AudioThing has released a Euclidean rhythm drum machine plugin designed to help you create evolving, interlocking grooves.
Orbita is built around a circular sequencer that distributes beats across eight independent sample tracks, each running its own rhythmic cycle to allow for polyrhythms.
The most interesting results often come from combining tracks with different cycle lengths. For example, a kick pattern with 16 steps can play against percussion with 11 or 13 steps, creating evolving rhythms that take longer to repeat. Try building a simple foundation first, then gradually add shorter or uneven patterns for movement and variation.
Orbita features
- Per-track Steps, Hits, Accents, Offset, and Swing controls for shaping each rhythmic cycle independently.
- 36 factory banks spanning classic drum machines, acoustic percussion, found sounds, and experimental sources, plus a Bank Editor for building custom sample sets.
- Per-sample filter with LowPass, HighPass, BandPass, and Notch modes in 2-pole and 4-pole versions.
- Per-sample LFO modulation routable to Pitch, Pan, Volume, Cutoff, or Resonance.
- Eight-pad drum machine mode for direct triggering and live performance alongside the Euclidean sequencer.
Orbita is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux in VST/VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP formats for the intro price of 39 USD/EUR at the AudioThing store and from Plugin Boutique until September 30th, 2026 (regular 79 USD/EUR). A demo is available with limited banks, periodic silence, and saving disabled.
The AUv3 and standalone version for iOS and iPadOS is available on the App Store.