It certainly beats going through a whole reinstallation job just to discover there's no audible improvement. In addition, there are utility programs included that allow the sound conmirrors, or perhaps a new carpet and drapes, or anything else that will change its acoustic properties? $1 05 Hayes Smartcom Program. Check out the demo videos at ClockMasterApp.com ClockMaster is an app dedicated to the measurement and regulation of mechanical pendulum clocks.

• Free Amplifier Software

What is it?

This is a GPS driven LED display desk clock. It is configurable (with buttons on the back) for almost any timezone (half-hour timezones are not supported) worldwide as well as for daylight savings time rules for the U.S., E.U., Australia or New Zealand (or DST off). The clock can display 24 hour time (00-23 hours) or 12 hour time with AM/PM LEDs. The display has colons between the two-digit groups for hour, minute and second that can be on, off or blinking at 1/2 Hz. The display brightness can also be adjusted (to any of 4 steps). The display consists of hour, minute and seconds as .56' red seven segment LEDs, and a .3' tenth-of-a-second digit. The display is multiplexed with a refresh rate of approximately 600 kHz. The accuracy of the display is within 200 µs of GPS time. Those two factors make it suitable for such things as time-stamping slow motion video. The board has a super-capacitor mounted on it to provide power to retain the satellite almanac for up to around 3/4 of an hour without power.

It (optionally) comes with (or in) a laser-cut wood and acrylic case and with an AC power supply (90-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, North American plug). A GPS antenna is required and an active magnetic-mount 'puck' antenna is optionally available. The GPS antenna connector is SMA and supplies 5 VDC power (there's a jumper on the board to change this to 3.3V if desired) for active antennas (up to 100 mA).

It is available either fully assembled and tested or as a 'quick kit,' with or without the case and power supply (5 VDC @ 250 mA, 2.1mm barrel connector, center positive). The 'quick kit' means that all of the surface mount components are installed and programmed, leaving you to install the through-hole parts and assemble the case (if applicable).

What makes it special?

This is absolutely the most accurate human-readable clock for the price that I know how to make. It's a handsome and functional conversation piece for anyone interested in time.

The drum machine changed music. There’s no getting around it.

Every DAW software these days comes with some sort of sampler or drum machine built right in. They’ve become a pillar of modern music production.

But picking a sound can be tough when you have infinite possibilities at your fingertips.

That’s why these drum VST plugins are so great. They impose some limitations to help you corral the creative juices a bit.

So here’s the 10 best free drum VST plugins for making your drums pop.

Free Amplifier Software

T.REX 606

The name says it all. The T.REX 606 is a compact rompler modelled after the iconic Roland TR-606 drum machine.

The simple interface keeps things basic. Which is nice these days when so many VSTs are needlessly complicated.

It’s just volume, reverb and 7 classic sounds. Easy peasy.

Download it here for free

Djinndrum

The Linn LM-1 is a classic drum machine. It’s been used by everyone from Peter Gabriel, to Prince, to Michael Jackson.

But let’s face it, these days they’ve gotten a bit pricey for what they are.

No problem, The Djinndrum has you set for all that classic sound that the LM-1 packs in.

Download it here for free

Drum PRO

Drum Pro has 20 built in drum kits, 12 pads and global effects, what more do you need from a drum machine plugin?

The Drum Pro has you covered no matter what you’re making. Big EDM? Check. Techno? Check. Everything else you need for sweet drums? Check that too.

Download it here for free

Line of Legends

This plugin may not look as technical as others. But don’t let the looks of Line of Legends fool you.

This plugin boasts 47 high quality samples, 8 individual output channels, and punch, release & attack knobs for some serious tweakage.

Heads up: you may have to set up the output channels in your DAW if it’s only showing one channel. So check your DAW manual to figure out how.

Download it here for free

Sean Pandy Drums

Sean Pandy Drums is based on a sample pack made by heavy metal drummer Sean Pandy. So if you’re looking for a heavier drum sound on your mix, this VST will definitely give you it.

The ‘Sub Blower’ is especially good and certainly lives up to its name…

Download it here for free

KickMaker

2 of the most important elements in any track that thumps is the kick and bass. So they deserve some serious attention.

That’s what makes KickMaker so great. It’s a plugin built for crafting the perfect kick. So what’re you waiting for? Get kickin’.

Download it here for free

Beat Factory Drums

Beat Factory Drums is easy to use, sounds great, and packs a serious punch.

It has fully tweakable ADSR parameters so you can customize each and every kit to your sound. Not bad for a FREE plugin.

All you have to do is enter your email and that’s it.

Download it here for free

MT Power Drum Kit 2

MT Power Drum Kit 2 isn’t just a plugin for drums. In addition to top notch drum sounds that cut through any mix, it also has a fully pre-programmed groove library.

It’s wicked for composing your own patterns, or stringing together grooves for the drum accompaniment you need.

Download it here for free

Dub Turbo DrumTROOP

The DrumTROOP drum machine is big both in its sound and what it offers. It’s a powerful tool for everything from EDM to house and back again.

Their website calls it a “weapon of mass production.” I can’t really disagree with that. It’s definitely massive is every respect.

Download it here for free

Single Cycle Vintage Drum Elements

Vintage Drum Elements has a nice, warm analogue sound that so many vintage drum machines have.

The 12 pad interface is easy to use and tweak, and the preloaded samples are all top notch.

Name your price or enter your email to grab it on the Single Cycle Bandcamp.

Download it here for free

Drumming up the perfect sound

Nothing beats a banging drum track. They’re the backbone of tons of top notch songs.

And the drum machine is a superb way to hone in on a specific sound for your tracks.

So grab these sweet plugs and program away!

Already set for drums? Grab some of our other favourite free VSTs.