# Patch Base vs TM

The clearest difference is review sentiment: TM at 100% against Patch Base's 53%. TM also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.4) and in-app purchases (none vs 31). Patch Base's advantage is ratings volume (85 vs 4). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Patch Base sells 31 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. TM asks for nothing beyond the download.

TM holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Patch Base has 85 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Patch Base's written reviews are positive against 100% of TM's.

Patch Base ships an update every 3 weeks, TM fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Patch Base | TM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patch-base/id1070270299/reviews) | **[4.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tm-1-editor/id1442772853/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **85** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 65 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Coffeeshopped LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/316294867) | [Roland Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/387333694) |

## What reviewers say

### Patch Base

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patch-base/id1070270299)

This app allows users to visualize, edit, and organize patches for a wide range of hardware synthesizers. It offers real-time parameter editing, patch bank management, and the ability to create random or initial patches. Users can also test sounds with an on-screen keyboard.

**Highlights:** Visualize synth patches, Real-time parameter editing, Manage patch banks, Create random patches, On-screen keyboard for sound testing, Extensive synthesizer support

**In-app purchases (31)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Patch Base: Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| All Access: Annual | $59.99 | per year |
| Casio CZ-101 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-6r | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX7 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TX7 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Ensoniq ESQ-1 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Volca FM | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg microKorg | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JD-Xi | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Minilogue | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-1080 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Waldorf Blofeld | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-50 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-05 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-110 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Novation Bass Station II | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX100 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Access Virus TI Snow | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TG33 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-1010 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha SY77 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland XV-5050 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TX81Z | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-1000 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Volca FM2 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-6 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX7II | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-880 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha Reface DX | $29.99 | one-time |
| All Access | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and logical interface design
- 🎛️ Comprehensive parameter editing for supported synths
- 💾 Excellent patch management and librarian features
- 📱 Works seamlessly across iPad and Mac
- 🔄 iCloud integration for patch backup and sync

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 High pricing model ($30 per synth or subscription)
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- ❌ No free trial without subscription commitment
- 📖 Poor documentation and lack of tutorials
- 🔌 Inconsistent MIDI connectivity and configuration

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iOS 14.2 and other versions
- MIDI buffer full errors with DX7IIFD
- Sysex transfer stalls and timeouts
- Cannot access operators 4-6 on Volca FM
- Algorithm changes crash app

**Requested features**

- MFB Dominion 1 editor
- Arturia Microfreak randomizer
- Novation Circuit Tracks support
- Korg Wavestate editor
- Roland MKS-70 and MKS-80 controllers


### TM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tm-1-editor/id1442772853)

This application allows users to customize and organize sounds for their Roland TM-1 Trigger Module. Import your own samples or use the included pro-quality sounds, assign them to trigger inputs, and save custom kits for live performances or studio work.

**Highlights:** Customize TM-1 sounds, Import original samples, Access 150 pro-quality samples, Save and load custom kits, Assign MIDI note numbers, Supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Patch Base free?

Patch Base is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is TM free?

TM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Patch Base or TM?

TM is rated higher. Patch Base averages 3.4 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while TM averages 4.3 from 4 ratings.

### Do Patch Base or TM have ads?

Neither Patch Base nor TM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Patch Base or TM?

Patch Base ships an update every 3 weeks, and TM fortnightly. Most recently, Patch Base was updated on October 2, 2026 and TM on September 27, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*