# MIDI Expression Control vs KeyStage

The clearest difference is price: MIDI Expression Control at Free against KeyStage's $29.99. MIDI Expression Control also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 7) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). KeyStage's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (37 vs 6). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

MIDI Expression Control is free to download; KeyStage costs $29.99 up front. KeyStage sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. MIDI Expression Control asks for nothing beyond the download.

MIDI Expression Control holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: KeyStage has 37 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of MIDI Expression Control's written reviews are positive against 91% of KeyStage's.

MIDI Expression Control ships an update every 6 months, KeyStage every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MIDI Expression Control | KeyStage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $29.99 |
| Rating | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-expression-control/id1200670783/reviews)** | [4.7 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keystage/id1406132634/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **37** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 91.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Robert Jonkman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1200670782) | [Ali Gokturk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1406132633) |

## What reviewers say

### MIDI Expression Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-expression-control/id1200670783)

This application allows users to modify settings for MIDI Expression devices. Ensure your device has firmware version 2.6 or higher for iOS compatibility.

**Highlights:** Change device settings, Compatible with MIDI Expression devices, iOS firmware compatibility check, Free to download

**In-app purchases:** none


### KeyStage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keystage/id1406132634)

This app acts as a master controller, AUv3 host, and audio mixer for keyboard players. It allows simultaneous control of multiple hardware and software instruments via MIDI, with advanced mapping, scripting, and audio mixing capabilities.

**Highlights:** Connect multiple MIDI controllers to instruments, Load AUv3 instruments, effects, and MIDI processors, Create complex keyboard splits and layers, Advanced MIDI mapping and scripting, Audio mixer with volume and pan control, Play and automate audio files, View PDF and JPG files

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Instrument Units | Free | one-time |
| Effect Units | Free | one-time |
| Player, Input, and Mixer Units | Free | one-time |
| MIDI Units | Free | one-time |
| Small Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $3.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MIDI Expression Control free?

MIDI Expression Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is KeyStage free?

KeyStage costs $29.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MIDI Expression Control or KeyStage?

MIDI Expression Control is rated higher. MIDI Expression Control averages 5.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while KeyStage averages 4.7 from 37 ratings.

### Do MIDI Expression Control or KeyStage have ads?

Neither MIDI Expression Control nor KeyStage shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MIDI Expression Control or KeyStage?

MIDI Expression Control ships an update every 6 months, and KeyStage every 3 months. Most recently, MIDI Expression Control was updated on June 1, 2026 and KeyStage on September 18, 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.*