Ruismaker vs StepPolyArp
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ruismaker
This app is an analog drumsynth that creates sounds using authentic synthesis algorithms, not samples. It features a creative Euclidean sequencer for pattern programming and integrates seamlessly with AUv3 hosts like Garageband. It offers customizable sound models and MIDI control for flexible music production.
- Analog and FM synthesis sound modeling
- Sample-free sound generation
- Euclidean sequencer
- AUv3 compatibility
- MIDI CC control
- WAV and MIDI export
- Ableton Link sync
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What the reviews say: "A must-have drum synth for electronic music lovers on iOS" - Keyboard Mag "All of this comes together in a vision that’s really playable [...] this is another excellent choice for the iPad." - CreateDigitalMusic "Small, compact and easy to use, Ruismaker is both inexpensive and a perfectly credible choice if you are after solid drum synth sounds." - MusicAppBlog -- Ruismaker is a unique drumsynth plugin (i.e. it does not use samples), which is coupled with a creative Euclidean sequencer when run in standalone mode. The plugin is fully AUv3 (Audio Unit) compatible: - Seamless integration with Garageband and other AU hosts - Audio Unit Instrument: making music on iOS doesn't get more convenient - Supports Multi-Output AUv3 in AUM and ApeMatrix! - Each sound is modeled using authentic analog and FM algorithms; - Comes with dozens of unique customizable models - Does not use any samples; all sounds are synthesized in realtime, on the fly - Emulates analog components, introducing subtle, natural fluctuations in the sound - Light on the CPU, so you can run lots of Ruismakers simultaneously - Fully automatable parameters (requires host support) and MIDI CC controllable - Has its own preset manager The standalone sequencer is refreshingly different: - Program patterns using Euclidean algorithms - Powerful random feature and mutation probability settings per channel - Syncs with Ableton Link or MIDI Clock - Exports WAV and MIDI - Compatible with Audiobus 3 (including MIDI IN/OUT mode) - CoreMIDI In and Out - AU MIDI output for the on-screen pads User manual available on Ruismaker.com
StepPolyArp
This app functions as a real-time polyphonic and polyrhythmic MIDI step arpeggiator and sequencer. It can generate melodic patterns from input or operate as a standalone sequencer. Save and sync unlimited presets with iCloud, featuring extensive customization for patterns and step controllers.
- Standalone app and AUv3 MIDI effect plugin
- Arpeggiator and step sequencer modes
- Programmable step matrix with transposition lines
- Polyrhythmic step controllers
- Internal sound bank
- Ableton Link and MIDI sync support
- Unlimited preset saving with iCloud sync
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"StepPolyArp" is a real-time polyphonic and polyrhythmic MIDI step arpeggiator and step sequencer. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in. The application and the plug-in can operate as a step arpeggiator, automatically generating melodic patterns from played notes or chords, or as a step sequencer that does not require MIDI input to play. Unlimited presets can be saved locally and synchronized with iCloud. Each preset contains 16 patterns, 5 customizable polyrhythmic step controllers, and a 32-step event matrix with 11 polyphonic and polyrhythmic lines driving the arpeggiator engine. The application supports full internal and external MIDI connections for input and output, Ableton Link synchronization, and MIDI clock synchronization. An internal sound bank is included. The AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in supports multiple instances. A compatible host is required to run the plug-in. The host must support the Audio Unit v3 (AUv3) MIDI effect format. Hosts supporting AUv3 MIDI effect on iOS: Logic Pro, Cubasis, Beatmaker, AUM, Audiobus, NanoStudio, Auria Pro, apeMatrix. Hosts supporting AUv3 MIDI effect on macOS: Logic Pro 10.7 or later. Features: • Standalone application and AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in • Arpeggiator and step sequencer mode • 1 to 32-step programmable matrix • 11 configurable transposition lines • Polyrhythmic lines and clock dividers per line • Mute by line • Gate, velocity, probability, random pitch, random gate, and random velocity per event • 16 patterns by preset • Automatic pattern chaining • 8-octave resizable keyboard • Multitasking support • Stop "Audio Background" automatically after inactivity (15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, or never) • Sample-accurate timing • Internal sound bank • Tap tempo • Receiving MIDI from external MIDI sources • Receiving external MIDI sync (MIDI clock) • Ableton Link support • Internal routing of inputs, outputs, and MIDI sync • Send MIDI to a virtual port usable as MIDI input by other "Core MIDI" compatible apps • Default velocity, modulation, pan, volume, aftertouch, and pitch bend step controllers • Customizable MIDI setup for step controllers • Arpeggiator and sequencer can conform to the selected scale • Predefined scales and possibility to create custom scales • 6 arpeggiator modes • 1 random mode • 1 chord mode • Randomization panel for generating random patterns with a large number of parameters to control the result • Preset manager with support for in-app purchase packs • "Program Change" support • Preset sharing via "AirDrop", "Mail", "Messages", and other supported services • Native iCloud support • "iCloud Drive" support in the "Files" app on iOS and "Finder" on macOS • Full support of "Windowed Apps" mode on iPad • Undo/Redo • Lockable keyboard (latch mode) Supported MIDI connections: • Virtual "Core MIDI" connections between applications • Any compatible MIDI interface • MIDI over Wi-Fi • MIDI over Bluetooth • Ableton Link (sync and transport)
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Ruismaker at $4.99 against StepPolyArp's $19.99. Ruismaker also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). StepPolyArp's advantage is review sentiment (87% vs 74%). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Ruismaker costs $4.99 and StepPolyArp $19.99 up front. StepPolyArp sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Ruismaker asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Ruismaker against 4.8 for StepPolyArp. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 58 and 48 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 74% of Ruismaker's written reviews are positive against 87% of StepPolyArp's.
Ruismaker ships an update every 5 weeks, StepPolyArp every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Ruismaker | StepPolyArp |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 — better | $19.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (58 ratings) | 4.8 (48 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 74.1% of reviews | 87.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 58 — better | 48 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Bram Bos | Laurent Colson |
Customer experience
Ruismaker
StepPolyArp
In-app purchases
Ruismaker
No in-app purchases
StepPolyArp
- Dance Horizons$4.99
- Analog Sequence$4.99
Questions
Is Ruismaker free?
Is StepPolyArp free?
Which has better reviews, Ruismaker or StepPolyArp?
Do Ruismaker or StepPolyArp have ads?
Which is updated more often, Ruismaker or StepPolyArp?
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