Synthwave Drums V3 is a drum machine plugin by BeatSkillz with 1300+ drum sounds, 73 multi drum kits and a 32-step sequencer. It is built for synthwave, vaporwave, retro and nu-disco production and runs as VST3, AU or AAX on Windows and macOS.
Synthwave Drums V3 is aimed at producers working in retro-leaning electronic styles. BeatSkillz describes its sound library as covering synthwave, vaporwave, retro, 80s and nu-disco and boogie. The kits are processed and ready to drop into a track, and the built-in sequencer lets you program patterns or send MIDI to your DAW. Each pad offers its own volume, pitch, pan, release and reverb controls, along with per-pad filters.
The plugin includes 1300+ drum sounds spread across 73 multi drum kits, plus 27 single shots and combo kits. BeatSkillz says the sounds are professionally processed, so they are ready to use without much preparation.
A master EQ and compressor section shapes the full drum mix, and LoFi, drive and reverb effects add the warm, vintage character associated with 80s-style drums. You can also drag your own samples onto any pad to build custom kits and save them for later.
The 32-step sequencer includes 70+ ready-made patterns in various synthwave styles. Each step can hold velocity, pan, note length, pitch and reverb send values, and the sequencer offers swing control and easy pattern switching.
Each pad has its own volume, pitch, pan, release and reverb send, plus HP and LP filters. The waveform display lets you trim samples or reverse them. Multi Out routes each pad to its own stereo channel for mixing and processing in your DAW.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | BeatSkillz |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Drum Machine |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
Synthwave Drums V3 is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is a 64-bit plugin.
On Windows, you need Windows 10 or later, a 64-bit host, an Intel i5 or AMD Athlon 64 equivalent, 2 GB RAM and 300 MB of disk space. On macOS, you need macOS Mojave or later, an Apple M-series or Intel i5 processor, 2 GB RAM and 300 MB of disk space. License authorization needs an internet connection.
Yes. You can drag and drop your own samples directly onto any pad to build custom kits, then save them. The Reset icon clears all pad samples and parameters so you can start a new kit.
Yes. Use the MultiOut button to route each pad to its own channel in your DAW. The plugin supports 8 stereo pairs, and you need to open it as a multiout instrument in your DAW.
