Draw.Audio is a free web-based music sequencer and synthesizer that lets you create patterns by drawing on a 32x32 grid and hear them play back in real time. It runs entirely in the browser using the Web Audio API and requires no downloads or installations.
What is Draw.Audio?
Draw.Audio is a browser-based music production tool that combines a step sequencer, synthesizer, and effects processor into one interactive interface. It takes input as drawn notes on a grid and outputs audio playback through your device's speakers. The tool supports multiple synth engines including waveform synthesis (sine, saw, triangle, square, pulse), FM synthesis (6-operator), and wavetable synthesis. It is developed by an independent creator and offered for free at draw.audio.
Key Features
- Grid sequencer – Draw notes on a 32x32 grid with adjustable density, pitch, and velocity; playback can be forward, backward, or bounce; BPM and swing (50%) control timing.
- Multiple synth engines – Choose from basic waveforms, FM synthesis with six operators and adjustable algorithms, or wavetable mode with analog morph sweep; each synth has independent amp/pitch envelopes, sub oscillator, noise generator, unison (up to 8 voices), and drift.
- Effects chain – Per-track effects include reverb (mix up to 40%, decay 100%), delay (six modes: ping-pong, mono, stereo, slapback, reverse, pitch shift; with sync and feedback up to 30%), distortion (nine types: soft clip, hard clip, wavefold, bitcrush, rectifier, exponential, Chebyshev, downsample, crossover; with drive up to 0 dB and tone control), stereo spread (width up to 70%), chorus (rate 0.5 Hz, depth 50%, mix 20%), and ring modulation (mix 0%, freq 200 Hz).
- Filter and EQ – Lowpass/highpass filters with resonance up to 74% and filter envelope; parametric EQ with up to 7 bands (highpass/lowshelf/peak/notch/highshelf/lowpass), presets (vocal, warm, bright, phone, v-shape, bass, de-mud, de-ess).
- Modulation – Two LFOs per track with sync to grid or free rate (0.1 Hz to 16 bars), depth control, and anchor; automation mode allows drawing parameter changes directly on the grid.
- Drum tracks – Dedicated drum row with pitch (-12 to +12 semitones) and volume control; includes a built-in drum machine (TR-909 emulation) with sidechain (depth 70%, attack 0.5 ms, ratio 12:1, release 100 ms).
- Export and MIDI – Export project as a file, import/export MIDI, supports MIDI learn for mapping hardware controllers.
- Themes and visualizer – Eight visual themes (e.g., Bubblegum Machine, Hotel Pool) and three visualizer modes (Classic, Aurora, Kaleidoscope, Rings, Plasma) with adjustable opacity.
Who is it for?
- Music producers – Quickly sketch out beat patterns and melodies using the grid, then refine with FM/wavetable synthesis and effects without leaving the browser.
- Sound designers – Experiment with FM algorithms, wavetable morphing, and complex modulation to create unique timbres.
- Educators – Demonstrate sequencing, synthesis, and audio effects concepts in an interactive, visual environment that requires no setup.
- Hobbyists – Explore music creation for free with a full-featured DAW-like tool that runs on any modern browser.
What can you do with Draw.Audio?
- Create complete tracks – Layer multiple synth and drum tracks, apply per-track effects, and set up sidechain compression to produce polished songs.
- Generate algorithmic patterns – Use the randomize function (density, pitch, velocity) on notes or existing patterns for inspiration.
- Design custom patches – Stretch the FM synth with operator feedback up to 0 dB or the wavetable position envelope to create evolving sounds.
- Automate parameters – Draw automation curves for any effect or synth parameter directly on the grid, enabling dynamic changes over the song timeline.
How does Draw.Audio work?
- Select a track (synth or drum) and choose its waveform or synth mode.
- Click cells on the grid to place notes—each column represents a step in the sequence, each row a pitch or drum sound.
- Adjust global tempo (78 BPM default in the interface), swing, note length, and groove settings.
- Add effects, LFO modulation, and filter envelopes; optionally switch to automation mode to draw parameter changes.
- Press Play to hear the sequence loop; tweak parameters in real time. Export the project or MIDI file when done.
FAQ
Is Draw.Audio free?
Yes, Draw.Audio is completely free to use with no paid tiers or subscription required. All features, including FM synthesis, effects, and export, are available without charge.
Does Draw.Audio work offline?
No, it requires an internet connection to load the web application. Once loaded, it can run without connectivity for the session, but the page must be loaded fresh each time.
Can I use my MIDI keyboard?
Yes, Draw.Audio supports MIDI input via Web MIDI API. You can connect a USB MIDI controller and map parameters using the MIDI Learn feature.
What browsers are supported?
Any modern browser that supports the Web Audio API and Web MIDI API (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari). Older browsers without these APIs will not produce sound.
