# Hammerhead Rhythm Station — 25th Anniversary Edition

> Mobile drum computer for creating rhythms with built-in synth and custom sound import. (iPhone/iPad app by Bram Bos.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hammerhead-rhythm-station/id1568699989 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Bram Bos](https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444)
- Category: Music
- Price: $7.99
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 108 App Store ratings · 65 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 172 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2021-06-16
- Data updated: 2026-09-02
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hammerhead-rhythm-station/id1568699989/reviews.md

## What is Hammerhead Rhythm Station?

The little shark is back. After 25 years, the new Hammerhead is a fresh, mobile reinterpretation of the classic software drum computer that started it all. 

Hammerhead is still simple, fun and playful. It still feels like a little 90s groovebox. Except this time it fits in your pocket, it integrates in your plugin ecosystem and comes with a lot more creative possibilities...

- Pick from dozens of classic sounds and loops, or import your own WAVs
- Use the built-in drum synth to design your own kicks, bobs, tocks and thwacks
- Runs standalone and as a state-of-the art AUv3 Audio Unit plugin (e.g. in Garageband)
- AU plugin supports individual outputs per channel, MIDI output and fullscreen modes
- Trigger sounds and patterns using MIDI (when hosted as an AU plugin)
- One-click compression and distortion, with several sound models
- Let the universe decide: random pattern generator, mutation, glitch and much more
- Easily create complex evolving polyrhythms
- Designed for creative fun: no menu diving or arcane expert settings. Just dive in and create
 
Find the manual on Ruismaker.com

## Key features

- Import custom WAV sounds
- Built-in drum synthesizer
- Standalone and AUv3 plugin support
- MIDI input and output
- One-click compression and distortion
- Random pattern generator
- Create polyrhythms

## What do users think of Hammerhead Rhythm Station?

Overall sentiment: overwhelmingly positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive workflow
- 💡 Great for improvisational music making
- 🎶 Excellent sound quality and presets
- 🚀 Quick to use with amazing results
- 💾 Ability to import own audio samples
- ✨ Simple and immediate focus
- 🎛️ Fader UI for variation
- 🔄 Supports AUv3 and inter-app audio
- 🎚️ Multibus output capability
- 🌟 Classic and nostalgic feel
- 🎛️ Versatile drum synth
- 🎚️ Good for jamming and live performance
- 🎵 Inspiring and fun to use
- 🎛️ Fast and hands-on groove creation
- 🎚️ Deep sound modulation possibilities
- 🎛️ Works well with other DAWs/apps

**Cons**

- ❓ Some users want more features
- 🎛️ Limited effects per voice
- 🎚️ MIDI mapping could be more extensive
- 🎛️ Drum synth engine could be deeper
- 🎚️ User folder for voices in-app needed
- 🎛️ Glitches and randomization are basic
- 🎚️ Hard to tap mute buttons reliably
- 🎛️ Upper knobs are hard to tune
- 🎚️ Basic EQ for each sound desired
- 🎛️ Attack alteration desired
- 🎚️ Limited mixer effects
- 🎛️ No Ableton Link support
- 🎚️ No reverse option
- 🎛️ Limited step sequences (16/32 requested)

**Commonly reported bugs**

- AUv3 starts playing in sequence mode on pattern 2 instead of pattern 1
- Mute buttons are somewhat hard to tap reliably
- Upper knobs are somewhat hard to tune
- Chan. Config button makes pattern settings disappear

**Most requested features**

- Deeper drum synth engine
- More extensive MIDI mapping (solo per voice)
- User folder for voices in-app
- Ability to send presets into user storage
- Effects per voice
- Solo/mutes for MIDI mapping
- Ableton Link support
- At least 32-step sequences
- 16 steps per page formatted option
- Control over setting locking randomization parameters on each sound individually
- Show note designation under pitch control
- Export loops to .wav files
- MIDI export function
- Repeat patterns like in Rozeta Cells
- Basic EQ for each sound (high pass/low pass)
- Option to alter the attack of sounds
- Reverse option
- Allow usage on M1 Mac

## Recent user reviews (10 of 65)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hammerhead-rhythm-station/id1568699989/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Personal favorite

*2026-02-21*

Easy to use, modify, and create with.  Lots of presets for kicks, hats, and snares (among other drum heads too). Built in breaks (amen, Apache, think, funky drummer,…). Drum synth is good too. Killer like all Bram Bos apps

### 5/5 — Incredible Rhythm Maker

*2025-09-25*

This is the best thing there is in the AppStore for music! Thank you for bringing back Hammerhead and to the iPad world. I used the PC version in the early 2000s and was such a fanboy.. cannot wait to play with this newly designed interface as well. Loving it already. Kudos!!

### 5/5 — 2025 still my go to drum machine

*2025-07-31, version 1.2.2*

Nothing beats hammerheads workflow.  Incredible multi-genre presets.

Hammerhead is the best.

### 5/5 — Easy to use! 🙌🏼

*2025-07-10*

This is my go-to rhythm box for improvisational music making. Just enough features to provide what I need without being overwhelming. Really appreciate that I can create multiple patterns per kit and switch between them easily, either sequenced, or manually. You can also create polyrhythms, with each channel in a pattern having a different number of steps 👌🏼

### 5/5 — Fantastic but needs an update

*2025-06-30*

Absolutely love this app…the layout and functionality is unmatched. Quick to use with amazing results. 

Please update with a deeper drum synth engine, more extensive midi mapping (solo per voice please!!!) User folder for voices *in app* without having to jump to import. Ability to send voices from presets into user storage for quicker access. So easy to jump sound to sound in classic, would be great to have that possibility for user sounds as well.

Brilliant app I use daily and would be elated with an update!!!

### 5/5 — Good app auv3 sequence mode could use fix though

*2025-06-16*

The app is very good in my opinion. The im thing I would recommend fixing in this app is when using it as an auv3 it starts playing in sequence mode on pattern 2 instead of pattern 1. If they fix it the app would be even better.

### 5/5 — Fantastic but needs an update

*2025-04-16*

Absolutely love this app…the layout and functionality is unmatched. Quick to use with amazing results. 

Please update with a deeper drum synth engine, effects per voice, and more extensive midi mapping (solo/mutes please!!!)

### 5/5 — Moonfish

*2025-02-04, version 1.2.2*

Where’s my Moonfish, Bram?

### 5/5 — A brilliant reimagining to a classic digital groovebox.

*2024-10-16*

As with other bram bos apps, the focus here is on simplicity and immediacy. It’s easy to get something good going, and simple to add complexity and variation to your drum patterns. The fader ui for stuff like decay and pitch unlocks the ability to add variation in seconds. Brilliant!

I’m now using this as my go-to drum module for my iOS music making in AUM!

My only wish is that it responded to gate when being sequenced via external midi messages (thru Drambo + AUM), so I could easily adjust note / hit length. Or maybe I’m missing something…

### 5/5 — BEST BEAT MACHINE OUT THERE

*2024-09-14*

I wouldn’t waste your time and galaxy credits on anything else if you’re looking for a straightforward linear sequencer that has enough options within enough parameters to make any fn around #bholebeats sound like serious #animalbeats … and if you’d rather it sound like playing a kit  without elbows - all stiff and quantized like Bender Bending Rodriguez, then that’s in there too. 
Arturia iSpark is pretty versatile as well, but it feels a lot more bulky and you can get similar results, but not as quickly in my experience. It kinda feels like they made their other drum apps obsolete with this. 
plus - the fact that you can import your own audio samples for each slot should be a standard feature on all drumming apps, but since it’s not it makes this one that much better. 
plus plus - if you don’t want to hassle with importing your own samples there are plenty included and the randomized generator is an endless supply of beat candy for your #babybeats.

## Frequently asked questions about Hammerhead Rhythm Station

### What is Hammerhead Rhythm Station?

Hammerhead Rhythm Station is a mobile reinterpretation of a classic software drum computer. It allows users to create rhythms and beats using a built-in drum synth, a variety of classic sounds and loops, or by importing their own WAV files. It's designed to be simple, fun, and playful, fitting a groovebox experience into your pocket.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include the ability to pick from dozens of classic sounds and loops or import your own WAVs, a built-in drum synth for designing custom sounds, and the option to run standalone or as an AUv3 Audio Unit plugin. It also supports MIDI input and output, one-click compression and distortion, a random pattern generator, and tools for creating complex polyrhythms.

### How much does Hammerhead Rhythm Station cost?

Based on the provided information, this application is a paid app. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, indicating a one-time purchase model.

### What devices is Hammerhead Rhythm Station compatible with?

The app is designed for mobile use and integrates into plugin ecosystems, specifically mentioning support as an AUv3 Audio Unit plugin, which is compatible with iOS devices that support this format, such as Garageband. It also runs standalone.

### What are some common use cases for Hammerhead Rhythm Station?

This app is ideal for musicians and producers looking to create beats and rhythms on the go. It can be used for sketching out song ideas, performing live sets when hosted as a plugin, or for experimental sound design with its built-in synth and random generation features. Its playful interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced electronic musicians.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.2 — 2024-01-24

Bug fixed: changing names of tracks would sometimes crash with the on-screen keyboard.

### 1.2.1 — 2023-12-07

Fixed a bug which could cause issues with loading older projects in some hosts.

### 1.2 — 2023-12-04

Updated preset management system

### 1.0.8 — 2022-01-12

Triggering sounds via MIDI now respects Channel Mute settings.

### 1.0.7 — 2021-11-17

Minor fix for Garageband compatibility

## Apps similar to Hammerhead Rhythm Station

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [rymdigare](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rymdigare/id1571187848) | 4.7 (57) | $4.99 | Music |
| [OCTACHRON MIDI Drum Sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octachron-midi-drum-sequencer/id1453137215) | 4.5 (104) | $9.99 | Music |
| [BLEASS Arpeggiator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bleass-arpeggiator/id6464041408) | 4.8 (54) | $14.99 | Music |
| [Pure Acid](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-acid/id1481283602) | 4.9 (165) | $14.99 | Music |
| [Drambo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drambo/id1469365718) | 4.8 (325) | $24.99 | Music |
| [Fractal Bits](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fractal-bits/id1482725385) | 4.8 (80) | $0.99 | Music |

## More apps by Bram Bos

- [Ruismaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruismaker/id1122156899)
- [Ruismaker FM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruismaker-fm/id1143644577)
- [Phasemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phasemaker/id1161642832)
- [Troublemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/troublemaker/id1180892130)
- [Ripplemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ripplemaker/id1207806723)
- [Rozeta Sequencer Suite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rozeta-sequencer-suite/id1292546479)

All apps by Bram Bos: https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444

## Related topics

[hammerhead rhythm station](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hammerhead-rhythm-station) · [hammerhead](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hammerhead) · [ruismaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ruismaker)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*