Hey there, music makers! Today, we’re diving into the world of drum sequencing with a powerful tool called the Drum Rack Buddy. Whether you’re a beginner looking for quick and basic beats or an experienced producer delving into deeper, more obscure rhythms, this Max For Live MIDI plugin for Ableton Live has got you covered.
So, what exactly is the Drum Rack Buddy? It’s a 16-track sequencer designed specifically for drum racks (or any instrument) to help you sequence drums and percussion with ease. Let’s take a closer look at its features, starting from left to right.

First up, on the far left, we have the note trigger. Each track corresponds to a specific note, allowing you to trigger sounds in your drum rack. You can customize these notes to your liking. Plus, there’s a handy Trig button for previewing sounds and a Mute button for silencing tracks during sequencing.
Next, we have the sequencer itself, which can switch between Steps, Velocity, Chance, or Retrigger modes. This is where you’ll craft your beats, adjusting sequences to perfection.
Moving to the far right, we find the Track Controls, offering even more customization options. You can set the direction of the sequencer, edit steps or constraints, randomize sequences, and more. It’s a playground for experimentation and creativity.
Don’t forget about the Pages tab at the top, allowing you to access different sequencing pages for fine-tuning your beats. And in the top right corner, you’ll find the Global Controls for managing all tracks simultaneously, from clearing steps to randomizing patterns.
We’ve packed a lot into the Drum Rack Buddy, including features like scaling, shifting, and adjusting note lengths, to give you complete control over your rhythms. Plus, the Grid feature provides a visual aid for precise sequencing.
DRUM RACK BUDDY FEEDBACK?
We hope you enjoy using the Drum Rack Buddy in your music production adventures. And if you decide to share your creations on social media, don’t forget to tag us @nedrush and @isotonikstudios. We’d love to hear what you come up with! Until next time, happy beat-making!
Simon Fuller –
Crazy! Amazing! Love it! Simple, but also deep.
Heike Scherlie –
A fun, easy, intuitive drum sequencer. Very fun to work with!