MIDIplay vs Aurora (MIDI Controller)
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MIDIplay
This application allows users to play MIDI files with multiple tracks and channels, offering selective control. It features a built-in FM synth and a sound space surface controller, with sliders for tempo and pitch adjustment.
- MIDI file playback
- Multi-track and channel control
- Built-in FM synth
- Sound space surface controller
- Tempo and pitch sliders
- Transposition +/- 6 semi-tones
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An app designed for Audiobus 3 that can also be used stand-alone with a cool built-in FM synth and sound space surface controller. MIDI files can contain multiple tracks and channels, which can be selectively turned on/off. Sliders control tempo and pitch (can be transposed +/- 6 semi-tones). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMm4BkcL28I
Aurora (MIDI Controller)
Transform space weather data into musical expression with this live MIDI controller. Connect to your DAW and map real-time electromagnetic readings to create unique soundscapes and dynamic tracks.
- Live data streaming from observatories
- Flexible MIDI mapping
- Connects to DAWs like Ableton Live
- Cross-platform compatibility (iOS, macOS)
- Creates ambient and techno music
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Aurora is a live MIDI controller powered by real-time data from space weather observatories and satellites. Connect Aurora to your favorite DAW (like Ableton Live) and transform electromagnetic readings into musical expression. Features: • Live data streaming from NOAA and Dombås observatory • Flexible MIDI mapping for CC controls • Works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac Catalyst Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or building dynamic techno tracks, Aurora connects your music to the rhythms of the planet.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Aurora (MIDI Controller) at 5.0 against MIDIplay's 2.3. Aurora (MIDI Controller) also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (50% vs 33%). MIDIplay's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $2.99). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
MIDIplay costs $1.99 and Aurora (MIDI Controller) $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Aurora (MIDI Controller) holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of MIDIplay's written reviews are positive against 50% of Aurora (MIDI Controller)'s.
MIDIplay ships an update every 2 months, Aurora (MIDI Controller) every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MIDIplay | Aurora (MIDI Controller) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 2.3 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 8 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mark Carlotto | Jason Snell |
Customer experience
MIDIplay
Aurora (MIDI Controller)
In-app purchases
MIDIplay
No in-app purchases
Aurora (MIDI Controller)
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is MIDIplay free?
Is Aurora (MIDI Controller) free?
Which has better reviews, MIDIplay or Aurora (MIDI Controller)?
Do MIDIplay or Aurora (MIDI Controller) have ads?
Which is updated more often, MIDIplay or Aurora (MIDI Controller)?
Other comparisons
