- Product: PAM
- Developer: MAP Audio
- Type: 8-cell sampler & drum synth plugin
- Version: 1.8.3
- Format: Standalone, VST3, CLAP
- Requirements: Windows 10 or later
PAM (Pattern-based Audio Mapping System) is a sampler and drum synth with eight cells. Each cell has a sampler, a drum synth, an effects chain, a step sequencer, and its own modulation. The signal path is fixed: active cell sources → Cell FX → Master EQ → Punch (compressor) → Squeeze → Tape → Iron → Clipper → Limiter → Master FX. The Looper runs beside the live cell mix and a crossfader blends the two. The Looper sits after the master chain by default and can be routed before it. Vary modulation, sidechain envelope following, and Resample can take their source from another cell.
Eight Independent
Cells Each cell holds a sampler, a built-in drum synth, an effects chain, step sequencer, and modulation routing.
Drum Synth
Each cell has a drum synth with 22 engines. It plays instead of the sample or alongside it, and its knobs take modulation and DAW automation.
Signal Path
Cell sources → Cell FX → Master EQ → Punch → Squeeze → Tape → Iron → Clipper → Limiter → Master FX. The Looper crossfades against the master mix.
Step Sequencer
Per-pattern sequencing with Note, Pitch, Slice, and Stretch lanes. Draw the note lane yourself or let an experimental Generative Player create it live.
LFO & Envelope Modulation
Six global LFO generators and per-cell envelope followers can drive any parameter. A follower can read a cell after its fader or before it, so a cell turned down can still modulate.
Looper
8-track looper with overdub, external input, and bar-synced variation switching. Record up to 8 tracks simultaneously, one per cell.
Vary System
Per-parameter randomisation with adjustable polarity and strength, including cross-cell routing.
CTRL Macros
Global macro controls with A/B crossfader, XY pad, and per-cell exclusions.
ParamSeq
Step-sequenced modulation lanes for any parameter, clocked freely, locked to a cell, or advanced one step per trigger in Gate mode.
v1.8.3 changelog
Added
- Gain has an independent Out control after clipping, so you can adjust the level without changing the distortion.
- Find a Module: click the magnifier on the FX rack’s side rail and type part of an effect’s name, or a word such as reverb or bitcrusher, then press Enter to jump to it.
- Active First in the FX Chain menu moves every enabled effect to the front of the chain, onto the first page, without changing the sound. A left click on the rack’s chain button now opens the menu.
- FX Rack Mode in Settings adds a Build mode: the rack starts empty, you add effects in the order you choose, and loaded presets show their active effects.
- MIDI → Variations can follow Program Change instead of CC, so programs 0 to 7 select variations 1 to 8; on that channel MIDI → Presets then ignores Program Change.
Improved
- The preset browser shows the full library as soon as it loads, and its list and grid views have a scrollbar you can drag or click to jump through large collections.
Fixed
- The variation buttons could keep showing the previous preset’s slots after you loaded another preset.
- Pattern notes could cut off early in DAWs that change their buffer size during playback.
- With a DAW count-in or pre-roll, the first step on the downbeat could play late.
