# Groovebox - Beat Synth Studio — Make Music & Play Instruments > Mobile electronic music production studio with synths and drum machines. (iPhone/iPad app by Focusrite Audio Engineering.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groovebox-beat-synth-studio/id1242847278 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Focusrite Audio Engineering](https://appshunter.io/developer/321949338) - Category: Music - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.70/5 from 4,735 App Store ratings · 653 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 44 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2017-06-13 - Data updated: 2026-08-27 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groovebox-beat-synth-studio/id1242847278/reviews.md ## What is Groovebox? If you love making electronic music, you’ll love Groovebox. Enter an inspiring world of music production on your iPhone & iPad. Groovebox is a free, beautifully designed music studio app packed with inspiring synths and drum machines. In minutes you’ll be making beats, melodies, and playing with world-class instruments. Expand your own collection with more sounds and instruments available in the store. From the creators of Launchpad, Groovebox helps you produce music on iPhone & iPad. • A BEATS & SYNTH MUSIC STUDIO Play with touchable instruments to quickly create your own beats and melodies, or draw in notes. Need inspiration? Groovebox has hundreds of patterns and sounds to get you started. Four powerful synthesisers, designed in partnership with Novation, deliver deep retro basslines and analogue harmonic melodies. The modern drum machine, with expanding drumkit library, will turn Groovebox into your go-to beat production studio. • SYNTHS DESIGNED WITH NOVATION Designed in partnership with Novation, legendary synth pioneers, Groovebox packs a world-class sound. Each instrument uses a new powerful synth engine capable of recreating classic warm analogue sounds and rich modern harmonics. • EASY TO START, DEEP ENOUGH TO MASTER Groovebox is designed to kick-start ideas, but it has serious features for artists and producers too. The advanced synth parameters* let you sculpt your own sounds. Automate the parameters over time to create a vibrant dynamics. Control your sound with the multi-channel mixer (iPad only), note sequencer, key and scale modes. Build your arrangements into songs with sections. Export your sounds easily to a laptop for further production. Sync to other apps or a laptop with Ableton Link. Connect using Audiobus, Inter-App Audio and even Export to Ableton Live seamlessly.   FEATURES • Discover and build ideas - Quickly explore sounds with hundreds of melody and rhythm patterns • Play touchable instruments - Create your own melodies and beats • Five powerful instruments - Drumbox, Horizon, MiniMon, RetroBass and Poly-8 • Build beats - Play drum pads or keys, sequence notes or use patterns • Arrange your tracks - Simple song-building using sections • Create dynamic changes - Record synth parameters as automation • Sound innovation - Instruments developed in partnership with synth pioneers Novation • Expand your sounds - Regular, fresh-content drumpacks, presets and patterns* • Production-ready sounds - Crafted by world-class sound designers and artists • Extendable Instruments - Expose more tweakable synth controls • Sequence your music - Draw notes and build patterns instead of playing them • Stay in time and key - Choose from any tempo, key or musical scale • Share your music - Easily create a mix of your music to share with others *Requires In-App Purchase ADVANCED FEATURES • Jam with others - Audiobus, Inter-App Audio, Ableton Link and Ableton Export • Swing - Instantly add swing to your session. • Ableton Export - Easily send your project to Ableton Live • Full scale support - All keys and major, minor and modes supported • Project management - Rename, duplicate and delete • iPad Pro support - Optimised to use the entire iPad Pro screen • Send your ideas to a laptop - Batch export your pads as a .zip file, or use Ableton Export • Bluetooth speaker supported ## Key features - Beat and synth music studio - Touchable instruments for melodies and beats - Five powerful instruments: Drumbox, Horizon, MiniMon, RetroBass, Poly-8 - Arrange tracks with sections - Record synth parameters as automation - Ableton Link and Ableton Export for collaboration - Expandable instruments and sound packs ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Drum Booster | $1.99 | one-time | | Trap Bass | Free | one-time | | Golden Era Bass | $0.99 | one-time | | Sequential Arps | Free | one-time | | Neuro Leads | $0.99 | one-time | | Ambient Hip Hop | Free | one-time | | Dirty 909 | Free | one-time | | Composed Melodics | $0.99 | one-time | | Hip Hop Orbit | Free | one-time | | Hypnotic Bass | Free | one-time | ## What do users think of Groovebox? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🚀 Refreshing simplicity - 🚀 Intuitive and easy to use - 🚀 Excellent sound quality - 🚀 Flexible and powerful - 🚀 Inspiring and creative - 🚀 Seamless integration with Novation hardware **Cons** - 🐛 Buggy and crashes occasionally - 🔒 No iCloud sync or cloud backup - 🔒 Limited export options - 🔒 Lack of MIDI support - 🔒 Clunky piano roll and note editing - 🔒 Missing key features like song mode and panning **Commonly reported bugs** - Crashes when exporting projects - Playback issues with certain patterns - Disappearing UI elements when scrolling - Inconsistent behavior when changing sections **Most requested features** - Add song mode and ability to chain sections - Improve piano roll and note editing - Implement MIDI support and mapping - Add more export options like MIDI and multi-track - Implement iCloud sync and cloud backup - Add panning and more advanced mixing features ## Recent user reviews (10 of 653) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groovebox-beat-synth-studio/id1242847278/reviews.md ### 5/5 — I can dig it. *2026-07-13, version 2.10.5* I like how there are so many instruments that I can choose from. And you don’t have to pay for a lot of them. I do however think there should be some acoustic drums for free. I’m a drummer and I like the acoustic sound that a traditional kit produces. I also there should be a variety of pianos to choose from as a starter pack. I like piano as it was the first instrument I learned. But over all I like Groovebox as it is. Five stars. ### 5/5 — So underrated *2026-06-08, version 2.10.5* So been using this for quite a while and can confirm that it is pretty amazing to have this level of sound quality on my phone . The Novation synths are great. I use the random preset feature for inspiration and then erase and write my own parts but occasionally they be just right. I wish there was a song mode or longer patterns. And a way change the track sequence length on the same screen. Needs more synths and a sampler but I’ve come up with stuff on this little app that blows my mind ! ### 5/5 — Great werk *2026-05-29, version 2.10.5* Loved this app since I was six. Most fun and innovative DAW ive worked with yet. ### 5/5 — Effin’ Rockiing thank you! *2026-05-28, version 2.10.5* Hello! I have been using iPad for music lately - as I just try to use the tools that are accessible. Been making music for 30 years or more i am old lol… but - I love novation synths, I have had a number of hardware ones in the past and still have my trusty x-station - except I ruined the track pad - poo… but - I thought no novation on iPad, and then I found this, and thought! YES!!! The app sounds great. It is intuitive and fun. It’s quick and easy. I’ve been making a lot of iPad music for the last few years and never knew about this… but - am really glad I found it. In some ways it is a little outdated - only exports in 16bit 44k, but I route it through AUM and work in 24 bit 48k… there is no MPE - but - I like to retune synths - and you can do it in mono - but you can only do it to one synth at once in AUM… limitation as it is an old IAA app - not AUv3. You could do really well if you released these synths as AUv3’s Novation! And if you are cool and inject some MPE into it that would be awesome - I looooove MPE… midi 2 would be good too - but no one is doing that… I’ve made about 8 tracks since I got it with it - and I really like 3 of them. The autogenerators could do better - if you want some generative algorhythms - look me up and i’ll hook you up… they do things like lots of consecutive fifths and parallels - which sometimes is nice - but is a bit limiting all the time… Basically - download this app and see if you like it. It’s pretty affordable, and great value - I got all the synths - not the preset packs - but they are well priced enough I may consider them… Thanks Focusriste! Novation! You rock hard. 🤘😊 ### 5/5 — Developer please take note and add Quantizing features would be amazing *2026-05-02, version 2.10.5* Using the Quantize button on the Novation launch key to quantize sounds to grid will be cool in 2026 ### 1/5 — ADD MORE SAMPLES!!! *2026-04-05, version 2.10.5* VOLUME KEEPS GOING UP & DOWN! PLEASE FIX!!! ### 1/5 — Payant (non free) *2026-03-22* Vous ne ferez rien sans payer… Chaque instrument est payant et il vous faudra payer avant de les tester…. Payer payer payer… ### 5/5 — Another One *2026-03-18, version 2.10.5* This App Fire 🔥 🔥🔥 ### 4/5 — Simple to use but lacking a feature *2026-03-15* Add an option to switch to a vertical piano roll and I’ll probably buy the full version ### 3/5 — Falling into a state of disrepair but still good *2026-03-12, version 2.10.5* I have been a user of Groovebox for a long time now. The apps has inspired so many amazing projects that I have created. However, there are some serious bugs affecting the general enjoyment of the app. First off, The synthesizer windows bug out, showing black if you scroll to much in any direction. 2 things fix this and it is restarting the app or tilt your phone so your phone or IPad screen will project it right. Another issue is audio cut out. When multiple voices or melodies are played within a single channel, it will mute melodies based on start. This also happens to the drums. When you played the tracks, if the kick is at the very beginning of the grid or track, the first kick never sounds but it sounds normally after that. Another issue is bugs with volume automation. Within the editing grid, there tends to be a bug where when you try to change the volume automation, the notes don’t change color value, like going dark or lighter and the notes don’t lower and raise in volume. A fix is to restart the app or even delete and recreate a track. All of these issues are serious issues to me as a serious music developer and it ruins the quality of your music and makes it annoying to listen to or deal with. I will be filling a bug report status to Focusright in regard to this. If you don’t experience this, disregard my statement, however, if you do, report the bugs to the developers or look for another app. Thanks ## Frequently asked questions about Groovebox ### What is Groovebox? Groovebox is a free mobile music studio app designed for creating electronic music. It offers inspiring synths, drum machines, and instruments, allowing users to quickly make beats, melodies, and arrange tracks. ### What are the key features of Groovebox? Key features include a beat and synth studio with touchable instruments, five powerful instruments (Drumbox, Horizon, MiniMon, RetroBass, Poly-8), song arrangement using sections, automation of synth parameters, and advanced features for collaboration like Ableton Link and Export. ### Is Groovebox free to use? The app is free to download and use, offering a core set of features. However, certain advanced features, additional sound packs, presets, and patterns require in-app purchases to unlock. ### What devices is Groovebox compatible with? Groovebox is available for iPhone and iPad. Some features, like the multi-channel mixer, are specifically noted as being available on iPad only. ### How can I use Groovebox for music production? You can use Groovebox to quickly explore sounds with pre-made patterns, play instruments to create your own melodies and beats, sequence notes, arrange your creations into songs, and even export your work for further production on a laptop. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.10.5 — 2024-04-30 This version contains bug fixes & technical improvements. If you enjoy using Groovebox, we'd really appreciate a review on the App Store. If you find bugs or have any comments, drop us a line at support@ampifymusic.com. ### 2.10.4 — 2023-12-05 This version contains bug fixes & technical improvements. If you enjoy using Groovebox, we'd really appreciate a review on the App Store. If you find bugs or have any comments, drop us a line at support@ampifymusic.com. ### 2.10.3 — 2023-07-13 This version contains bug fixes & technical improvements. If you enjoy using Groovebox, we'd really appreciate a review on the App Store. If you find bugs or have any comments, drop us a line at support@ampifymusic.com. ### 2.10.2 — 2022-11-23 This version fixes a bug where pre-installed soundpacks and user presets were moved to the 'Store' section of the soundpacks list. If you enjoy using Groovebox, we'd really appreciate a review on the App Store. If you find bugs or have any comments, drop us a line at support@ampifymusic.com. ### 2.10.1 — 2022-11-17 This version fixes a bug where touch gestures could trigger incorrect actions on iOS 16. If you enjoy using Groovebox, we'd really appreciate a review on the App Store. If you find bugs or have any comments, drop us a line at support@ampifymusic.com. ## Apps similar to Groovebox | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Tize: Music & Beat Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tize-music-and-beat-maker/id1130726632) | 4.5 (16,054) | Free | Music | | [BandLab – Music Maker & Beats](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bandlab-music-maker-and-beats/id968585775) | 4.7 (500,593) | Free | Music | | [Launchpad - Music & Beat Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launchpad-music-and-beat-maker/id584362474) | 4.8 (34,772) | Free | Music | | [Drum Pad Machine - Beat Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-pad-machine-beat-maker/id1057968965) | 4.6 (673,503) | Free | Music | | [Drum Pads 24 Beat Maker Music](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-pads-24-beat-maker-music/id667945907) | 4.7 (12,402) | Free | Music | | [Music Maker JAM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-maker-jam/id880929886) | 4.6 (10,835) | Free | Music | ## More apps by Focusrite Audio Engineering - [Launchpad - Music & Beat Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launchpad-music-and-beat-maker/id584362474) - [Impact by Focusrite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impact-by-focusrite/id906699552) - [Blocs Wave: Record Music Live](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blocs-wave-record-music-live/id1085697317) - [Focusrite Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusrite-control/id1127384645) - [Focusrite Control 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusrite-control-2/id6479611881) All apps by Focusrite Audio Engineering: https://appshunter.io/developer/321949338 ## Related topics [studio beats audio](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/studio-beats-audio) · [groovebox](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/groovebox) · [sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sequencer) · [beat sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/beat-sequencer) · [music synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/music-synthesizer) · [looper synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/looper-synth) · [synth sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/synth-sequencer) · [groovebox studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/groovebox-studio) · [beat maker studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/beat-maker-studio) · [drum sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/drum-sequencer) · [reason compact](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/reason-compact) · [playbox studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/playbox-studio) · [auxy](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/auxy) · [auxy studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/auxy-studio) · [focusrite](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/focusrite) · [FOCUS Ride](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/focus-ride) · [instruments beats](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/instruments-beats) · [studio beats beats](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/studio-beats-beats) · [ableton note](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ableton-note) · [music sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/music-sequencer) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*