Aphelion’s Orbit takes a look at the latest version of UJAM’s software instrument which puts a range of genre-specific drums in one unified plugin.
It’s All In The Name Or Marketing?
It’s easy to dismiss UJAM products as gimmicky—just another rompler for hobbyists or casual creators. I did for years, the same way I once brushed off Fruity Loops, a DAW that in 2025 has arguably claimed the top spot in the industry.
What held me back wasn’t the functionality, but the branding. Names like “Fruity Loops” didn’t exactly scream professionalism, and UJAM reminded me of a modern-day Casio Rapman. It was hard to take seriously.
Then in 2018, I picked up UJAM’s RE instruments for Propellerhead Software—now known as Reason Studios—and everything shifted. That purchase showed me just how capable and innovative UJAM’s lineup really is.
The Big Picture
Beatmaker 3 unifies UJAM’s diverse drum offerings into a single, cohesive platform. For years, UJAM rolled out these inspiring titles as standalone instruments—each with its own flavor, yet no real cross-compatibility. It felt like they were approaching things in reverse, releasing isolated kits instead of building an expandable hub where new titles could coexist.
With Beatmaker 3, that vision is finally realized. This evolution isn’t just overdue—it’s logical, intuitive, and marks a turning point in how UJAM’s drum tools fit into modern workflows.
Want to give it a more personal touch or dial up the enthusiasm? I’m all ears.
Whats New
- New Instrument: CHROMED
- Browsing That Makes Sense
- Seamless Workflow, Cool Interface
Impressions: How Beatmaker 3 Performed
One of the best things about instruments like Beatmaker 3 is how little you need to know going in. No deep music theory, no programming chops, not even a beat to your name. You launch it, and boom—you’re in. White keys trigger single drum hits, black keys fire off loops. You figure it out in minutes, no manual needed.
Each title comes stocked with 10 kits, and that alone is impressive. I was able to dive in, grab a kick, snare, or loop, and flip it into something that matched the vibe I was chasing. That level of versatility speaks to what UJAM is doing—keeping things simple, accessible, and musical right out the gate.
Of course, not every sound is going to sit perfectly in your track as-is. Some hit too hard, some are a little rough around the edges—but hey, that’s music production. With UJAM’s editing tools, you can shape those sounds until they behave.
In past reviews here on Rekkerd, I’ve talked about gear like this being great for sketching ideas or kicking off a track—and Beatmaker 3 fits that same mold. Whether you’re stuck at square one or just want to grab a pattern, layer a loop, or carve out a piece to build around—it’s all here, ready to work.
Alternatives
WAV Drum Kits. This is where the rubber really meets the road for me—it all boils down to how you work and what you vibe with. I can easily grab a drum loop or single hit and shape it into something fresh, just like what UJAM offers here. And when you’re working with drum kits or loops, your choices practically go infinite.
But here’s the catch: with massive libraries, the search becomes its own job. Everything starts blending together, and after a while, my ears get fatigued. I lost that spark, the flow I was riding. That’s why Beatmaker 3 works. UJAM’s curated kits help me stay focused. I can create without getting bogged down in browsing or second-guessing. And if I want to swap out drums later? Easy.
Of course, some heads will say, “Why even bother? Just record your own kits or design your 808s from a sine wave.” And that’s cool. That works, too. At the end of the day, it’s about how you like to work. There’s no wrong way—only the way that keeps you inspired and moving.
Other alternatives include Native Instruments Battery and your DAW.
Pros
- Editing & Sound Manipulation.
- Gorgeous Interface (screen).
- Fun Factor.
- Standalone.
- All kits in one instrument.
- Trial software.
- Export capability.
Cons
- No instrument samples in kits, only drums.
Final Thoughts
Beatmaker 3 offers something for just about anyone. What once might’ve looked like a toy for beginners turns out to have some creative depth that even seasoned producers can tap into. After spending time with it this past week, it’s earned a place in my workflow—despite my initial skepticism about how it stacked up against my usual arsenal.
But here’s the thing: it doesn’t need to replace anything. It’s not about picking favorites. Beatmaker 3 stands alongside my existing tools, adding its own flavor to the mix. And that kind of flexibility is what keeps the creative process flowing.
Priced 199 USD/EUR, the full bundle of Beatmaker 3 instruments for Windows and Mac (VST/VST3, AU and AAX) is available at the UJAM store and from distributors such as AudioDeluxe and Plugin Boutique. Individual Beatmaker titles are 49 USD/EUR each, and existing UJAM customers can take advantage of loyalty discounts.
