What Is Sequencer64?

Updated

Sequencer64 is a 64-step drum sequencer that runs as a progressive web app (PWA) in your browser. You use it to build drum patterns step by step across a 64-step grid, and because it's a PWA, it's designed to be opened and used directly in the browser rather than installed from an app store. The one hard requirement from the site itself: JavaScript must be enabled, since the page only renders "You need to enable JavaScript to run this app" without it.

What it does

  • Step sequencing: You place drum hits on a grid of up to 64 steps, which is a longer pattern length than the common 16-step layout. That extra length suits longer phrases, fills, and variations within a single pattern.
  • Drum-focused: It's built around drum programming rather than melodic composition, so expect a percussion-oriented workflow.
  • Browser-based: It's a progressive web app, meaning it's delivered over the web and can behave more like an installed app (for example, being added to a home screen or launched in its own window) depending on your browser.

What it's built with

The app is built using React, Redux, and Tone.js:

Technology Role
React Builds the user interface
Redux Manages application state (patterns, steps, playback settings)
Tone.js Handles audio scheduling and sound generation in the browser

This stack matters to you mainly in one practical way: audio is generated and scheduled in the browser via the Web Audio API (which Tone.js wraps), so playback quality and latency depend on your browser and device rather than on a separate audio engine.

Do you need to install anything?

No store install is required — it runs in the browser. As a PWA, it may offer to be installed or added to your home screen, but the core experience is opening the site and using it there. The only setup step the site documents is enabling JavaScript.

When it's a good fit

  • You want a quick, no-install way to sketch drum patterns.
  • You need patterns longer than the typical 16 steps.
  • You're comfortable working in a browser and have JavaScript enabled.

If you need offline-first reliability, guaranteed low-latency monitoring, or deep DAW integration, a browser-based sequencer may not be the right tool — those depend on features the site doesn't document.