# Orphion — user reviews > 111 indexed App Store user reviews of Orphion by Bastus Trump, rated 4.00/5 from 31 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orphion/id495465097/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orphion/id495465097.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 17 · 4★ 5 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 4 · 1★ 2 ## What do users think of Orphion? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🎵 Unique and expressive musical instrument design - 👍 Intuitive touch interface for playing music - 🎛️ Customizable pad layouts and configurations - 🔌 Works well as MIDI controller for other apps - 🎨 Beautiful, simple, and elegant user interface - ⚡ Responsive and fast pad response - 🎼 Multiple pre-built scale and layout options - 💪 Highly expressive velocity and touch sensitivity - 🎹 Suitable for both musicians and non-musicians - 🌟 Unique sound character (koto-like tones) **Cons** - 🐛 Audio crackling and distortion issues on recent iPadOS versions - ❌ App crashes and fails to launch on newer devices - 📱 UI rendering problems on iPad mini and newer iPad models - 🔧 Abandoned by developer - no updates or support - 🚫 Incompatible with latest iPadOS (18+) - 🔌 MIDI functionality broken in some configurations - 🎵 Limited sound variety (one-trick pony sonically) - 📞 Developer unresponsive to support requests - ⚠️ Forced Apple restrictions crippled original features - 🔊 Audio output issues over connection ports - 📡 Bluetooth connectivity problems with headphones - 🎛️ Sensitivity and control issues after updates **Commonly reported bugs** - Audio crackling and distortion on iPadOS 18 and M4 devices - App crashes on startup with recent iPad OS versions - UI elements out of place on iPad mini - MIDI not working in AUM and other DAWs - Virtual MIDI instruments not detected when loaded as IAA - App stops playing audio when iPad is closed - Bluetooth headphone connectivity issues - Orientation stuck on iOS 11+ - Pad sensitivity issues after iOS 8 update - Velocity feature removed after forced Apple update - App crashes intermittently even after reboot - Incompatibility with newer iPad models (10.5 inch) - SoundCloud upload function non-functional - Forum support page returns errors **Most requested features** - Recording and export functionality - Additional sound patches and voices - Custom scale and layout editor - Pitch bend and modulation wheel controls - AudioCopy/Paste support - AirPlay support for wireless speaker output - More velocity increment options - Adjustable timbre per touch type - Finer sensitivity slider adjustment - Support for different scales (Dorian, Hijazkiar, etc.) - Sequencing and arranging features - iPhone version of the app - More pad layout options - CC support for different synths - Mono output option ## Newest reviews (14 of 111) ### 4/5 — It does still work with workarounds, mostly *2026-06-04, version 1.9.1* Really cool sounding fun app but what other reviewers say is true - the sound is now distorted (I’m using IOS26) and works inconsistently in AUM. I just tried it in AUM and it played but couldn’t bring up the settings menu or change anything, and previously I recall there were other odd things that made it unusable in AUM. However I did find consistently if you load any other random app in AUM then open Orphion outside in standalone it works fully with no distortion on IOS26. I have also used it to control other midi apps in standalone without AUM. However I have never been able to connect to the “Orphion Universe” to download whatever is available there. So in standalone mode in conjunction with AUM it still is a cool usable app. ### 4/5 — InvokeMusicINVK *2020-04-09, version 1.9.1* Love using this app. It brings a new and fresh idea to my tracks when producing. I wish more additional sounds would be added. ### 3/5 — Sounds nice but *2019-12-29, version 1.9.1* I can’t use my power beats pro with this app for some reason I restarted it reinstalled it re paired my headphones and nothing as soon as I leave the app the headphones connects ### 4/5 — Very Cool *2018-11-27, version 1.9.1* Simple and quite unique in character. Very musical! This is why I love iPad so much. Because of apps like this, the versatility of an iPad really shine! Half the time I just playing the thing, Thanks. Only bad thing so far is the the thing stops playing audio once I close my iPad and has to be restarted even though I have sleep disabled? A minor thing though but should be fixed. ### 3/5 — iPad 10,5” is a no go *2018-08-24, version 1.9.1* Lovely instrument, very expressive the way it handles touch gestures when playing. Unfortunately, even after the iOS 11 update, this app isn’t working properly on the newer 10,5” iPads as large parts of the playing areas are outside the screen. ### 5/5 — Awesome app & works Great ! *2015-08-30, version 1.7.2* Love this app !!! Especially for using MIDI to play outboard gear ... Highly inspiring ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😉👍 ### 5/5 — I Love This App *2015-08-14, version 1.7* I love Orphion, it lets you define your own instrument layout and assign pitch to each area. Plus it detects hard and light touches and does something between the hit areas I haven't figured out, but which adds to the variety of sounds you can get from this. It also has something that might be a feature or a bug, but when you play a lot of notes fast you can get unexpected harmonics and ringing. I suspect it is intentional, but no matter, I love it. I don't know of any other app quite like it. ### 4/5 — first *2015-07-06, version 1.7* oi so i wrote this really nice, well written review, i swear, but because this is my first review, i wrote the nickname as :) and when i pressed send it said that names been taken and CLEARED MY WHOLE REVIEW. anyways, ye its fine. ### 5/5 — Unique and intuitive instrument *2015-06-14, version 1.7* This is a very well designed instrument. The standard layouts are brilliant for quickly learning the relationship/intervals between notes and the method of playing, which is so surprisingly easy. The tutorial videos on the developer websites are very helpful and quick. With the editor you can create your own layouts... I reckon with this instrument as a MIDI controller, Audiobus as the interface, my fave soft synth (currently Animoog) and a DAW, I could recreate the sound of most plucked or percussive instruments. I am going to try creating a hang pan with a Dorian scale :) this is much easier and cheaper than buying or commissioning the real thing. ### 5/5 — Orphion is one of the most inspiring apps in iOS *2015-04-28, version 1.7* and I don’t take making that statement lightly. Orphion is as inspiring as Samplr it’s that good. It’s one of the apps i can count on half of one hand that keep iOS an viable and invaluable music platform for me. It’s so simple, nothing gets in the way of you connecting with Orphions sound or whatever you are controlling but for me I love orphions sound. Something about it resonates deep within when I use it all you have to do is try it and you’ll see what I’m talking about. It makes writing music effortless as it streams inspiration and keeps you in that ‘zone’ at all times. I’m obviously not very good at articulating what I’m trying to say through the view finder of a little review box but suffice it to say that I love this app and can only recommend it to you over and over again! ### 5/5 — Love it *2015-02-28, version 1.7* Really fun to experiment with. This is the way to do an iPad instrument...I love that they created something totally unique vs trying to simulate some "real" instrument. ### 5/5 — Orphion...An amazing App *2015-02-20, version 1.7* While I have a very limited knowledge of anything musical, this gem has been an incredible distraction. (Meaning during lousy weather, also while dealing, or trying to deal with the trials and tribulations of chronic Illness.) It has even brought my spirits to such an optimistic point that I will soon attempt the tutorial; after that I can visualize learning the proper way to use / play it. So thank you so much for all your hard work! You have certainly made this almost senior citizen feel hope that only access to music can bring about.. Sincerely, Christine Law ### 5/5 — So fun app *2015-02-16, version 1.7* The app is very fun. My kid loves to play with it. ### 4/5 — Fun, can create and save, but not perform *2015-02-15, version 1.7* Would really be cool if I could AirPlay my playing to my speakers! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — No longer being supported, do not buy *2018-07-24, version 1.9* This app doesn’t work in iOS11 and the link to support no longer works. It looks like this app is not being supported any more. When I try to use the app the orientation is stuck and I can’t access the menu or the editing feature, which was in in app purchase. Was one of my favorite apps, totally useless now. ### 1/5 — Broken *2015-08-29, version 1.7.1* The app closes and immediately crashes even after being reinstalled. Hopefully the developer will fix this ASAP. ### 1/5 — Amazingly surprising *2014-01-09, version 1.6.2* I bought this app on strength of the reviews. Well, basically it is rings with notes that you press and they make a sound. The spin off is that when you move to the side the pitch changes slightly which emulates vibrato effect. That's all. There's apps that give gazillions more control and sonic power but no, spend your money here! Not P.s sound editor as an in app purchase? Uninstalled ### 2/5 — crackles *2025-01-04, version 1.9.1* Crackles on iPad 9 with iPad OS 18. I see another user reports same on an M4 device, so it's not just the hardware. This was a fun and useful app, have used with all of my iPad going back to second generation. Hope output quality can be improved! ### 2/5 — Crackles on M4 OS 18 *2024-10-11, version 1.9.1* I really love Orphion. It’s a wonderful touch instrument. However, I am experiencing crackling on my M4 iPad with iPadOS 18. ### 2/5 — Another broken app (yawn) *2022-09-19, version 1.9.1* Does not work in AUM. Virtual MIDI cannot find instruments when loaded as IAA. Workaround before I delete? Its not a good sign when the forum web page brings up an error. ### 2/5 — MIDI function not so good. *2017-04-13, version 1.9* It's a nice app and easy to play, but unless you're using Animoog, midi is a waste of time. I've tried it with a few synths and it doesn't work with anything except Animoog. Don't buy this if you are looking for a general purpose midi controller as you will be disappointed. ### 2/5 — Low rating for review nagging *2014-02-06, version 1.6.2* Man. Do I hate review nagging. Interesting instrument otherwise. +3 stars if you enjoy apps that hassle you for reviews every time you launch them. ### 2/5 — I wish so bad I hadn't updated! *2013-08-10, version 1.5.1* I liked this app so much and one day while updating some apps I pushed update on this app without knowing about the Apple forced change. It's been hard to make it work since. I was able to make so many more sounds before especially with the fatness of the thumb vs. the finger. I am sorry to say this went from a magical app to just ordinary noise maker, may sound harsh but it's the truth. Old version got 5 stars. ### 2/5 — Not what I thought *2013-08-06, version 1.5.1* Bought this on impulse, then wished I hadn't. Maybe it's just me, but I found control and response to be lacking, a d the sounds produced not good. Nathan ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — The best iOS Instrument - No Longer Works *2026-04-27, version 1.9.1* I have loved Orphion since its inception many years ago. It is one of my favorite instruments I’ve ever played. Sadly, it no longer works. It became problematic a few years ago where it would have cracking audio using audio over the connection port. Now with latest iPadOS updates, Orphion just stopped working. On occasion it will work for a bit after a full iPad reboot, but then falls apart. It also renders weird with UI elements out of place especially on iPad mini. Ive tried so many times to get in touch with the developer. Emails, Social, Forum posts but, it seems to be abandon-ware. This is my last resorts attempt to plead for an update to give this incredible instrument life again. Would be a dream to have it load up again and play in a host like Loopy Pro. In happy to beta test if its helpful! I’d want to help keep this alive in any way I can. May be with an update we could get the “special playing option” in there again. ### 5/5 — Beautiful instrument *2024-02-25, version 1.9.1* Expressive control and unique sound make an evocative instrument. ### 5/5 — The iPad Classic *2021-05-11, version 1.9.1* I’ve used Orphion since the beginning on an original iPad. It’s still great! ### 5/5 — Amazing piece of iPad gear . . . *2020-09-13, version 1.9.1* Bastus Trump built this years ago. As a musician Orphion is as valuable to me owning a set of redwood marimbas. It's an amazing piece of equipment in my arsenal. It helps me make meditational pieces. At this point the program is totally customizable. I love it. Spend some time with it -- you will love it too . . . ### 5/5 — Amazing, Great for Real Drum Sequencing *2019-05-13, version 1.9.1* Extremely expressive, responsive, and a great use of touch technology! WISH LIST: More velocity increments Set up export to Files, email, etc. ### 5/5 — A true original musical instrument and experience! *2019-02-02, version 1.9.1* I have been a fan of Orphion since it’s arrival. A number of years ago, I was interested in running my iPad through the volume pedal and into an amplifier, so I could create volume swells. At the time there was no mono option, Which made this technique that is promising. I reached out to the developer, and asked about a feature he promptly responded. Said it was a good idea. And then, life happens, and things fall to the side. FlashForward, last week, after years of working with an iPad 3, I got a new pro.I remember this app, download it, and much to my surprise and glee, was a mono option. Bravo! ### 5/5 — Absolutely love it! *2016-12-05, version 1.7.2* Couple of times per year I spend several hours almost randomly playing orphion just for myself ### 5/5 — Happy to install again! *2016-03-16, version 1.7.2* Jacob Haq reminded me why I love this app! ### 5/5 — Sounds awesome *2015-09-10, version 1.7.2* Unique sounds intuitive to your fingers in such a cool way. The vibrato features are tight. ### 5/5 — Nothing Like It *2015-08-30, version 1.7.2* I returned to Orphion again after not having played it in a while, because being able to put the pads exactly where I want them, triggering the exact notes I want, with whatever synth voice I choose (through virtual MIDI) is just sweet. I kept seeing this in the App Store but passed it by, because I didn't think it was the kind of app I would like. I was completely wrong. While almost every musical app out there provides a tiny keyboard or set of pads, Orphion provides pad layouts that are natural and ergonomic. The creator of Orphion noticed something the others seem to have missed – with a touchscreen, we're not limited to a single input layout. --- *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 2026-08-02.*