Phasemaker vs PatternBud
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Phasemaker
This app is a powerful 6-operator FM synthesizer for iOS, inspired by classic 1980s digital synths. It offers deep sound design capabilities with 42 algorithms and 12 oscillators, producing unique timbres impossible with analog modeling. It integrates seamlessly with mobile DAWs and supports various MIDI and audio routing protocols.
- 6-Operator FM Synthesis
- 42 FM Algorithms
- 12 Oscillators
- Audio Unit (AUv3) compatible
- Standalone mode with CoreMidi
- Custom preset management
- Vintage chorus and reverb effects
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>> Phasemaker requires iPad 4/Mini 2/iPhone 5S/iPod Touch 6 or higher << A full-blown 6-Operator FM Synth on iOS, building on the legacy of the classic synthesizers that defined the digital era of the 1980s. This is an Audio Unit instrument (AUv3), offering tight integration in many leading mobile DAWs, such as Auria, Garageband, Cubasis, Beatmaker 3 and AUM. Frequency Modulation brings rich timbres and dynamic evolving sounds full of personality which are impossible to create with analog modelling. The 6-Operator architecture allows for lively multi-layered sounds with lots of expression and playability. Phasemaker's characteristic FM sound will add classic digital character to your mobile sonic arsenal which no other analog synth can bring. - Universal: runs on iPad (Air recommended), iPhone and iPod Touch - Audio Unit v3 compatible - Audiobus 2.3 compatible - CoreMidi compatible standalone mode (with background audio) - Bluetooth MIDI compatible - Custom preset management; user presets available across AU hosts - Dozens of factory presets - 42 FM Algorithms (including all 32 DX7 layouts) - 12 Oscillators, including the 8 original TX81z waveforms - All 106 parameters can be automated using MIDI CC and AU Parameters - Vintage sounding chorus and reverb effects for classic ambiance - User manual available on www.ruismaker.com
PatternBud
This app sequences MIDI CC and Program Change messages to control patterns in music applications. It allows for sophisticated song arrangements by timing pattern changes in synthesizers and drum machines. Features include multi-track sequencing, flexible step durations, and an advanced action system for dynamic control.
- Multi-track sequencing
- MIDI CC and Program Change support
- Flexible step durations
- Advanced action system
- Tempo synchronization
- AUv3 plugin format
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PatternBud is a MIDI CC and Program Change sequencer designed for controlling patterns across your music applications. Create sophisticated song arrangements by sequencing pattern changes in your synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers based on musical timing such as bars, beats, or note values. Key Features: - Multi-track sequencer with unlimited tracks and steps per track - Individual MIDI channel and CC number assignment per track - MIDI CC and Program Change message support for each step - Flexible step durations: bars, beats, note values, seconds, or minutes - Advanced action system for dynamic pattern control - Random value generation with customizable min/max ranges - Step-based actions including pattern jumps and random pattern selection - Copy, paste, insert, and delete operations for efficient workflow - Real-time step progress visualization with duration indicators - Tempo synchronization with host applications - Pattern switching via MIDI CC input - Comprehensive MIDI input and output routing - AudioKit-powered MIDI engine for precise timing - AUv3 plugin format for seamless DAW integration - Standalone app operation for hardware setups - iCloud based preset manager Advanced Action System: - Jump to specific steps or patterns - Trigger random steps within tracks - Send custom MIDI notes, CC, or PC messages - Execute actions at step start or end points - Chain multiple actions per step Perfect for controlling: - Pattern-based synthesizers and drum machines - Sequencer applications with multiple patterns - Hardware devices via MIDI CC/PC messages - Complex song arrangements and live performances - Any audio app supporting MIDI CC or AU parameter control PatternBud serves as the conductor for your electronic music setup, enabling you to create evolving compositions by orchestrating pattern changes across your entire rig. The application produces no audio itself - it focuses purely on MIDI control and timing. For AUv3 plugin usage, you'll need a compatible host application such as AUM, Cubase, apeMatrix, BeatMaker, or similar DAW software.
Screenshots
Verdict
Phasemaker and PatternBud both sit at 4.3 stars, but that hides the real split: 69% of Phasemaker's written reviews are positive against 44% of PatternBud's. Phasemaker also leads on ratings volume (33 vs 6) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). On price, rating, 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
Phasemaker costs $3.99 and PatternBud $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for Phasemaker against 4.3 for PatternBud. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phasemaker has 33 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 69% of Phasemaker's written reviews are positive against 44% of PatternBud's.
Phasemaker ships an update every 3 weeks, PatternBud every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Phasemaker | PatternBud |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (33 ratings) | 4.3 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews — better | 44.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 33 — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Bram Bos | Cem Olcay |
Customer experience
Phasemaker
PatternBud
In-app purchases
Phasemaker
No in-app purchases
PatternBud
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Phasemaker free?
Is PatternBud free?
Which has better reviews, Phasemaker or PatternBud?
Do Phasemaker or PatternBud have ads?
Which is updated more often, Phasemaker or PatternBud?
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