Hydrogen is a free drum sequencer and drum synthesizer for creating rhythms with a pattern-based workflow. Its sequencer supports unlimited patterns that can be linked into songs, and it can also work with an external MIDI keyboard or sequencer. The sample-based stereo engine imports WAV, AU, AIFF, and FLAC files, while the pattern editor lets users change note properties such as velocity and pan. Humanization controls cover velocity, timing, pitch, and swing. Hydrogen supports MIDI and OSC automation, time-stretching, pitch shifting, and JACK, ALSA, PortAudio, and OSS audio drivers. Songs can be exported as WAV, AIFF, FLAC, OGG, MIDI, or LilyPond files. Downloadable drumkits are available through its sound library manager. Hydrogen runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS; listed Windows downloads support Vista and later, while macOS downloads support 10.14 and later. The project describes it for home practice, studio work, and live performance. It is distributed under GPLv2+.
Who it is for
Hydrogen suits musicians who want a pattern-based drum tool for home practice, studio use, or live performance. It can also suit users working with MIDI keyboards or sequencers.
What is good
- Free and distributed under GPLv2+.
- Unlimited patterns can be chained into songs.
- Imports WAV, AU, AIFF, and FLAC samples.
- Exports audio, MIDI, and LilyPond formats.
- Supports four audio driver systems.
What to know first
- No current plans for an LV2 plugin version.
- Listed macOS download requires version 10.14 or later.
Verdict
Hydrogen combines pattern sequencing, sample editing, and MIDI support in a free desktop tool. Check the listed OS requirements and the lack of a planned LV2 plugin before choosing it.
Compared on drum machine software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Platform
- desktop
- Sequencing mode
- pattern
- MIDI support
- Yes
- Sample import
- Yes
- Live performance tools
- Yes
