# dLive MixPad vs StaffPad

The clearest difference is price: dLive MixPad at Free against StaffPad's $49.99. dLive MixPad also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). StaffPad's advantage is rating (4.0 vs 3.4) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months). On review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

dLive MixPad is free to download; StaffPad costs $49.99 up front. StaffPad sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. dLive MixPad asks for nothing beyond the download.

StaffPad holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StaffPad has 647 ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 42% of dLive MixPad's written reviews are positive against 40% of StaffPad's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

dLive MixPad ships an update every 5 months, StaffPad fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | dLive MixPad | StaffPad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $49.99 |
| Rating | [3.4 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dlive-mixpad/id1162162026/reviews) | **[4.0 (647 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffpad/id1442074103/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **647** |
| Positive reviews | **41.7% of reviews** | 39.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 34 MB | 1.0 GB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Allen & Heath Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/381710975) | [StaffPad Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1258751005) |

## What reviewers say

### dLive MixPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dlive-mixpad/id1162162026)

This tool offers wireless mobile control for a digital mixing system, allowing engineers to adjust sound from anywhere in a venue. It enables simultaneous control of independent functions with multiple devices, ideal for live sound mixing and channel processing.

**Highlights:** Wireless mobile control for dLive systems, Adjust fader levels, mutes, and pan, Control Aux/FX sends and routing, Manage Preamp Gain, Pad, and 48V, Access channel processing (HPF, EQ, Comp), Full signal metering and RTA function, Customizable channel strips and scene recall

**In-app purchases:** none


### StaffPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffpad/id1442074103)

Compose music effortlessly on your iPad with intuitive handwriting input and advanced notation tools. Convert your playing into sheet music, record and edit audio directly on the score, and utilize powerful playback with professional sample libraries. Seamlessly share your work with others using the companion reader app.

**Highlights:** Handwriting music notation with Apple Pencil, Convert audio recordings to notation, Record and edit audio on score, Professional playback with sample libraries, Seamless sharing via ScoreSync, Import/export MusicXML and MIDI

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Toy Glockenspiel | Free | one-time |
| StaffPad Essential Guitars | Free | one-time |
| Muse Strings | Free | one-time |
| Muse Choir | Free | one-time |
| Muse Woodwinds | Free | one-time |
| Muse Percussion | Free | one-time |
| Muse Brass | Free | one-time |
| Muse Harp | Free | one-time |
| Muse Keys | Free | one-time |
| Muse Guitars Vol. 1 | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful composing tool
- 🎨 Intuitive handwriting interface
- 🎹 High-quality playback sounds
- 💻 Seamless iPad integration
- 🎨 Smooth workflow for sketching ideas

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent handwriting recognition
- 🔧 Steep learning curve
- 🔒 Requires Apple Pencil
- 💰 Expensive with additional purchases
- 🐛 Stability issues and crashes

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to recognize certain note values
- Eraser function unreliable
- Inconsistent behavior when writing accidentals
- Crashes when attempting to create new scores
- Syncing and file management issues

**Requested features**

- Improved handwriting recognition
- More flexible note input options
- Cross-staff notation support
- Customizable UI and layout
- Better collaboration and sharing features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is dLive MixPad free?

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

### Is StaffPad free?

StaffPad costs $49.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, dLive MixPad or StaffPad?

StaffPad is rated higher. dLive MixPad averages 3.4 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while StaffPad averages 4.0 from 647 ratings.

### Do dLive MixPad or StaffPad have ads?

Neither dLive MixPad nor StaffPad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, dLive MixPad or StaffPad?

dLive MixPad ships an update every 5 months, and StaffPad fortnightly. Most recently, dLive MixPad was updated on November 2, 2026 and StaffPad on November 2, 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.*