BeatForge

BeatForge offers a 14-day fully functional trial. Activation unlocks perpetual use.

• Mac: Open .dmg, drag App to Applications, run .pkg installer for plugins.
• Windows: Run the .msi installer. Choose Standalone install location, the VST3 will go into the default C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
• Open your DAW, rescan plugins. On first launch, choose "Start Trial" or enter your purchase email and activation code.

• Tracks: Up to 64 independent Sampler or Synth voices.
• Sequencer: 16 or 12 steps per bar (right-click track label to change grid), chained across multiple bars.
• Sequence Length: Global song length set via Top Bar controls. Tracks can loop shorter using Endpoints (Alt/Opt+Click step).
• Edit Groups: 32 slots per track for unique sound settings per step, enabling parameter automation. Changes in tabs apply only to the selected group.

Top Control Bar

• Add Track: Adds a new track.
• Track Selector Dropdown: Focus edits on a specific track.
• Song Menu: Save/Load .drsong sessions.
• FX Mode: Switch global FX between internal Reverb or external DAW output.
• Bar Navigation: Set total bars, navigate current editing bar.
• Copy/Paste: Copy/paste patterns for the current bar.

Track Area & Sequencer

• Track Label: Shows name. Left-click selects. Right-click for context menu (MIDI, Mode, Mute Group, Delete etc.).
• Sample/Synth Selector: Load sample or switch to Synth Mode.
• S/M Buttons: Solo/Mute track.
• Step Buttons: Trigger steps. Color indicates Edit Group.
  • Click: Toggle On/Off.
  • Shift+Click: Multi-select steps.
  • Right-Click: Menu for Chance, Edit Group, Roll/Flam.
  • Alt/Opt+Click: Set/Clear Bar Endpoint (Polymeter).
  • Scroll Wheel:
    • Shift+Scroll: Change Edit Group.
    • Ctrl/Cmd+Scroll: Adjust Roll/Flam.
    • Alt/Opt+Scroll: Adjust Chance.

Waveform Display & Pianoroll

Visual editors for sound manipulation.

• Waveform (Sample Mode): Slice start/end (drag bottom half/handles), Drag & Drop slice (drag top half), set BPM/Base Note. Snap/Grid available.
• Pianoroll: Play current track (Sample/Synth). Highlights keytrack range if active.

Parameters apply only to the selected Edit Group(s).

Mix Tab

• Volume, Pan, FX Send, Phase Invert.

Time Tab

• Swing (global per track), Nudge (per step via Edit Group).

ADSR Tab

• Standard Amplitude Envelope: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release.

FX Tab

• Pitch Shift (-12 to +12 st, Right-click for Resample/TimeStretch algorithm).
• Keytracking Toggle (+/- 3 octave range based on Base Note).
• Distortion (Right-click for 4 types).
• BitCrush (2-16 bit).
• Phaser Rate/Depth.

EQ Tab

• HP/LP Filter Toggles & Cutoff Frequencies.

LFO Tab

• 3 LFOs per track. Enable, Freq (Hz or Per Beat - Right-click), Amplitude.
• Right-click Freq slider for: Type (Sine, Square, Saw, Triangle, Noise) & Targets (Volume, Pan, Pitch, Filters, ADSR stages etc.).

Synth Tab

• Active in Synth Mode: Base Frequency, Oscillator Type (Sine, Saw, Triangle, Square, Noise), Pitch Drop Env.

Track Context Menu (Right-Click Label)

• Delete Track, Clear Sample, Random Sample Mode.
• Set Audio Output Pair.
• Set MIDI Input Note/Channel.
• Enable MIDI Output (select Note/Channel): Use BeatForge sequencer to drive external synths, drum machines, or other plugins.
• Synth Roll Mode: Play sample chromatically via MIDI input.
• Switch Sample/Synth Mode.
• Assign Mute Group (1-8): Silences others in group (e.g., Open/Closed Hats).
• Set Grid (16 Steps / 12 Steps (8T)).

BeatForge as Central Sequencer

Combine internal sounds with external gear/plugins using MIDI Output on specific tracks. Sequence hardware, VST instruments, internal samples, and the internal synth all from one interface, using all of BeatForge's advanced sequencing features.

• No Sound? Check Mute/Solo, step active, sample loaded/Synth mode on, DAW playing?
• High CPU? Many tracks, LFOs, or. TimeStretch can be demanding. Consider bouncing tracks.
• Activation? Ensure correct email/code.
• Contact: Email beatforgehelp@gmail.com. Check out demos and updates on our YouTube channel.