Microtonic

What Microtonic is

Microtonic is a drum and percussion synthesizer paired with a pattern-based drum-machine engine, delivered as a plug-in for Windows and macOS. It creates and renders sounds in real time through synthesis, without samples or pre-rendered waveforms. Its eight drum and percussion channels can play from a MIDI keyboard or sequencer, while its pattern engine keeps drum patterns in sync with a host sequencer.

Sound-design tools include over-sampled oscillators, sample-accurate triggering, morphing, smart alteration, and randomization. Microtonic includes factory sounds and patterns. Patternarium adds thousands of computer-generated presets for royalty-free use; users can audition them online, download or copy them into Microtonic, and vote on them. The Mac version comes with a standalone application and VST 2.4, VST3, and Audio Unit 2 plug-ins. On Windows, there is no standalone application, so a suitable VST 2.4 or VST3 host is required. More generally, the plug-ins need a host that supports VST 2.4, VST3, or Audio Unit 2. Microtonic costs 99.00 USD as a one-time purchase, and its 21-day trial starts the first time it is opened in a host sequencer. A purchase includes full usage rights, free support, and service updates. The site footer attributes the site to NuEdge Development.

Who it suits

Microtonic suits music makers who want synthesized drum and percussion sounds, pattern sequencing, and MIDI input in a plug-in. It is a fit for Mac users who want a standalone option or Windows users with a suitable VST host.

Limits

The 21-day trial starts the first time Microtonic is opened in a host sequencer. The Windows version has no standalone application and requires a suitable VST 2.4 or VST3 host.

Getting started

1. Open the Microtonic website
2. Download the version for macOS or Windows
3. On Mac, use the standalone application or a compatible plug-in host
4. On Windows, open Microtonic in a host supporting VST 2.4 or VST3
5. Start the 21-day trial by opening Microtonic in a host sequencer
6. Purchase the one-time license for 99.00 USD if you want full usage rights

Verdict

Choose Microtonic if you want a synthesizer-based drum plug-in with eight channels, MIDI playback, and pattern sequencing. Look elsewhere if you need sample import or, on Windows, a standalone application; the Windows version requires a suitable VST host.