# Knob Lab — Smart Rotary MIDI Controller

> iOS MIDI controller for DAWs and music software, supporting multiple connection types. (iPhone/iPad app by Uri Nachmias.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knob-lab/id727466234 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Uri Nachmias](https://appshunter.io/developer/316332139)
- Category: Music, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.2 · 206 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-04-19
- Data updated: 2026-06-04
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knob-lab/id727466234/reviews.md

## What is Knob Lab?

Knob Lab is a smart and powerful MIDI controller for iOS devices.

Control internal and external DAWs like Beatmaker 3, NanoStudio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, Protools, Traktor, Modul8 and many more right from your device.

Knob Lab can control devices over USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, Virtual MIDI (inter app communication), Audiobus or with a cable.

With Knob Lab you can create complex controls from a single rotatory controller - controlling up to 8 different MIDI destinations.

Version 2 adds tons of new features including iPad support, file browser, MIDI logger and many more...

## Key features

- Remote DAW control
- USB, WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity
- Virtual MIDI support
- Audiobus integration
- Complex control mapping
- iPad support
- MIDI logger

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Two Knob Layout | $0.99 | one-time |
| Four/Six Knob Layout | $0.99 | one-time |
| Nine/Twelve knob layout. | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all layouts | $1.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 12)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knob-lab/id727466234/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Excellent!

*2024-12-02, version 2.1.2*

Thank you for a great app!

### 5/5 — Absolutely fantastic

*2022-08-29*

I connect it through Apple’s Audio Midi Setup and in Studio One and Pro Tools have it running Metric AB’s A/B switcher. Just have it sitting on a stand facing me and always on and push the knob when I want to switch to a different reference. Please add buttons and I’ll buy those too!

### 4/5 — Exactly what I needed!

*2021-03-21*

Firstly, I’ll explain why I gave this app four stars and what can be done to turn it into five stars: Add support for aftertouch and program changes! I use both of those frequently in my setup, so I would love to see them added as controllable knobs.

Now for the main review.

My MIDI keyboard only has one wheel and one slider for CC control, so I was looking for a cheap method to control more CC parameters without using my PC mouse in my DAW (which is too tedious for my liking). Then I had the idea to try looking for an app that could do that! I browsed through several paid apps until I found this free one that seemed to do exactly what I needed. Sure enough, it does, and it works really well!

### 4/5 — Please add pitch bends.

*2019-12-26*

Cool, but no way to add pitch bends. Hesitant to purchase Sonic Labs.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2019-09-04*

Could you please update UI for iPhone X models?
Thanks!

**Developer response:** Version 2 is just out with full support :)

### 5/5 — Great controller!

*2017-03-26*

Very handy with iRig MIDI.

### 4/5 — Works Great but I Need More

*2017-02-12*

Let me start by saying that this is the best BY FAR of any midi app I've tried. It starts free and demos great which they ALL should, since I'm not buying until I know it works.
The Bluetooth actually works, you select midi and the knives click right in. HOWEVER, I need an XY pad, a keyboard and a grid controller plus transport. Add those in PLEASE. There are so many other clunkers out there.

### 5/5 — It's great!

*2016-08-07*

I've long been following the development of Sonic Logic and Knob Lab and let me tell you knob lab is a wonderful idea, I definitely will consider the very cheap layout expansion pack! I only wish it was more like sonic logic as I do not own an Ipad only an iPhone 6s Plus. But in reality I love how cheap it is to get to control Abelton remotely, I mean it's much better than paying 30 some dollars for an external audio controller. This functions much like a hardware controller for much less!

### 1/5 — Doesn't work over Wifi

*2015-12-24*

It doesn't connect. Not much else to say.

### 5/5 — HOLY S"&@T IT WORKS!!!!

*2015-12-08*

OMG IT WORKS!! IT WORKS!!!!!! 

I'm running Windows Vista on an AMD Dual core motherboard (ancient tech) and using Reason 5. I'm using this app over my wifi. There is virtually no midi lag, I had no issue at all getting it to work. 

This is the app you are looking for if you're a Windows user like me. I can't believe how smoothly and sensitively it performs. It's stupid simple to get up and running. YOU WILL NEED TO INSTALL A PROGRAM CALLED rtpMIDI on your computer (but you've probably already done that if you've been trying to get an iOS midi controller to talk to your Windows based DAW software 😉). 

I have installed countless crappy half working apps trying to find a controller exactly like this one and this is the only one that works!!!!! It is a steal for the price they ask to upgrade. 

It works! I'm Using seriously outdated hardware and software and this app doesn't blink!! It just works.

## Frequently asked questions about Knob Lab

### What DAWs can Knob Lab control?

Knob Lab can control a wide range of DAWs including Beatmaker 3, NanoStudio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, Protools, and Traktor. It also supports Modul8 and other software.

### How can I connect Knob Lab to my devices?

You can connect Knob Lab to your devices using USB, WiFi, or Bluetooth. It also supports Virtual MIDI for inter-app communication and Audiobus.

### Can Knob Lab be used on an iPad?

Yes, version 2 of Knob Lab adds full iPad support, allowing you to utilize its features on a larger screen.

### Does Knob Lab have ads?

No, Knob Lab does not contain advertisements, providing an uninterrupted user experience.

### What is the rating for Knob Lab?

Knob Lab has a rating of 4.3 stars based on 12 user ratings.

### Is Knob Lab free to download?

Yes, Knob Lab is free to download and use, with optional in-app purchases available for enhanced functionality.

### What is the age rating for Knob Lab?

Knob Lab has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### How often is Knob Lab updated?

The latest version of Knob Lab, 2.1.2, was released on September 25, 2021. While updates are not frequent, the app is stable and feature-rich.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.1.2 — 2021-09-25

New MIDI core
Fixes when transmitting pitchbend.

### 2.1.1 — 2021-04-11

This version fixes an issue with purchase restoration.

### 2.1 — 2021-01-31

Version 2.1 includes:
* Pitch bend support added.
* New ways to set up a knob rotation and behaviors.
* Improved connectability through WiFi
* New MIDI engine.
* Refinements to multiple screens.
* Improved compatibility for Audiobus on iOS 14 devices.

Thanks for all of your support using Knob Lab.

### 2.0 — 2019-09-04

Knob Lab 2 is a complete rewrite of Knob Lab. 

* New UI! 
* New controls! 
* New connection center! 
* New MIDI Logger! 
* New file browser!
* New iPad support with dynamic sizing!
* and a lot of refinements to what's not new :)

### 1.6.2 — 2017-08-23

Version 1.6.2:
Knob settings and Connection settings are now unified in a single menu.

Version 1.6.1:
* Bugs squashed.

Version 1.6:
1. Audiobus 3 support with multipeer connectivity! You can now send MIDI messages to other iOS apps through Audiobus.
2. Redesigned menu interface - New UI for layout selection, and connection screens.
3. Performance enhancements and bug fixes.

## Apps similar to Knob Lab

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [7III Tap: Live MIDI Controller](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/7iii-tap-live-midi-controller/id6499097273) | 4.6 (12) | Free | Music |
| [MIDI Expression Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-expression-control/id1200670783) | 5.0 (6) | Free | Music |
| [MIDI Designer Pro X](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-designer-pro-x/id492291712) | 4.6 (265) | Free | Music |
| [GSDSP MMM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gsdsp-mmm/id6443846329) | 4.8 (31) | Free | Music |
| [WiDI MIDI Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/widi-midi-studio/id1437308268) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Music |
| [Protokol - MIDI/OSC Monitor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protokol-midiosc-monitor/id1451570764) | 4.6 (15) | Free | Music |

## More apps by Uri Nachmias

- [Sonic Logic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sonic-logic/id573446786)
- [Walklytics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/walklytics/id6747144535)
- [Walklytics Data Exporter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/walklytics-data-exporter/id6748622282)
- [Amit Draws Pixels](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amit-draws-pixels/id6755348781)
- [JSON Architect](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/json-architect/id6758951615)

All apps by Uri Nachmias: https://appshunter.io/developer/316332139

## Related topics

[uri nachmias](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/uri-nachmias) · [zigsim](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/zigsim)

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*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 2026-06-04.*