Gearmulator MD/MM
Key Features
- Packages Machinedrum and Monomachine emulators together, with both plug-in and standalone applications.
- Runs the original machine firmware to reproduce the original panels and operating-system workflows.
- Makes 416 Machinedrum and 348 Monomachine synthesis parameters available for DAW automation.
- Accepts stereo host audio for the machines' input-effects or sampling functions.
- Provides VST3 multi-output routing with a main stereo pair and two additional stereo output pairs.
- Supports context-menu SysEx sending plus desktop-friendly modifier controls for button combinations, encoder presses, and parameter locks.
Description
Gearmulator MD/MM is a hardware-level emulation of Elektron's Machinedrum and Monomachine, delivered together as DAW plug-ins and standalone applications. It runs the original machine firmware and recreates the two instruments' panels, sequencers, and operating-system behavior rather than offering a loosely inspired drum synth or virtual analog instrument.
The paired emulators are built for hands-on electronic rhythm and digital-synthesis programming. Shift-click can hold panel-button combinations and parameter locks, while modifier-clicking the data encoders makes desktop control of the original workflows more practical.
In a VST3 host, each machine can receive stereo audio and exposes the main output plus two additional stereo output pairs. The project also supports sending SysEx from its context menu, and makes hundreds of Machinedrum and Monomachine parameters available for DAW automation.
This is an alpha release intended for experimentation, not a replacement for a dependable production instrument. It contains no Elektron firmware, so each emulator needs a supported complete firmware image from hardware the user owns before it can operate; the macOS builds are ad-hoc signed and not notarized.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gearmulator MD/MM include Elektron firmware?
No. The project states that firmware is not included and that users must supply supported complete firmware images from hardware they own. The emulators will not operate without that firmware, and the project asks users not to request or share ROM files.
Which plug-in formats and platforms are available?
The releases page lists standalone applications and VST3 plug-ins for macOS and Windows. The macOS packages also include Audio Units, with separate Apple Silicon and Intel packages.
Can I route individual sounds to separate channels in my DAW?
Yes, when the DAW supports VST3 multi-output routing. The developer documents the main output plus two additional stereo output pairs, corresponding to the machines' individual hardware outputs.
Is Gearmulator MD/MM ready for critical production work?
The current public builds are alpha releases, and the lead coverage recommends treating them as a technical preview. The project notes ongoing performance work, while the release notes flag a strict timing issue on the available Intel macOS test machine.
