Softube has released Heartbeat — its first software instrument for Mac OS X 10.8 or newer (VST/VST3/AU/AAX) and Windows 8 or newer (VST/VST3/AAX).

It's drum synth software that draws its inspiration from Eighties-era-defining analog drum synths, HeartBeat does not emulate any existing drum machine. Mostly, its sounds are based on Softube’s own modeled analog synthesis, augmented with selected waveforms. Eight instruments are included — two different bass drums, two different snare drums, two percussion instruments, plus hi-hats and cymbal.

Heartbeat includes an effects section. Softube’s TSAR-1 reverb is included in a slightly modified form alongside the separately available Valley People Dyna-mite compressor/limiter/gate. The third effect, Filter Echo, is a new and characterful delay.

Heartbeat also features the Auto Layer Machine, which can be used to layer the instruments or create flams or small fill patterns. The Chaos slider adds a sense of randomness to the behavior of Auto Layer Machine.

Heartbeat is available (http://www.softube.com/buy.php) for US$199. A 20-day demo is available for download. All Softube plug-ins, including Heartbeat, use iLok’s machine-based license system, which is entirely free (meaning a USB iLok key is optional).