# VADrumSM — Virtual Analog Drum Machine

> Virtual analog drum machine with step sequencer and AUv3 support. (iPhone/iPad app by Ryo Togawa.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vadrumsm/id1474193057 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ryo Togawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474193056)
- Category: Music
- Price: $9.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 21 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-09-12
- Data updated: 2026-08-14
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vadrumsm/id1474193057/reviews.md

## What is VADrumSM?

VADrumSM is a standalone mobile drum machine featuring a virtual analog drum synthesizer and a step sequencer. The virtual analog drum synthesizer supports AUv3 Audio Unit Extensions, which allows users to use the drum synthesizer inside of AUv3 hosts, such as Apple’s GarageBand®. The sequencer supports Ableton Link. You can synchronize the sequencer to Link-enabled apps and devices.

Drum Synthesizer
The drum synthesizer is inspired by the iconic analog drum machines of the 1980’s and features 21 drum voices. Sounds of the each drum voices are synthesized in real time by using component level modeling. 

Pads
Pads function as XY controllers, XY controllers with trigger, or drum pads. When using pads as XY controllers, destination can be selected from tone/decay, level or pitch. 

Step Sequencer
The step sequencer is designed to be intuitive and easy to program drum sequences. It is a 16 step sequencer and it has 3 accent level for the each step. Double hit mode allows to program two 32nd notes instead of the one 16th note. There are 4 patterns and can be chained to create 4 bar loop. There are 6 variations of swing, which can be applied in real time.

Parameter Automation
All XY parameters (tone, level and pitch) and voice switches can be automated, that gives a whole new sonic possibility. 

MIxer
17 output buses, including a mix output and 16 instrument outputs of Drum Synthesizer can be routed to main output and 4 aux mixers. AUv3 effects can be inserted to each channels. Sum of the 4 aux mixers outputs can be routed to Audiobus’s second output port.

FEATURES

Drum Synthesizer

- 21 analog modeling drum synthesizers, including 2 bass drums, 2 snare drums, 2 sets of low, mid and high toms, low, mid and high congas, rim shot, claves, hand clap, maracas, closed and open hi-hats, cymbal and cowbell.
- 3 Layers of 16 XY pad controls (Tone, Level, Pitch)
- Drum Pads Mode (Pad)
- Trigger Mode (On / Off)
- MIDI input (mid note events only)
- Output mix signal and all instruments signal
- Support Audio Unit Extensions (AUv3)

Step Sequencer

- 16 step sequencer
- Variable Pattern Length
- Parameter Automation
- Swing: 6 variations
- Accent: 3 level
- Double hit: on / off
- Pattern: 4 patterns
- Pattern Length: 1 bar
- Loop length: 1 bar  or 4 bar
- Note length: 16th or 32nd
- Record quantization: 16th
- Chain mode: on / off
- Tempo: 20 BPM - 999 BPM
- Support Ableton Link
* Ableton Link requires Wi-Fi connections.

Others
-Support Audiobus  (main output and aux output)
-Built in User Guide

## Key features

- Virtual analog drum synthesizer
- 16-step sequencer
- AUv3 Audio Unit Extensions support
- Ableton Link synchronization
- XY pad controllers
- Parameter automation
- 17 output buses

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vadrumsm/id1474193057/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2023-09-21*

This drum machine might be older than dirt but I think it’s one of the best out there!!!

### 5/5 — Think this is heading in the right direction

*2020-07-02*

I've given this app 5 stars as although there are some limitations (preset kits / samples and can't import your own) and there is a bit of a steep learning curve (but a good built in manual) there's a lot of possibilities. Being able to assign multiple AU effects for each chanel is brilliant and the AUv3 multi-out adds a whole new level of control in AU hosts. The developer is actively developing the app and I'm interested to see where it goes...

### 5/5 — So quick, so easy, so much fun!

*2020-03-04*

I don’t know what else to say... this drum machine is really well thought out and so easy to use. Within seconds of opening VAdrumSM on its own, I was mangling sequences and sounds with no need for instruction. It just worked.

Only one thing I want to see added... variable length patterns per track.

**Developer response:** I appreciate your comment. it helps me to improve VADrumSM for the future release.

## Frequently asked questions about VADrumSM

### What is VADrumSM?

VADrumSM is a standalone mobile drum machine that features a virtual analog drum synthesizer and a step sequencer. It is designed to offer a versatile and intuitive music creation experience on mobile devices.

### Does VADrumSM support AUv3?

Yes, VADrumSM supports AUv3 Audio Unit Extensions. This allows users to integrate the drum synthesizer directly into AUv3 hosts like Apple's GarageBand, expanding its creative possibilities.

### Can VADrumSM sync with other apps?

Yes, VADrumSM supports Ableton Link, enabling synchronization with other Link-enabled apps and devices. This feature requires a Wi-Fi connection for seamless integration.

### How many drum voices does VADrumSM have?

VADrumSM features 21 distinct drum voices synthesized in real-time using component level modeling, inspired by iconic 1980s analog drum machines.

### What are the sequencer features in VADrumSM?

The step sequencer is a 16-step unit with 3 accent levels per step, double hit mode for 32nd notes, 4 patterns that can be chained for 4-bar loops, and 6 variations of swing.

### What is the price of VADrumSM?

VADrumSM is available for a one-time purchase of $9.99.

### What devices is VADrumSM compatible with?

VADrumSM is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It has an age rating of 4+.

### How often is VADrumSM updated?

The latest version of VADrumSM is 1.9.10, which was last updated on September 18, 2023. This indicates a relatively active development cycle.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.9.10 — 2023-09-18

Version 1.9.10 contains improvements and bug fixes.
- Support iOS 17 / iPadOS 17.

### 1.9.9 — 2022-09-09

Version 1.9.9 contains improvements and bug fixes.
- Support iOS 16 / iPadOS 16.

### 1.9.8 — 2021-11-24

Version 1.9.7 contains improvements and bug fixes.
- Fixed bugs that crash AudioUnit Extension when tapping on channel button in mixer.

### 1.9.7 — 2021-09-17

Version 1.9.7 contains improvements and bug fixes.
- Support iOS 15 / iPadOS 15.

### 1.9.6 — 2020-11-23

Version 1.9.6 contains improvements and bug fixes.
- Support iOS 14.2 / iPadOS 14.2
- Fixed a problem that user preset can’t be listed or saved in stand alone mode.
- Fixed a problem that not able to find Ableton Link enabled devices on iOS 14.

## Apps similar to VADrumSM

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [LE04 \| AR-909 Drum Machine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/le04-ar-909-drum-machine/id1530586523) | 4.8 (1,500) | $2.99 | Music |
| [Piano Pro & Drum Music Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piano-pro-and-drum-music-studio/id1563206106) | 4.6 (1,310) | Free | Music |
| [World Piano Notes & Drum Beats](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/world-piano-notes-and-drum-beats/id1457405203) | 4.6 (3,176) | Free | Music |
| [EGDR808 Drum Machine lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/egdr808-drum-machine-lite/id683956817) | 4.5 (1,126) | Free | Music |
| [Drum Pad Machine - Beat Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-pad-machine-beat-maker/id1057968965) | 4.6 (673,503) | Free | Music |
| [Drum Machine - Music Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-machine-music-maker/id1435908315) | 4.3 (6,103) | Free | Music |

## More apps by Ryo Togawa

- [ChannelEqualizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/channelequalizer/id1513527511)
- [ChStrip](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chstrip/id1518510831)
- [TfxEcho](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tfxecho/id1523777426)
- [TfxMod](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tfxmod/id1524639578)
- [TfxReverb](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tfxreverb/id1529840178)

All apps by Ryo Togawa: https://appshunter.io/developer/1474193056

---

*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 2026-08-14.*
