0x808
What it is
0x808 is a drum machine, step sequencer, and synthesizer for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It runs as a standalone workstation and is also available as VST3 and CLAP plugins, with terminal and plugin frontends listed as well. Its drum grid has 16 tracks with per-step velocity and pitch controls, plus mute and solo. Patterns can be chained in song or perform mode. Synthesis modes include subtractive, four-operator FM, and wavetable, with built-in presets. A sample browser loads WAV, MP3, and FLAC files, and the project includes 72 CC0 drum samples. Effects include filter, delay, reverb, overdrive, fuzz, and chorus, available on tracks and the master bus. Offline export supports WAV at 16-, 24-, or 32-bit. MP3 export supports 128–320k but depends on an optional build setting. USB MIDI is supported on all three desktop platforms; Bluetooth MIDI is not directly supported. The project is free and open source under an MIT license, and its README says it has no external runtime dependencies.
For and against
For
- 16 tracks have per-step velocity and pitch controls.
- Includes subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis.
- Loads WAV, MP3, and FLAC samples.
- Includes 72 CC0 drum samples.
- Available as VST3 and CLAP plugins.
Against
- Bluetooth MIDI is not directly supported.
- MP3 export requires an optional build setting.
- No security certification or compliance program is stated.
The verdict
0x808 combines sequencing, synthesis, sample import, effects, and offline export in a free, open-source project. Check the Bluetooth MIDI limitation and optional MP3 export setting against your setup.
Who it suits
0x808 may suit people who want a drum machine and synth workstation as a standalone app or DAW plugin. It supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, including USB MIDI controllers on each platform.
On the record
- Arrangement and effects
- Patterns can be chained in song or perform mode, with filter, delay, reverb, overdrive, fuzz, and chorus effects.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- DAW and MIDI support
- VST3 and CLAP plugins embed in DAW host windows, and USB MIDI controllers are supported across the listed platforms.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- DAW integration
- The VST3 and CLAP plugins are listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows and install into the corresponding plugin folders.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The releases page lists Windows installers and portable ZIPs, Linux tarballs and AppImages, and macOS DMGs and ZIPs.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Effects and export
- It offers per-track and master-bus effects and offline WAV export; MP3 export requires an optional build setting.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Export
- Offline export supports WAV at 16-, 24-, or 32-bit and MP3 at 128–320k; MP3 export requires an optional build setting.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes itself as a drum machine and synth workstation and provides standalone, plugin, and terminal frontends.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies the project as MIT licensed.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- MIDI
- USB MIDI is supported on Linux, Windows, and macOS; Bluetooth MIDI is not directly supported.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- MIDI limitation
- Bluetooth MIDI is not directly supported; the README describes a Windows virtual-port bridge workaround.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- 0x808 is a standalone drum machine, step sequencer, and synthesizer, also available as VST3 and CLAP plugins.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Release
- The releases page lists v1.3.0 downloads for Windows, Linux, and macOS.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Runtime dependencies
- The README says all dependencies are vendored and there are zero external runtime dependencies.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Samples
- The sample browser loads WAV, MP3, and FLAC files, and the project includes 72 CC0 drum samples.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Samples and formats
- It includes 72 CC0 drum samples and can load WAV, MP3, and FLAC samples.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The project page identifies an MIT license and does not state a security certification or compliance program.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Sequencer
- Its drum grid has 16 tracks with per-step velocity and pitch controls, plus mute and solo.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Synthesis
- It includes subtractive, four-operator FM, and wavetable synthesis modes with built-in presets.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
