Gearmulator MD/MM is a free, open-source plugin that runs the real Elektron Machinedrum and Monomachine firmware inside your DAW as VST3, AU and standalone.
Plugin comparison
Gearmulator MD/MM vs 88emu
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which synth to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
88emu is a free, open-source emulator that runs the real firmware of Roland Sound Canvas modules like the SC-88 Pro. Standalone for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Gearmulator MD/MM | 88emu |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Dubspot Score | — | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, Standalone | Standalone |
| Type | Firmware-accurate emulation of the Elektron Machinedrum and Monomachine | Firmware-level emulation of Roland Sound Canvas modules |
| Formats | VST3, AU, standalone (macOS); VST3, standalone (Windows 64-bit) | — |
| Operating systems | macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), Windows 64-bit | — |
| License | Free and open-source (GPL-3.0) | Free and open-source (GPL v3) |
| Sound source | Runs the original Elektron firmware, user supplied | — |
| Automatable parameters | 416 (Machinedrum), 348 (Monomachine) | — |
| Sequencing | Elektron sequencer with parameter locks | — |
| Data transfer | SysEx send and receive; multi-output routing | — |
| Version at launch | 0.1.0 alpha 12 (17 September 2026) | — |
| Emulates | — | Sound Canvas modules, including SC-88 Pro and SC-55mkII |
| Method | — | Runs the original firmware on emulated CPUs and sound chips |
| Format | — | Standalone application only; VST, VST3, AU, LV2, CLAP builds in development |
| Platforms | — | Windows, macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), Linux (x64 and aarch64) |
| ROM | — | User-supplied firmware image required, not included |
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