Softube Heartbeat

^# 9

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$139.00

4.0 (10)

3 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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5 wishlisted

16 saved

Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

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Description

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Unleash your rhythmic creativity with the Softube Heartbeat, a drum machine plugin that marries the warmth of vintage analog synthesis with modern digital innovation. Designed for musicians who crave unique and customizable drum sounds, Heartbeat offers a dynamic synthesis engine that doesn't just emulate the past—it reinvents it. Drawing inspiration from 1980s drum synths, Softube has crafted a plugin that is versatile and deeply expressive.

At the heart of its design are eight instrument channels, including two bass drum channels capable of delivering anything from deep, resonant booms to percussive, snappy textures. With two snare drum channels, you can dial in anything from crisp rimshots to ethereal rolls. The versatile percussion channels can be tailored to create synthetic toms, cowbells, or even atmospheric noise drops. Flexible synthesis engines for hihat and cymbal channels allow for endless tweaking to craft your perfect tone.

The effects section is a treasure trove of sound-shaping tools, featuring adapted versions of the iconic TSAR-1 Reverb and Valley People Dyna-mite, alongside the all-new Filter Echo for a unique delay experience. Heartbeat's Auto Layer Machine brings innovation to your fingertips, allowing you to layer sounds and create automatic fill patterns with ease. For an added edge, the Chaos sliders introduce a playful unpredictability to your compositions.

Key Features:

Eight channels of drum sounds, primarily based on modeled analog synthesis
Mixer with volume, EQ, effect sends, and panning for each channel
Four-channel Auto Layer Machine for layering sounds or triggering beat patterns
Chaos slider adds randomness to the Auto Layer Machine's behavior
Includes adapted versions of TSAR-1 Reverb and Valley People Dyna-mite, plus Filter Echo and output saturation
Compatible with Modular for instrument and EQ modules
No iLok USB dongle required

Videos

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SoftubeStudios

Softube Heartbeat Drum Synth

SoftubeStudios

Softube Heartbeat - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

Softube HEARTBEAT | How Does It Sound ?

2probeats

My favorite drum machine - Softube Heartbeat VST demo & preset sounds & MIDI files

MFPRODUCTIONSCHANNEL

Softube Heartbeat (with demo) - Musikmesse 2015

Sound On Sound magazine

Softube Heartbeat - Great Presets! with Lij Shaw

Recording Studio Rockstars

Softube Heartbeat Review

BBoy Tech Report

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Softube Heartbeat.

Features and functionality

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Heartbeat offers a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls that users find engaging and enjoyable to use.
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Heartbeat lacks an iOS version, leading users to opt for Sugar-Bytes Drum Computer on iPad for mobile use.
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Mapping individual Heartbeat drum channels to separate pads in Ableton is complex, often requiring manual routing and custom setups.
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Comparisons

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Some users prefer the XILS Stix for its interface, waiting for a sale to make it a more affordable option.
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Sonic Charge Microtonic is praised for its versatility and innovative updates, though its GUI and sequencer are considered outdated by some users.
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User experience

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The bright interface of Heartbeat is not favored by all, with some users preferring a darker or less intense visual design.
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Users appreciate Heartbeat’s sound quality, stating it delivers classic drum synthesis effectively.
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Software and compatibility

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Heartbeat's integration with DAWs like Ableton is enhanced by users preferring to adjust patterns in the DAW’s sequencer rather than using built-in sequencers.
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Heartbeat struggles with integration in Ableton's drum racks, indicating potential compatibility issues that require workarounds.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users face challenges setting up Heartbeat in Ableton's drum rack, often resorting to using multiple Scale plugins for effective mapping.
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Critic Reviews

Softube Heartbeat Review - Bedroom Producers Blog

bedroomproducersblog.com

Softube Heartbeat is a nostalgic nod to classic drum machines of the '70s and '80s, offering a flexible and organic sound palette. Its standout features include robust kicks reminiscent of the TR-808 and TR-909, versatile snares, and a unique Auto Layer Machine sequencer. While its vintage cymbal sounds may not please everyone, Heartbeat excels in delivering rich, old-school tones with modern usability. However, its simplicity might leave those seeking extensive tweakability wanting more. Additionally, it's CPU-intensive, which could be a concern for complex projects. Overall, Heartbeat is a brilliant fusion of vintage charm and modern production, making it a worthy addition for enthusiasts of classic drum sounds.

positive

Full Review

Softube Heartbeat review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Softube Heartbeat is a dynamic drum machine plugin exuding power and versatility. Its flexible synthesis and premium processing options offer a thunderous sound palette, ideal for those seeking to craft unique rhythms. However, it lacks an onboard sequencer, which might deter those looking for an all-in-one drum solution. While it excels in flexibility, replicating classic drum machine sounds can be challenging. Heartbeat's absence of certain vintage tones like TR-909 crashes is notable. Despite these minor setbacks, Heartbeat stands as an impressive instrument that reimagines the drum machine experience, earning its place in any producer's toolkit.

positive

Full Review