 1, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11, 14, 16. Use the CLAVES or COWBELL on the straight quarter notes (1, 5, 9, 13) to drive the rhythm, positioning them slightly off-center using the PAN slider for groove.

Synthwave / 80s Pop: Achieve that retro sound by slightly lowering the Master Tone filter (around 12000 Hz) to gently roll off the highs. Use SNARE and CRASH with plenty of Master Reverb. The KICK pattern should be either four-on-the-floor or a simple rock pattern (1, 9), often complemented by RIMSHOT hits for that iconic electro-pop crack.

Afrobeat / Funk: For deep Funk drum machine patterns, aim for 95–115 BPM. Maximize the use of the Humanize slider (15-30ms) to loosen the feel. The groove relies on syncopated layers: use the CLAVES for the "backbone" rhythm and combine the CONGA and LTOM on sparse 16th notes to build complexity and swing. This is ideal for creative drum machine patterns.

16-Track Drum Machine