BEAST Repeat by Dillon Bastan
BEAT REPEAT. UNLEASHED.
BEAST Repeat by Dillon Bastan is the free, supercharged evolution of Ableton's classic Beat Repeat — packed with pitch shifting, granular stretching, spectral processing, filter sweeps, panning, formant shifting, and a full parameter snapshot system that turns a simple stutter into a full creative performance tool.
- Pitch shifting: FFT and Overlap Add real-time pitch shift or classic repitch mode, with per-repeat pitch envelope and pitch decay up or down
- Granular & FFT stretching: Speed stretch with granular or phase vocoder options, including stepped decay and per-repeat envelope
- Stepped decay & spray: Apply decay and spray to Grid, Width, Panning, Filter, Redux, and Formant parameters
- Per-repeat Width: Gate/silence the middle of each repeat based on width, with stepped decay option
- Boomerang mode: Boomerang any stepped decay parameter back at a set triangle distribution, with gate-matched or custom timing
- Parameter snapshots: Dynamic repeat setting changes with variation control for evolving, unpredictable patterns
- Filter, Overdrive & Redux: Three-mode filter with Q and envelope, overdrive with tone, and sample crush with stepped decay
- Reverse & Formant: Reverse playback with random direction, formant shifting with stepped decay and spray
Dillon Bastan
Dillon Bastan is a Los Angeles based sound artist, developer, music producer, and performer.
View all products by Dillon BastanOverview
Beat Repeat, massively unleashed
Beat Repeat already sits at the heart of countless drops, fills, and glitch moments. BEAST Repeat takes that familiar foundation and wraps it in a vast engine of pitch tools, spectral processing, granular stretching, and expressive performance controls, because a beloved device deserves a far bigger ceiling. It is free, and it is already waiting in your download.
Every parameter, from grid and gate to panning, filter, pitch, and formant, can decay, spray, envelope, and boomerang across each repeat cycle. Dry and static, to wide and breathing and alive. Whether you are sculpting ambient textures with FFT pitch shift, grinding out mechanical stutter sequences, or switching snapshot configurations mid-set, BEAST Repeat rewards every production context you drop it into.
- All classic Beat Repeat features fully intact: interval, grid, gate, and variation controls as the foundation, with additional variation modes and interval options beyond the original
- Real-time pitch shifting via FFT and Overlap Add (maintains playback speed, ideal for lo-fi textures) plus classic repitch/speed mode, with per-repeat pitch envelope and pitch decay up or down
- Speed stretching using granular or phase vocoder (FFT) algorithms, with stepped decay or per-repeat envelope shaping
- Stepped decay and spray across Grid, Width, Panning, Filter, Redux, and Formant, letting parameters evolve dramatically across each triggered repeat sequence
- Boomerang mode: make any stepped decay parameter bounce back at a set triangle distribution, with timing locked to gate length or set independently for complex rhythmic motion
- Three-mode filter with adjustable Q and per-repeat envelope, overdrive with tone control for harmonic saturation, and sample redux (bit crush) with stepped decay and spray for gritty, evolving degradation
- Formant shifting with stepped decay and spray for vocal morphs, alien textures, and deeply strange spectral effects
- Per-repeat Width control that silences or gates the centre of each repeat, with stepped decay option; fade in/out per repeat for natural-feeling swells and cuts; mono repeat mode for focused, punch-forward stutter hits
- Reverse playback with optional random direction setting for unpredictable reversals
- Parameter snapshot system: store and recall dynamic repeat configurations on the fly, with a variation setting that introduces controlled randomness for unpredictable, evolving repeat performances
- Max for Live Audio Effect .amxd device
Reviews
It's great. It's what I always wished Beat Repeat actually was. I'm also finding it a really cool way to process one-shots for with gate mode and the effects (formant is particularly nice). I don't completely understand the behaviour of the boomerang function, but I'm sure I'll get it with more experimentation.
Very handy, it helps me understand the basic beat repeat a little better as well. Already dropped it on a track.
it worked great, its good to have some extra options!
LOVE me some BEAST REPEAT! Next Level device
I love Beat Repeat, but it’s become so recognizable in modern electronic music that I often hesitate to use it. Beast Repeat takes that familiar concept and blows it wide open, giving almost anything I run through it an entirely new dimension. Fresh, unpredictable and ridiculously deep—the fact that it’s free is difficult to comprehend. Dillon Bastan is a genius and, once again, has created something next level.
What a BEAST
A true step up from beat repeat. I love the possibilities that this device unlocks within Ableton. Thank you!
Immediately it’s apparent that this device does things that beat repeat cannot do.
Not sure yet! Thus far it seems to be working fine!
Important Information
CHANGELOG
v1.0.0 – Initial Release
INSTALLATION
Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted before use. For Max for Live Devices please place the extracted device in your User Library. For Ableton Live Packs please double click the extracted .alp file to install. For Ableton Live Projects please place in your projects folder.
LICENSE
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR ISOTONIK STUDIOS SOFTWARE PRODUCTS.
PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS PROGRAM INSTALL.
This End-User License Agreement (referred to as “EULA”) is a legal agreement between an individual or a single entity (referred to as “LICENSEE”) and Isotonik Studios for the Isotonik Studios software product(s) which may include associated software components, media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (referred to as “SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By installing, copying, or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, the LICENSEE agrees to be bound by the terms of this EULA.
This EULA represents the entire agreement concerning the program between the LICENSEE and Isotonik Studios and it supersedes any prior proposal, representation, or understanding between the parties. If the LICENSEE does not agree to the terms of this EULA, the LICENSEE should not install or use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.
- GRANT OF LICENSE.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as follows:
(a) Installation and Use. Providing that the LICENSEE has paid any applicable license fees, Isotonik Studios grants the LICENSEE the right to install and use copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on up to two computers in the LICENSEE’s possession that are running a validly licensed copy of the operating system for which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was designed [e.g., Windows 10, macOS]. The computer(s) must be owned by the LICENSEE.
(b) Backup Copies. The LICENSEE may also make copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT as may be necessary for backup and archival purposes.
- DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.
(a) Maintenance of Copyright Notices. The LICENSEE must not remove or alter any copyright notices on any and all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
(b) Distribution. The LICENSEE may not distribute registered copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to third parties.
(c) Prohibition on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. The LICENSEE may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.
(d) Rental. The LICENSEE may not rent, lease, or lend the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
(e) License transfer The LICENSEE may not transfer their license to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to any third party. Any attempt to do so will be considered a violation of this EULA.
(f) Support Services. Isotonik Studios may provide the LICENSEE with support services related to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for a period of 12 months following the date of purchase. Any supplemental software code provided to the LICENSEE as part of the Support Services shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and subject to the terms and conditions of this EULA.
(g) Compliance with Applicable Laws. The LICENSEE must comply with all applicable laws regarding use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
- TERMINATION Without prejudice to any other rights, Isotonik Studios may terminate this EULA if the LICENSEE fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, the LICENSEE must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in the LICENSEE’s possession.
- COPYRIGHT All title, including but not limited to copyrights, in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any copies thereof are owned by Isotonik Studios or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the content which may be accessed through use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is the property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual property laws and treaties. This EULA grants the LICENSEE no rights to use such content. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Isotonik Studios.
- NO WARRANTIES Isotonik Studios expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided ‘As Is’ without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability, noninfringement, or fitness of a particular purpose. Isotonik Studios does not warrant or assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. Isotonik Studios makes no warranties respecting any harm that may be caused by the transmission of a computer virus, worm, time bomb, logic bomb, or other such computer program. Isotonik Studios further expressly disclaims any warranty or representation to the LICENSEE or to any third party.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY In no event shall Isotonik Studios be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business interruption, or lost information) arising out of the LICENSEE’s use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, even if Isotonik Studios has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will Isotonik Studios be liable for loss of data or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential (including lost profit), or other damages based in contract, tort or otherwise. Isotonik Studios shall have no liability with respect to the content of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or any part thereof, including but not limited to errors or omissions contained therein, libel, infringements of rights of publicity, privacy, trademark rights, business interruption, personal injury, loss of privacy, moral rights or the disclosure of confidential information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BEAST Repeat really free?
Yes, completely free! Dillon Bastan has released BEAST Repeat at no cost. Simply download it and follow the included Read Me for installation instructions.
Which versions of Ableton Live does BEAST Repeat support?
BEAST Repeat works with Ableton Live 10 and above, including Live 11 and Live 12. Max for Live is required, which is included with Ableton Live Suite or available as a paid add-on for Live Standard.
Do I need a Max/MSP licence to use BEAST Repeat?
No. Max for Live (bundled with Ableton Live Suite) is all you need. If you encounter compatibility issues, you can download the latest version of Max/MSP from Cycling74.com free of charge and point Live to it in Preferences – no licence is required for this.
What is the difference between the FFT pitch shift mode and the repitch mode?
The FFT and Overlap Add pitch shift mode changes the pitch of the repeated audio while maintaining the same playback speed, giving a lo-fi, time-stretched quality. The classic repitch mode changes pitch by adjusting playback speed, so pitching up makes the audio faster, just like speeding up a tape – the traditional Beat Repeat behaviour.
What does the Boomerang mode do?
Boomerang makes any stepped decay parameter bounce back toward its starting value rather than decaying linearly in one direction. It uses a triangle distribution, so the parameter rises and falls rhythmically. The timing of the boomerang can be locked to the repeat gate length or set to a custom value for complex, bouncing modulation effects.
Can I save and recall different BEAST Repeat configurations?
Yes – BEAST Repeat includes a Parameter Snapshot system that lets you store multiple repeat configurations and switch between them dynamically during performance. There is also a variation setting that introduces controlled randomness into snapshot recall, making repeat behaviours feel evolving and unpredictable.
What is the difference between stepped decay and spray?
Stepped decay causes a parameter to reduce in discrete steps across each successive repeat cycle – creating a staircase-style evolution. Spray introduces randomisation into the amount of change per step, giving a more chaotic, organic feel rather than a predictable linear decay.
Can BEAST Repeat be used for live performance?
Absolutely. The snapshot system, Boomerang mode, and per-repeat envelope controls make BEAST Repeat an excellent live performance tool. Triggering different snapshots mid-set, combined with evolving stepped decay and boomerang parameters, allows for highly dynamic, crowd-engaging moments that go far beyond a standard stutter effect.
In Depth
Beat Repeat is one of Ableton Live’s most beloved devices — a creative stutter machine that’s launched a thousand drops, fills, and glitch moments. But what if it could do so much more? Dillon Bastan asked exactly that question, and BEAST Repeat is the answer: a free, massively expanded Max for Live audio effect that takes everything you love about Beat Repeat and wraps it in a vast, modular system of pitch tools, spectral processing, granular stretching, dynamic parameter control, and expressive performance features.
This is not just Beat Repeat with a few extra knobs. BEAST Repeat is a completely rethought repeat engine where every parameter — from interval and gate to panning, filter, pitch, and formant — can decay, spray, envelope, and boomerang across each repeat cycle. It’s a glitch artist’s dream, a sound designer’s rabbit hole, and a live performer’s secret weapon, all wrapped into a single free device.
Key Features
- All classic Beat Repeat features: The familiar interval, grid, gate, and variation controls you already know and love — fully intact as the foundation.
- Expanded variation modes: Additional variation options for repeat Interval and repeat Gate, with more variation modes and interval options than the original.
- Stepped decay & spray: Apply stepped decay and spray to Grid (repeat length), Width, Panning, Filter, Redux, and Formant — letting parameters evolve dramatically across each triggered repeat sequence.
- Per-repeat Width: A dedicated width control that silences or gates the centre of each repeat based on the width value, complete with its own stepped decay option for evolving gate effects.
- Fade in/out per repeat: Smooth amplitude envelopes applied per repeat for natural-feeling swells and cuts rather than hard on/off triggering.
- Real-time pitch shifting: FFT and Overlap Add pitch shift mode maintains the same playback speed (great for lo-fi textures), plus classic repitch/speed mode. Add pitch decay either upward or downward, and use a per-repeat pitch envelope for expressive melodic stutter effects.
- Speed stretching: Stretch the repeat playback speed using granular or phase vocoder (FFT) algorithms, with stepped decay or per-repeat envelope shaping.
- Sample redux (bit crush): Reduce the sample resolution with stepped decay or spray options for gritty, evolving degradation.
- Panning control: Pan each repeat with stepped decay or spray for wide, moving stereo fields that shift across the repeat cycle.
- Three-mode filter: Choose from three filter modes with adjustable Q, stepped decay, and per-repeat envelope control — sweep the repeats into resonant oblivion.
- Overdrive with tone: Add harmonic saturation with a tone knob to shape the character of the distortion.
- Boomerang mode: Make any stepped decay parameter bounce back at a set triangle distribution — timing can be locked to the gate length or set independently for complex rhythmic motion.
- Parameter snapshot system: Store and recall dynamic repeat configurations on the fly, with a variation setting that introduces controlled randomness for unpredictable, evolving repeat performances.
- Reverse playback: Flip repeat playback direction with an optional random direction setting for unpredictable reversals.
- Formant shifting: Shift the formant of repeated audio with stepped decay and spray options — create vocal morphs, alien textures, and deeply strange spectral effects.
- Mono repeat mode: Collapse repeats to mono for focused, punch-forward stutter hits.
How It Works
BEAST Repeat sits in your audio chain just like the original Beat Repeat — drop it on any track and it intercepts the signal when triggered, looping a captured slice of audio according to your interval and grid settings. From there, the expanded engine takes over. Each parameter section — pitch, filter, panning, redux, formant, width, and stretch — operates independently with its own decay curve, spray randomisation, or per-repeat envelope. The result is that a single triggered repeat can evolve dramatically from its first cycle to its last, sweeping through pitch, colour, and space as it decays away.
The Boomerang system adds another dimension entirely: instead of decaying linearly, parameters can snap back toward their starting value in a triangle distribution, creating bouncing, yo-yo style modulation that feels alive and performative. Combine this with the snapshot system — which lets you pre-program multiple repeat configurations and switch between them mid-performance — and BEAST Repeat becomes a genuinely expressive instrument rather than a static effect.
The Vibe
BEAST Repeat is at home across almost every production context. In techno and industrial settings, the stepped decay on filter and pitch creates grinding, mechanical stutter sequences that feel like machinery misfiring in the best possible way. In ambient and experimental work, the FFT pitch shift and formant modes open up ghostly, spectral texture landscapes from otherwise ordinary audio material. For hip-hop and lo-fi production, the sample redux and repitch modes deliver the kind of degraded, warped repeats that sit perfectly in a dusty, crunchy mix. And for live performance across any genre, the snapshot system and boomerang mode give you a dynamic, crowd-pleasing tool that reacts and evolves as you play.
Whether you’re building a track in the studio, designing sound for film and games, or performing live in front of an audience, BEAST Repeat gives you a depth of control that the original Beat Repeat simply cannot match — and it won’t cost you a penny.
What’s Included
- BEAST Repeat Max for Live audio device
- Read Me file with installation instructions and preset setup guide
Technical Requirements
BEAST Repeat works with Ableton Live 10 and above. Max for Live is required — this is included with Ableton Live Suite, or available as an add-on for Standard. If you encounter issues, ensure you are running the latest version of Live 10 or Live 11, and consider downloading the latest version of Max/MSP from Cycling74.com (no licence required) and pointing Live to that version in Preferences.
Explore More
Discover the full range of devices from Dillon Bastan at Isotonik Studios.
More from Dillon Bastan
