# Rhythm Ace — Vintage Drum Machine Reborn

> Vintage Drum Machine Reborn (iPhone/iPad app by Tero Aarnio.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rhythm-ace/id6763743868 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tero Aarnio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895470476)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 41 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2026-04-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rhythm-ace/id6763743868/reviews.md

## What is Rhythm Ace?

Rhythm Ace is a faithful simulator of the Ace Tone FR-1 — one of the earliest consumer drum machines, built in Japan in 1967 and the ancestor of the legendary Roland rhythm machines.

Every sound is synthesized in real time using classic transistor-style audio circuits — no samples, no loops. Just pure, characterful analog-era percussion the way it was meant to sound.

Eight synthesized voices Bass Drum · Snare · Low Conga · High Conga · Cymbal · Claves · Cowbell · Maracas

16 classic rhythm presets Waltz, Bossa Nova, Samba, Rock, Swing, Foxtrot, and more — all faithfully recreated from the original FR-1 diode matrix.

Authentic pattern combining Select multiple rhythm buttons to layer patterns exactly like the original hardware — the diode matrix OR-combines their steps, letting you build complex grooves from simple presets.

Voice cancel controls Mute individual instruments on the fly with the dedicated cancel buttons, just like the original panel.

Precision tempo control Large rotary knob for natural, tactile BPM adjustment.

Sample-accurate scheduling Built on a lookahead audio clock for tight, rock-solid timing — no drift, no jitter.

Whether you're a vintage gear enthusiast, a music producer hunting for retro textures, or just curious what the dawn of the drum machine sounded like, Rhythm Ace brings a slice of music history to your iPhone.


## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.0.1 — 2026-05-12

- Fresh typography throughout the panel for a more authentic vintage feel.
- The power indicator now flashes in perfect sync with the beat.
- Small layout refinements for a tighter, more balanced look.

### 1.0 — 2026-04-28

No release notes.

## Related topics

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

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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 2026-08-26.*