# Patterning 2 : Drum Machine — Circular Drum Machine

> Circular drum machine app for creating and exporting dynamic drum patterns. (iPhone/iPad app by Olympia Noise Co..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patterning-2-drum-machine/id1332154350 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Olympia Noise Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/500740314)
- Category: Music, Music
- Price: $4.99 (on sale, was $9.99)
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 501 App Store ratings · 49 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 55 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-07-31
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patterning-2-drum-machine/id1332154350/reviews.md

## What is Patterning 2?

Patterning 2 is the next generation of the award-winning circular drum machine.  Named Apple's Runner-Up for App of the Year in 2015, Patterning lets you create beats like never before in a beautiful, intuitive interface that is both easy to use and brimming with features for the experienced producer. 

Make dynamic drum patterns with the swipe of a finger.  Quickly record rhythms and parameter automation. Use Patterning’s independent loop settings to explore rhythmic possibilities impossible to achieve in traditional sequencers. Automate and randomize parameters to create intricate & complex beats. Arrange patterns on the timeline to construct songs. Use the built-in effects to add atmosphere, shimmer and noise. 

EXPORT TO ABLETON
Export patterns directly to a Ableton Live Set, Audio Loops, or connect to other instruments with MIDI.  

Includes a free download of Ableton Live Lite 11!  Available from the EXPORT menu on the FILE screen. 

FREE DRUM KITS
Download hundreds of free factory and user-created drum kits for use in your own songs using Cloud Kits. 

Some of what’s new in Patterning 2 :

• Record Beats with the New Drum Pads 
• Drum Kit Switching
• Randomize (Almost) Everything
• Next Generation Ratcheting
• Automation Recording 
• Coarse Tune & MIDI Note Quantization
• Quantized Pattern Launch
• Monophonic/Polyphonic tracks
• Keyboard Shortcuts 
• Sample Folders
• Loop Rotate
• Pattern Tempo Changes
• Divide Mode Measure Length
• New Automation Layers : Randomization, Ratcheting, MIDI CCs, and more.
• Ableton Link Start/Stop
• MIDI Learn Recording
• MIDI Drum Triggering
• MIDI Only Tracks
• Unlimited MIDI CC Outputs
• MIDI Gate Length Automation
• Under the Hood Performance Improvements 
• Workflow Enhancements
• And more… 

For a full list of new and existing features, visit http://patterning.app

Praise for Patterning : Drum Machine :

“Patterning is brilliant; beautiful to look at, so very clever in terms of the programming options and, as far as I’m aware, unique as a drum/rhythm programming environment”  - MusicAppBlog

“Patterning is an amazingly fun and creative app …The look, feel and layout are all first rate and the sounds are excellent. Even beginners will be able to create something that sounds cool, and more experienced users will be able to put together some amazing beats complete with automation and per-drum settings the likes of which you usually need a full DAW setup for.”  - AskAudio

“I had thought all my iOS drum box desires were satisfied, but I was wrong. There’s room for another and this is it. Patterning has many unique strengths, and beats any hardware drum machine when it comes to polyrhythms and evolving patterns. It’s as mesmerizing to watch as it is to listen to.” - Sound on Sound

## Key features

- Circular drum machine interface
- Dynamic pattern creation
- Parameter automation and randomization
- Independent loop settings
- Song arrangement on timeline
- Export to Ableton Live
- MIDI export and triggering

## What do users think of Patterning 2?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 💡 Innovative circular sequencer interface
- 🎵 Intuitive and easy to learn despite depth
- 🎛️ Powerful polyrhythm and automation capabilities
- 🎨 Beautiful and appealing visual design
- 📚 Extensive library of downloadable drum kits
- ⚡ Fast beat creation and workflow
- 🔄 Flexible timing and offset controls
- 🎼 Excellent for live performance setup
- 🎹 Strong MIDI control and routing options
- ☁️ Cloud kit sharing and community features
- 🎯 Seamless song/pattern switching
- 📤 Easy export to DAWs like Ableton Live

**Cons**

- 🐛 Stability issues and crashes
- ⚠️ Steep learning curve for some users
- 🔌 Lacks AUV3 plugin support
- 📱 No iPhone version available
- ⏱️ Performance lag in song module playback
- 🎚️ Confusing MIDI settings interface
- 💾 Large drum kit file sizes (300+ MB)
- 🔧 Limited sample import functionality
- 🎵 No multi-page/multi-circle view option
- ❌ Cannot delete patterns easily

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when hitting play after creating beats
- Timeline interface crashes when deleting patterns
- Choke group functionality has bugs when tracks are muted
- Imported samples randomly go missing upon project reload
- Multiple file import fails in file dialog
- Export feature crashes with Ableton Live export
- Drum kit patches don't load correctly until project is saved and reopened
- Song module shows loading outline instead of instant playback
- UI cut off on new iPad mini (fixed in update)
- Pattern randomization issues in A-B song patterns

**Most requested features**

- AUV3 plugin support
- iPhone app version
- MIDI export as Ableton Live Drum Rack format
- Multi-page/multi-circle simultaneous view
- Pattern deletion functionality
- Arbitrary MIDI note assignment editing
- Trigger delay layer for micro-timings
- Randomization layer for human-sounding drums
- Performance buttons to clear solo/unmute all
- Pinch-to-zoom for sample editing
- Count-in and overdub/replace recording options
- Polyphonic sequences on single track
- More color theme options
- Folder-based sample import
- Compressor/limiter toggle on output
- Coarse velocity editing improvements

## Recent user reviews (10 of 49)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patterning-2-drum-machine/id1332154350/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Worth living in the 21st Century

*2023-09-19*

I swear the developers of this app created something so awesomely sophisticated and beautiful that I don’t know where to begin. I’m a bit fan of loops and randomness and polyrhythms and automation and they’ve created such a perfectly designed environment for creativity and play and invention that I could kiss their feet. It’s deep and approachable and the visual design is so appealing. The cloud kit idea is so cool and wonderful. The flexibility and immediacy of access is I think unparalleled. I love working with Patterning 2 and since the first iteration of this stellar app that brings the concept of drum machine into orbit and beyond.

### 5/5 — Easiest, most organic beat-maker

*2023-06-25*

I've tried tons of drum machines on the iPad, looking for one that made it easiest to create new beats and capture ideas. I keep coming back to this one! 

The circular interface is creative, and as easy as a grid to use. But I can change subdivisions and offset the timing of individual instruments easily, which lends itself to getting a more in-the-pocket feel and adding polyrhythms. 

Lastly, there's a huge selection of downloadable kits ranging from electronic and acoustic drums to traditional instruments of many kinds to provide inspiration. Love it!

### 5/5 — The best drum machine

*2023-01-29, version 2.2.17*

One of the best drum machines out there for an app

### 5/5 — Easy to Populate Ableton Session View

*2023-01-02, version 2.2.16*

If you finish your productions in Ableton Live and like to use Ableton Session View during the songwriting phase, Patterning is an easy and intuitive way to quickly create a beat, then use that beat in Patterning to populate the foundational tracks and clips (including MIDI clips) in Ableton Session View by exporting the Patterning project to a Live Set.

### 5/5 — This is how I think of music

*2022-12-24, version 2.2.16*

Especially for drums, the circle makes sense in my brain. I pop out beats and loops so fast in this app, and they have more soul than linear programming.

So simple to use, but so much under the hood including; probability, timeline shift, a ton of free kits and ability to dd your own sounds.

Can’t wait for AUV3 to come!

### 5/5 — This app is a gem

*2022-12-02, version 2.2.16*

I’ve gone through a lot of software, hardware groove boxes and drum machines over many years and this one is so good. Great for subtle variations to spice things up, to full kits in the available sound packs.

### 5/5 — Instantly Hooked

*2022-10-08, version 2.2.15*

As a new iPad music creator I didn’t know of this till today. Downloaded it and some very cool kits, made 3 patterns with variations, loaded them easily into a 4 minute song…all by intuition and common sense, no how to vids needed. 
Exported to AudioShare and sounds fantastic, ready for daw work and flame. Er…uh…fame.
All within 2 hours of first download. This app lives up to its promise, glad to be aboard!

### 5/5 — Doesn’t Fit New iPad Mini

*2022-08-23, version 2.2.15*

App needs to be updated to fit the new iPad mini. UI is cut off

Edit: fixed by dev, thank you

### 5/5 — My  1 for years

*2022-06-20, version 2.2.10*

… and about to become my sequencing choice for a hybrid modular setup. One feature request if possible-allow arbitrary editing of midi ‘learned’ control  note assignments for pattern changes. Currently (I think) midi learning the note is the only way.
This is fine if one wants to set up patterns before a jam, but if eg you wanted to duplicate a pattern to develop it while jamming, you’d have to set up a scenario where the pattern change note could be received. If one was able to just write it in that would give more flexibility: I could duplicate a running pattern, make my edits, then assign a pattern change control note to it by typing it in, then switch to the new pattern when I’m ready to.

**Developer response:** Hey - I’m curious to hear more about your feature request — reach out via email or instagram so we can chat about it.

### 3/5 — Nearly ANAZING

*2022-04-01, version 2.2.10*

The fastest, most intuitive way to create beats but we need AUV3 support

## Frequently asked questions about Patterning 2

### What is Patterning 2?

Patterning 2 is a next-generation circular drum machine app designed for creating dynamic drum patterns. It offers an intuitive interface that is both easy for beginners and feature-rich for experienced producers.

### What are the key features of Patterning 2?

Key features include a circular drum machine interface, dynamic pattern creation with finger swipes, independent loop settings for complex rhythms, parameter automation and randomization, song arrangement on a timeline, and the ability to export to Ableton Live or other instruments via MIDI.

### How much does Patterning 2 cost?

Based on the provided information, Patterning 2 is a paid application. It does not appear to have in-app purchases or a subscription model.

### Can I export my beats to other music software?

Yes, Patterning 2 allows you to export patterns directly to Ableton Live Sets, Audio Loops, or connect to other instruments using MIDI. This makes it a versatile tool for integrating into your existing music production workflow.

### Who is Patterning 2 for?

This app is ideal for musicians, producers, and beatmakers who want a creative and powerful tool for designing drum patterns and rhythms. Its unique interface and advanced features cater to both newcomers and seasoned professionals in music production.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2.21 — 2024-03-26

Fix a crash on iOS 12.

### 2.2.20 — 2024-03-21

Minor updates and future proofing.

### 2.2.19 — 2023-03-21

Fix a bug with the arrow keys on iOS 15.  
Fix a minor layout bug.

### 2.2.18 — 2023-01-30

Eliminated a very unhygienic bug that had been stowing itself away silently in the crevices of an ancient codebase causing crashes for anyone who dared load an empty sample into the drum machine.

### 2.2.17 — 2023-01-25

Fixes a layout bug on iPad mini 6.

## Apps similar to Patterning 2

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Blackhole Reverb](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackhole-reverb/id1452345570) | 4.6 (54) | $9.99 | Music |
| [Fluss - Granular Playground](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluss-granular-playground/id6443472888) | 4.8 (68) | $13.99 | Music |
| [Gauss Field Looper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gauss-field-looper/id1530684073) | 4.7 (112) | $6.99 | Music |
| [EG Pulse](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eg-pulse/id1478285477) | 4.5 (143) | $9.99 | Music |
| [LE01 \| Bass 808 Synth + AUv3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/le01-bass-808-synth-plus-auv3/id1502480224) | 4.8 (1,116) | Free | Music |
| [AudioKit L7 - AUv3 Live Looper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-l7-auv3-live-looper/id1485507635) | 4.3 (404) | $2.99 | Music |

## More apps by Olympia Noise Co.

- [Chordion : Musical Instrument & MIDI Controller](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chordion-musical-instrument-and-midi-controller/id552182095)
- [dot Melody](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-melody/id841019483)
- [Ribbons : Touch Instrument](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ribbons-touch-instrument/id898059305)
- [Patterning for iPhone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patterning-for-iphone/id1491394394)

All apps by Olympia Noise Co.: https://appshunter.io/developer/500740314

---

*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 2026-06-10.*
