Beat Studio
"Beat Studio is a free electronic drum training app for Windows and Mac. Connect your e-drum kit and get real-time feedback on timing, velocity, and accuracy — like having a drum teacher built into your software."
Read the beat
Live feedback
Beat Studio analyzes every hit — timing, velocity, and accuracy — and gives you instant visual feedback to help you play tighter and more consistently over time.Ultra low-latency audio (close to 1 ms) ensures the samples respond instantly to your playing, so nothing gets between you and the music.
Train Like a Pro
Natural Notations
If you prefer real drum notation over the hit timeline view, Beat Studio renders noteheads, beams, rests, accents, and ghost notes — just like you'd see on a printed score. A moving playline tracks your position in real time during playback, with smooth auto-scrolling that keeps you focused on what's ahead.Customize the display with dark or light themes, adjustable zoom, beaming styles, voice modes, and flexible measures-per-line layout to match how you like to read music.
Your beats
Custom Patterns
Import standard MIDI or Guitar Pro files to learn and practice your favorite songs. Load MP3 backing tracks to play along with full songs or import a synthesized backing track from MIDI or Guitar Pro file — practice your parts in context, right alongside the music.Create and customize patterns with Beat Studio's intuitive editor — 11 drum tracks, volume levels 1–9, manual hit placement, or record freely with snap-to-grid off.
Endless Song Book
Beat Studio supports standard MIDI and Guitar Pro file imports — just import a song and Beat Studio automatically generates a full backing track from all instrument channels. Pick the drum track to practice, and everything else becomes your live backing band.You can even load your own SoundFonts to fine-tune the backing audio — swap instruments and match your favorite tones.
MP3 Audio Backing Track
Automatically Synthesized Backing Track from a MIDI File
play and Learn
Session Analysis
After each practice session, Beat Studio gives you a detailed breakdown of your performance. You can see exactly how your timing drifted over the course of the session, how consistent your dynamics were, and which drums you played most accurately. Whether you're working on tightening your kick timing or evening out your hi-hat velocity, the stats help you understand your strengths and spot areas that need more practice. Over time, tracking these breakdowns gives you a clear picture of your progress as a drummer.
Detailed analysis of your performance
Time Deviation Per Pad — See how early or late each hit was per drum pad across the pattern.Velocity Deviation Per Pad — See how hard or soft each hit was compared to the target volume.Timing Distribution — How tight and centered is your timing overall?
Shows the spread of your timing errors.Velocity Distribution — How consistently are you hitting at the right volume? Shows the spread of your velocity errors.Pattern Accuracy — What percentage of the pattern did you actually play vs skip?Hit Accuracy — Were your hits correct, or were they extra/mistimed?Timing Consistency — How repeatable is your timing on each pad, scored 0–100%.Velocity Consistency — How repeatable are your dynamics on each pad, scored 0–100%.Score Breakdown — Your total score broken down by hits, timing, velocity, and stamina.Session Summary — Personalized tips highlighting your strengths, weak spots, and trends.
Details matter
Mix It Your Way
Each drum pad has its own volume, pan, velocity sensitivity, and effects — reverb, delay, distortion, and flanger — giving you full per-channel control over your sound.Individual channels for every drum pad (kick, snare, toms, hi-hat, cymbals, and more), plus dedicated channels for the pattern audio, metronome click, and backing track.
Control everything with a built-in mixer
Professional Sound
Start with our carefully selected professional-grade drum kit featuring multi-velocity samples with up to 20 seconds of natural decay and room ambience — plus 7 additional SoundFont-based kits included out of the box.Want a different sound? Import any samples (.wav) to build custom kits with up to 6 velocity layers per pad, or import a SoundFont (.sf2) file and let Beat Studio handle the mapping automatically.
Build your own kit with custom samples
Universal MIDI Compatibility
Beat Studio works with any MIDI drum kit or controller. Alesis, Roland, Yamaha, Akai.. you name it. An easy-to-use MIDI mapping wizard lets you assign all 11 pads in seconds — just hit a drum and map it — so your kit is always set up exactly the way you need it.
Step-by-step MIDI mapping wizard
Compare Versions
Beat Studio is currently in BETA development. Expect frequent updates, new features, and potential changes as development progresses. Your feedback helps shape the product.
Audio Engine & Sound
| Feature | FREE | CORE | PRO | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal MIDI support with custom mapping | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Works with all MIDI devices (E-kits, pads, keyboard, Alesis, Roland, Yamaha, etc.) |
| Super audio low latency | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Close to 1 ms |
| Professional default drum kit | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | CRASH 2 and CHINA cymbals only in CORE & PRO |
| SoundFont default drum kits | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | 8 basic kits from bundled SoundFont library |
| Custom drum kits | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | *.wav and *.sf2 (SoundFonts) supported |
| Pad sensitivity | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Pad volume | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Pad panning | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Reverb | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Delay | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Flanger | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Distortion | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Pattern & File Management
| Feature | FREE | CORE | PRO | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern creation | Templates | Templates + Custom | Templates + Custom | Custom: Note length, time signature, measures. PRO supports off-beat notes. |
| Time signatures | 4/4 | Custom | Custom | |
| Extended pattern tools | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Time signature change, pattern length trim and extend, Only in PRO: Custom playback start position, Stretch tool, Pickup beats |
| MIDI file Import & Export | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Guitar Pro file Import | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Backing audio Import | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Import audio (MP3, WAV, OGG, M4A, FLAC) |
| Synthesized backing Audio Import | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Automatic Synthesized audio import from MIDI or Guitar Pro file |
| PRO playback tools | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Custom playback start position |
Training & Analysis
| Feature | FREE | CORE | PRO | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live feedback & scoring | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Metronome | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Custom Settings | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Drum lane order, Only in PRO: Training score timing and velocity windows |
| Blind and Semi-Blind Timeline modes | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Sub-pattern training | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Progressive BPM training | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Rudiment support | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Pattern hit can contain hand info |
| Notation | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Live Play Timing Graph | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Live Play Velocity Graph | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Live Average Hit Score Graph | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Audio record | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Session analytics | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Pricing (CORE & PRO)
| Single purchase | Monthly subscription | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | CORE 3,00 € - PRO 6,00 € | CORE 3,90 € / Month - PRO 7,90 € / Month |
| What You Get | Single versio, found bugs are fixed only in new versions | All versions released during the month containing new features and bug fixes |
| License | Downloaded version will always work even without active Patreon subscription | All downloaded versions will always work even without active Patreon subscription |
Payment is made through a Patreon single purchase or monthly membership subscription. Downloaded PRO and CORE versions will always work, even without an active Patreon subscription. Subscription acts as your ongoing warranty for Beat Studio. As a subscriber, you're entitled to receive bug fixes and can request new features to be added to the application.
Version History
| Date | Version | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 27 | 0.9.0-BETA | Sub-patterns, Blind and Semi-Blind Timeline modes, Progressive BPM training, Per-channel SoundFont assignment on MIDI and Guitar Pro import |
| Mar 10 | 0.8.0-BETA | Guitar Pro file import, Synthesized backing tracks, Custom drum kits via SoundFont technology, and a completely redesigned effects system with per-channel control. |
| Feb 20 | 0.7.0-BETA | Drum notation |
| Feb 11 | 0.6.0-BETA | Session analysis, New timeline options, Added China pad |
| Feb 1 | 0.5.0-BETA | Backing audio to patterns, Grid-free patterns |
| Jan 18 | 0.4.0-ALPHA | New database system, Refreshed UI, MIDI import enchaments |
| Jan 3 | 0.3.3-ALPHA | MIDI import, Pattern duplication, Keyboard shortcuts |
| Dec 28 | 0.3.2-ALPHA | Visual improvements, Metronome, Bug fixes |
| Dec 17 | 0.3.1-ALPHA | Visual polish and improved user experience |
Use your voice
Your Feedback Matters
I'd love to hear what you think about the app! Whether you've found bugs, have feature requests, or just want to share your experience, your input helps make Beat Studio better for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beat Studio?
Beat Studio is a desktop drum trainer application for Windows and macOS. It connects to your electronic drum kit via MIDI and provides real-time visual feedback, beat patterns, and scoring to help you improve your drumming skills. It includes pre-built patterns, a pattern editor, audio playback with effects, and detailed performance statistics.
Where can I download Beat Studio?
Beat Studio is available for both Windows and macOS. macOS users can choose between Intel and Apple Silicon versions. Visit Patreon page to get the latest version for your platform.
Do I need subscription for Beat Studio?
No! You can get started with Beat Studio completely free. A free version is available with core training features to help you get going. If you want to unlock more, Beat Studio is also available as a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription. All downloads are available through our Patreon page — you'll need a Patreon account to download Beat Studio.
Can I use Beat Studio with my device or drum kit?
Beat Studio includes a built-in MIDI Mapping Wizard. The wizard walks you through each drum one at a time — just hit the pad when prompted, and the app captures the correct MIDI note automatically. You can hit each pad multiple times to map alternate notes (e.g., rim shot and center hit for snare). Your custom mapping is saved per device, so switching between kits doesn't require remapping.Beat Studio also supports hi-hat pedal detection via MIDI CC (continuous controller). During the mapping wizard, the app auto-detects your pedal's CC channel and calibrates the open/closed threshold, so open and closed hi-hat sounds respond accurately to your pedal position.
How do I connect my device to Beat Studio?
Connect your electronic drum kit to your computer via a USB-MIDI cable before you startup Beat Studio. Beat Studio automatically detects available MIDI input devices on startup. Simply select your device from the MIDI mapping wizard list and you're ready to play. If Beat Studio does not recognize your device, it will notify you and ask you to reconnect the device and restart Beat Studio.
Is there latency in Beat Studio?
Beat Studio is designed for minimal latency. It uses a native audio engine with platform-optimized backends — WASAPI on Windows and Core Audio on macOS — to deliver professional-grade low-latency audio playback. The app also includes a automatic latency compensation for hit validation and scoring.
How do I map MIDI to my device?
Beat Studio includes a built-in MIDI Mapping Wizard. Simply open it from the settings menu, hit each pad on your drum kit, and the app will automatically detect and assign the correct MIDI notes. Your custom mapping is saved per device, so switching between kits is seamless.
How can I change drum sounds/kits in Beat Studio?
Beat Studio (PRO) includes multiple built-in drum kits (Rock, Jazz, Electronic, TR-808, etc.) that you can switch between using the KITS selector in the main window. To create custom kits, click the New button in the KITS selector and choose:- Audio (WAV) based... - Build a kit from individual WAV files
- SoundFont (SF2) based... - Import a kit from SF2 filesYou can also Duplicate an existing kit to modify specific drum sounds while keeping the rest.
Can I use my drum module's sounds in Beat Studio?
Yes. Beat Studio supports two setups — choose the advanced setup to use your drum module sounds:BASIC
In the basic setup, Beat Studio plays all sounds. The e-kit connects to the computer via USB, and headphones/speakers connect to the computer.
ADVANCED
In the advanced setup, the e-kit plays user hit sounds. The e-kit connects to the computer via USB, the computer sends audio to the e-kit via AUX cable, and headphones/speakers connect to the e-kit. Note: Set the drum channel volume to zero in Beat Studio's mixer, as the e-kit already plays your drum sounds.
How can I play along with songs in Beat Studio?
Beat Studio (PRO) lets you import MIDI files and Guitar Pro files (.gp, .gpx, .gp5) to practice along with full songs:Import a song: PATTERN selector → Import MIDI/Guitar Pro file
- Extracts the drum track for you to practice
- Uses all other instrument channels (bass, guitar, keys, etc.) as your backing trackFree song sources:
Bonus - You can also import SoundFonts (.sf2) to change the drum or instrument sounds in your backing tracks, making them sound more realistic: