Comparison

cykle vs Mass

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

cykle

This app is a powerful melodic step sequencer that generates complex musical patterns through the interaction of simple elements. It requires connection to a separate MIDI synthesizer app or hardware to produce sound. Offers extensive customization for musical parameters and sequence transformations.

Highlights
  • Semi-generative melodic step sequencer
  • Decoupled sequencer lanes for musical parameters
  • AUv3 MIDI plugin and standalone modes
  • Sample-accurate sequencing engine
  • Pattern snapshots and song mode
  • Extensive sequence transformation actions
  • MIDI clock output and Ableton Link support
Features
Read full description

cykle is an inventive, semi-generative melodic step sequencer for iOS, iPadOS and Mac (Catalyst). cykle abstracts every musical parameter into its own sequence using decoupled sequencer lanes, producing complex and musically engaging patterns from the interactions between simple elements. nb: cykle does not make sound by itself, you will need to connect it to a MIDI-compatible synthesizer app on your device, load it in an AUv3-compatible host (such as Logic Pro, Audiobus or AUM), or connect it to an external synthesizer, computer or any other MIDI-compatible sound generating device. features: - universal app (works on both iPhone and iPad) - works in both portrait and landscape mode - works as an Audio Unit (AUv3) MIDI plugin or as a standalone (CoreMIDI) app - sample-accurate sequencing engine - slick and responsive native UI - pattern snapshots selectable via MIDI input - song mode / pattern chaining - pitch playable by MIDI note input (arp and chord modes) - configurable tempo, scale and key - every channel can be routed to a separate MIDI destination and channel - every channel sends MIDI note- and pitch-bend data as well as an arbitrary number of MIDI continuous control (CC) messages - full AUv3 state- and preset-saving - randomization features - save and load patterns - decoupled sequencer lanes for the following parameters: - pulse - pitch - rest - step length - chance - velocity - accent - gate length - chance - ratchet (note repeat) - accidental (flatten/sharpen) - transpose - chord inversion - octave - harmonize - pitch bend - mappable MIDI CC values (e.g., filter cutoff, resonance, envelope, etc.) sequences can be instantly transformed by the following actions: - shift left/right/up/down - rotate - randomize - mutate - mirror - reverse - double - bisect - configurable clock division rate per sequencer lane - configurable playback mode per sequencer lane (forward, backward, random, jump) - MIDI clock output - Ableton Link support - works without internet connection - no push notifications - no ads or in-app purchases - no third-party behavioural tracking tools - ongoing development and support

About

Mass

This app is a physics-based MIDI generator that allows musicians to create complex generative sequences, organic modulations, and explore boundless musical experimentation. It offers a powerful toolkit for creative control and can be used as a standalone application or an AUv3 plugin.

Highlights
  • Generative Sequences
  • Living Modulations
  • Euclidean Pattern Sequencing
  • Flexible MIDI CC
  • Physics-Based Animation
  • Standalone & AUv3 Plugin
  • MIDI Sync
  • iCloud Sync
Features
Read full description

Open the door to new musical dimensions with Mass — a physics-based MIDI generator crafted to inspire musicians across genres. Add complexity to your sequences, explore generative patterns, or create organic modulations; Mass is your gateway to boundless musical experimentation. • Generative Sequences: Sculpt intricate melodies and rhythms that evolve over time. • Living Modulations: Shape fluid, natural modulations that respond like living elements. • Total Creative Freedom: Need a spark of randomness or complete control? Mass lets you move seamlessly between guided automation and full improvisation. Whether you’re diving into ambient soundscapes, exploring the depths of MIDI control, or crafting intricate modulations, Mass is your key to immersive sonic worlds. Available as a standalone MIDI generator and AUv3 plugin, Mass transforms your favorite hardware and software instruments into a sandbox of endless possibilities. With Mass, you’ll find an extensive toolkit for creative control and experimentation. Here’s what you can expect: • Euclidean Pattern Sequencing: Easily create complex sequences by layering polyrhythmic Euclidian patterns. • Flexible MIDI CC: Modulate and sequence any MIDI CC parameter, allowing you to breathe life into every detail of your sound. • Physics-Based Animation: Apply physics to sequences and modulations, creating dynamic, evolving movements within your music. • Powerful Controller: Mass is a powerful MIDI controller, allowing you to manipulate your favorite hardware and software instruments in either standalone or AUv3 modes. • MIDI Sync: Synchronize with external hardware and software using standard MIDI sync capabilities. Mass can function as the primary clock, or be synced to a host clock. • iCloud Sync: Seamlessly share your creations across devices with iCloud syncing. Work in the standalone version or AUv3 plugin, without missing a beat. With Mass, you’re free to explore musical layers, rhythms, and motion in new ways. Let it guide your creative journey, transforming each idea into a boundless musical experience.

Screenshots

cykle4 screens
Mass4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Mass at none against cykle's 2. Mass also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). cykle's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (34 vs 11). On ads, monetization model and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

cykle costs $12.99 and Mass $9.99 up front. cykle sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Mass asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Mass holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 34 and 11 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of cykle's written reviews are positive against 100% of Mass's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

cykle ships an update monthly, Mass every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
cykle versus Mass: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametercykleMass
Price$12.99$9.99 — better
Rating4.7 (34 ratings)5.0 (11 ratings) — better
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings34 — better11
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCorne DriesprongUsable Creations

Customer experience

cykle

All ratings34 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews20 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative15.0%

Mass

All ratings11 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

cykle

One-time2
  • Small tip$1.99
  • Big tip$5.99
None

Mass

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is cykle free?
cykle costs $12.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Mass free?
Mass costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, cykle or Mass?
Mass is rated higher. cykle averages 4.7 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while Mass averages 5.0 from 11 ratings.
Do cykle or Mass have ads?
Neither cykle nor Mass shows ads.
Which is updated more often, cykle or Mass?
cykle ships an update monthly, and Mass every 4 months. Most recently, cykle was updated on October 23, 2026 and Mass on October 25, 2026.

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