mpump

Overview

With mpump, a beat link passes along a working groove: recipients can change it and send back another version. That makes it more useful for trading ideas than a format limited to finished audio, and it avoids account-based sharing. The maker says music stays on the user's device and that mpump has no accounts or personal tracking. Its source code is published under the AGPL-3.0 license.

Key features

The instrument set includes drums, bass, synth, a mixer, and effects, with real-time synthesis. Patterns, arpeggiators, and Euclidean rhythms give users several ways to construct and vary grooves. MIDI support, sample import, hybrid sequencing, and live-performance tools broaden its role beyond a basic drum machine, though users looking for a conventional installed production suite may prefer software built for their desktop platform.

WAV recording provides an audio output, while JSON session export and import preserve editable session data. The PWA supports offline use after its first load, so a connection is not necessary for every session. MIDI clock synchronization and an Ableton Link bridge connect mpump with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Bitwig, Traktor, djay, and other Link-enabled apps.

Live Jam accommodates up to 4 peers, while Live Set supports up to 49 listeners. Both features are opt-in, but the public hosted relay is currently offline; users need their own relay to use them. That requirement sharply limits the appeal for anyone expecting collaboration to work out of the box.

Pricing

mpump's Free plan costs 0.00 USD per free, billed Free. It includes the browser groovebox, drums, bass, synth, effects, and shareable beat links. There is no paid tier or free-plan cap described, so it is a straightforward choice for users who want to try the full stated core offering without a recurring charge. The trade-off is not a cheaper feature tier but the relay requirement for live collaboration.

Platforms

mpump is available on web, Android, and iOS. Its browser-based format and PWA offline support after the first load suit users who want access across devices, while its documented MIDI clock and Ableton Link connections make it more than a standalone sketchpad.

Who it's for

Choose mpump if you want a free groovebox for making, revising, and exchanging beat ideas, particularly if editable links and music-software integrations matter more than a native desktop workstation. It is less suitable if you need hosted live collaboration ready to use, or if your workflow depends on a dedicated installed production environment.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Editable beat links let collaborators revise and pass along grooves rather than only receive a finished recording.
• Pros: Drums, bass, synth, effects, sequencing tools, MIDI support, and sample import give the free browser groovebox a broad creative role.
• Pros: WAV recording, JSON session transfer, offline PWA support after first load, and documented MIDI clock and Ableton Link integrations cover several practical workflows.
• Cons: Live Jam and Live Set require users to supply their own relay while the public relay is offline.
• Cons: Its browser-first design may not suit users seeking a conventional installed desktop production suite.

Alternatives

Drum Machine Software is a broader category starting point for comparing drum-focused options.

• Patterning 3 is a paid alternative at 29.99 USD per once, with iPadOS 14.7 or later and macOS 11.5 or later on Apple Silicon support; choose it if those Apple platforms and a one-time purchase suit you better than a free browser groovebox.
• DrumComputer is a paid option with a free trial and a 129.00 USD per once full-version download; consider it if you want a downloadable app for iOS, macOS, or Windows.
• Playbeat 4 has a free trial and one-time purchase pricing, including an 89.00 EUR per once full version; it may suit users seeking its listed iOS, macOS, or Windows availability.
• Hydrogen is a free alternative for users who want software across Linux, macOS, or Windows.
• DM1 – The Drum Machine is a paid alternative for iOS and macOS.
• Beatmaker 3 offers paid, trial-supported options: 49.00 USD per once for one genre-focused drum instrument or 99.50 USD per once for a bundle of 17; choose it if that instrument selection and its iOS, macOS, or Windows platforms fit your needs.
• Atlas 2 is a paid option with a free trial and a 99.00 USD per once full version, installable on 3 machines; it supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• 0x808 is another free option for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Verdict

mpump is a strong fit for beat-makers who want a free, cross-device groovebox with editable sharing, offline access after the first load, and useful music-software integrations. Choose it for sketching and asynchronous exchange; look elsewhere if you need live collaboration without managing your own relay.