The EGO Pad Groove Operator instrument by Acrobatics is a free groove operator instrument for Windows that has been around for several years and is now in version 2.5.2.
Acrobatics is the developer behind releases like the Alieno virtual synth and the Forbice stereo auto-filter plugin. (BPB covered Forbice way back in 2012).
BPB was just a few years old in 2012, and it’s fantastic to see the ever-growing BPB community still going strong in 2025.
Unfortunately (for me), Acrobatics plugins are Windows-only, which means my fellow Mac users and I will miss out on this one.
As always, I appreciate Windows users sharing their thoughts and experiences in the comments!
EGO Pad features a newly designed interface that utilizes cells in rows and columns for sequencing, as well as a Command section where you can edit, copy, paste, and randomize sequences on the fly.
The instrument also features an alternative Laser Motion view (I may be wrong, but I believe the first version was purely laser-based, and the pad-style workflow came much later).
Additionally, version 2.5.2 introduces a modular approach, allowing users to combine sequences with synthesis and FX in various ways.
You can sketch out ideas or build complete songs or sections using the onboard four-track drum machine, featuring 25MB of curated samples in 16-step grids. You can also utilize hundreds of rhythms from the legacy Acrobatics Clave VSTi project.
Acrobatics created EGO Pad using Synth Maker, and it’s available in VSTi format for Windows (any 32-bit VSTi host).
Another instrument that got a fresh design overhaul recently is Odin 2 by The Wave Warden. If you haven’t checked it out yet, have a look as it is pretty awesome.
As we’re moving through the month of June and time flies, here’s another reminder that Plugin Boutique has multiple deals on offer.
The highlights include Universal Audio’s Galaxy Audio (85% off), Melodyne 5 Essential (70% off), and Wave Alchemy’s Pulse PCM60 reverb, which is free with any purchase throughout June.
The most time-sensitive offer is Softube’s Tape Echoes, available for just $29 (the offer expires on June 15, 2025).
Download: EGO Pad (FREE – version 2.5.2)
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Last Updated on June 11, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
