Comparison

MidiQuestEssentialsi vs Pentaholic Synth

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

Head to head
About

MidiQuestEssentialsi

This application serves as a comprehensive editor and librarian for MIDI SysEx data, supporting a vast array of popular hardware instruments. It allows users to manage and manipulate sound parameters for a wide range of synthesizers and other MIDI devices.

Highlights
  • SysEx Editor
  • SysEx Librarian
  • Supports over 900 MIDI instruments
  • Parameter management
  • Sound editing
Read full description

Midi Quest is a SysEx Editor/Librarian supporting over 900 of the most popular MIDI hardware instruments including: 360 Systems : MIDI Patcher Access : Virus A Akai Pro : EWI4000S, MAX25, MAX49, MPD24, MPD26, MPD32, MPK25, MPK49, MPK61, MPK88 Alesis : D4, DM5, DMPro, MidiVerb IV, NanoBass, NanoPiano, NanoSynth, QS 6, QS 7, QS 8, QSR, QuadraSynth+Piano Casio : CZ-1, CZ-1000, CZ-101, CZ-3000, CZ-5000, VZ-1, VZ-10 Clavia : Nord Lead 2, Nord Rack 2 Crumar : Bit-01, Bit-99 Dave Smith : Evolver, Mono Evolver, Mopho, OB-6, Poly Evolver Rack, Prophet 08, Tetra E-MU : Audity 2000 (v1), B-3 Turbo, B-3, Carnaval, Classic Keys, Launch Pad, Mo' Phatt Turbo, Morpheus, MPS+, MPS, Orbit/2, Orbit 3, Orbit, Planet Earth Turbo, Procussion, Proteus/1, Sound Engine, Ultra Proteus, Vintage Keys+, Virtuoso 2000, XL-1 Turbo, XL-1 Encore Electronics : Jupiter-8, Moog Source, OB-8 Ensoniq : DP/2, DP/4, ESQ-1, ESQ M, KMX-16, KMX-8, KS-32, KT 76, KT 88 Plus, KT 88, Mirage+ MASOS, MR Rack, MR 61, MR 76, SD 1, SQ1 Plus, SQ1+/32, SQ1+, SQ1, SQ2/32, SQ2, SQ80, SQR Plus, SQR, TS10, TS12, VFX-SD II, VFX, ZR 76 Evolution : EVS-1 Fender : Chroma Polaris JL Cooper : FaderMaster, MSB+, MSB Kawai : GMega, K1, K3, K4, K5, K5000, Spectra, XD-5, XS-1 KMX : 8x8, MIDI Central Korg : 01/W, 03R/W, 05R/W, 707, A2, A4, DS-8, DSM-1, DSS-1, DVP-1, DW-6000, DW-8000, EA-1, ER-1, EX-800, i1, i2, i3, i30, i4S, i5M, i5S, iS35, iS40, is50, iX300, Karma, Kronos, M1, M3/R, MicroKorg XL+, MS2000, N1, N264, N364, N5, NS5R, NX5R, OASYS, Poly-800 II, Polysix, Prophecy, SG-ProX, SG-Rack, T1, T2, T3, TR 61, TR 76, Trinity Plus/Pro, Triton 61, Wavestation, X2, X3, X3R, X5, X5D, X5DR, Z1 EX, Z1 Kurzweil : K2000, K2500 Lexicon : LXP-1, LXP-15, LXP-5, Reflex Line 6 : Bass POD Pro, Floor POD Plus, POD Pro, POD (V.1), Pocket POD Lintronics : Memorymoog M-Audio : Venom Marion Systems : MSR-2, ProSynth, SR-16 MIDI Solutions : Pedal Controller MOTU : 7s Novation : A-Station, Bass Station Rack, DrumStation Rack, K-Station, KS-Rack, KS4, KS5, Nova, Super BassStation, X-Station 25 Oberheim : Matrix-1000, OB-8, Xpander Octave Plateau : Voyetra 8 Peavey : AEQ2800, DPM-V3, DPM3, Spectrum Bass Quasimidi : Quasar, Turbo-Volcon Rane : MPE-14, MPE-28 Roland : A-880, BOSS DR-5, BOSS GT-6, BOSS SE-50, CM-32L, CM-32p, CM-64, D-10, D-110 (nhs), D-110, D-20, D-5, D-50, D-550, D-70, D2, DEP-3, DEP-5, E-660, Edirol SD-20, EG-101, Fantom FA-76 (v2), GM-70, GP-16, GP-8, GR-09, GR-30, GR-33, GR-50, GS Compatible, JD-800, JD-990, JP-8000 (Alt), JP-8080, Juno-1, Juno-2, JV-1000, JV-1010, JV-1080, JV-2080, JV-80, JV-880, JV-90, JX-305, JX-8P, M-BD1 Bass&Drums, M-DC1 Dance, M-GS64, M-OC1 Orchestra, M-SE1 String Ensemble, M-VS1 Vintage Synth, MC-303, MC-307, MC-505, MKS-50, MKS-7, MKS-70, MKS-80, MT-100, MT-32, P-55, PAD-80, PMA-5, R-5, R-8 MkII, R-8, R-8M, RS-5, RS-9, S-330, S-50, S-550, SC-50, SC-55, SC-55ST, SC-88 Pro, SC-88, SC-880, SC-88ST Pro, SC-88VL, SC-Pro, SH-32, SK-50, SK-88 Pro, SK-88, Sound Canvas, SPD-11, SPD-20, SPD-8, SRV-2000, SRV-3030, TD-5, TD-7, U-110, U-20, U-220, VC-1, VM-3100 Pro, XP-10, XP-30, XP-50, XP-60, XP-80, XV-2020, XV-3080, XV-5050, XV-5080, XV-88 Sequential : Max, Multitrak, Prophet 10, Six-Trak Studio Electronics : ATC-1, SE-1 TC Electronic : G-Major/2, G-Sharp, G-System, M350 TC-Helicon : VoiceDoubler, VoiceLive, VoiceOne, VoicePro, VoiceWorks Plus TECH 21 : SansAmp PSA-1.1 Waldorf : 4Pole, MicroQ, Microwave II EX, Pulse 2, Pulse, Q Yamaha : AN1x, AN200, CBX-K1XG, CS2x XG, CS2x Performance, CS6R, CS6x, DMP9-16, DMP9-8, DX1, DX100, DX11, DX21, DX27, DX5, DX7IID, DX7IIFD, DX7, DX7S, DX9, EX5, EX5R, EX7, FB-01, FS1R, Motif, Motif ES, MU10, MU100, MU100R, MU128, MU15, MU5, MU50, MU80, MU90R, MX49, MX61, PLS1, ProMix 01, RM1x, RM50, RX11, RX7, S30, S80, S90, SY22, SY35, SY55, SY77, SY85 (v2 ROMs), SY85, TG100, TG300, TG33, TG500, TG55, TG77, TQ5, TX216, TX7, TX802, TX816, TX81Z, V50, VL1 V2, VL1, VL7 V2, VL70m, W5, W7, YS100, YS200

About

Pentaholic Synth

This app digitally recreates a classic polyphonic synthesizer, offering authentic sound design and songwriting inspiration. It features a 300-note sequencer, multiple oscillators per voice, and performance controls like a joystick and expression pedal inputs.

Highlights
  • Authentic 5-voice polyphony
  • 3 oscillators per voice with 8 waveforms
  • Component-level circuit modeling
  • Dual ADSR envelopes
  • 300-note polyphonic sequencer
  • Joystick and expression pedal support
Features
Read full description

Pentaholic is the first digital recreation of the Gleeman Pentaphonic. It's audio signal path is traced at the component level and built specifically for Apple Silicon devices utilizing native Metal 3D graphics featuring classic and clear UI. In 1982, the Gleeman Pentaphonic was released as a "sketchpad synth" with a 300-note polyphonic sequencer boasting 5 voices, 3 digitally controlled oscillators per voice, and 8 waveforms per oscillator, all from an 8-bit microprocessor. After DAC, a trio of CEM chips per voice passes the audio: a 3310 envelope generator, 3320 configured as a 24dB low-pass resonant filter, and a 3360 as dual voltage-controlled amplifiers. Each subsequent stage of audio is summed out to a LM348 op amp, stacking saturation through to output. Add performance controls like expression pedal inputs and a joystick for modulation and pitch bend for a performance powerhouse synth. Pentaholic brings the circuit to life in the digital realm for the first time ever on any platform. The concept of a sketchpad synth was the main inspiration for this - getting back to the fundamentals of songwriting and sound design. Pentaholic is meant to inspire ideas faster and prevent Producer Paralysis induced by too many options on the piano roll. Record your idea to the sequencer and play over it - the keyboard takes precedence over the sequencer notes so you can nail down your melody or adjust your groove with the rate and delay of the sequencer. • Authentic 5-Voice Polyphony: True chorusing detune of OSC 2/3 relative to OSC 1's pitch (not BBD!) - oldest note first voice stealing. • 3 Oscillators Per Voice: 8 waveforms CMP 1 CMP 2 3% PULSE 12% Pulse SQR SAW TRI SIN per OSC and a HIGH or LOW octave mode. • One octave of chromatic pitch: transposing progressions or leads just like you put a capo on a guitar. • Component-Level Modeling: The soul of the synth - a 24dB resonant low-pass filter - self-oscillation, and nonlinear harmonic drive of the legendary CEM 3320 filter chip for a distinct bite with each subsequent gain stage pushing into saturation through a LM348 op amp. • Dual ADSR Envelopes: Precise, vintage-snappy envelope generators for exacting control over amplifier and filter contours. Subtle noise and quick snap attacks from resistor-capacitor networks the envelopes pass through. • The Polyphonic Sketchpad Sequencer: A massive 300-note sequencer honoring the original hardware workflow. Recording polyphonic chords in real time and yielding to performance on the keyboard in playback. • Joystick and expression pedal hookups: +/- 5 step pitch bend, modulation of depth of the LFO destination and cutoff expression all from the joystick even more control with expression pedals. Pentaholic honors the original but Gotham Paradise recognizes the value and convenience of advances for performance available from soft-synths, MIDI 2.0 and Bluetooth. • *MIDI Polyphonic Expression - *MIDI Learn - *6 Octave Pitch Change - *Master Volume - *Re-assignable joystick 0 to 5 steps - *Sync'd parameters for glide, sequencer rate/delay, LFO rate - *Game controller performance using scales to the directional pad and ABXY buttons, stick click sequencer recording and playback - Bluetooth MIDI controller Connectivity *Pentaholic is fully functional from download but the following features are accessible with in-app purchase *Sequencer Volume *Keyboard Volume *Master Volume *6 Octave Pitch *Unison *Sync'd Parameters *Recall or Automation of parameters when hosted in a DAW such as Logic for iPad or Garageband *User Preset Saving *MIDI Learn/MIDI CC Parameter Assignment *M.P.E. *Sequencer records and plays back but resets when stopped *MIDI export of recorded Sequences *Game Controller Performance Mode *Reassignable Joystick Pitch bend Keeping Pentaholic's core functionality free for young and new producers who can't afford the full version is important to Gotham Paradise, purchasing the full featured synth helps pay it forward.

Screenshots

Pentaholic Synth3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Pentaholic Synth at 57% against MidiQuestEssentialsi's 0%. Pentaholic Synth also leads on rating (3.8 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 5 weeks). MidiQuestEssentialsi's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (10.2 vs 16.0). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Pentaholic Synth sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. MidiQuestEssentialsi asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Pentaholic Synth holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of MidiQuestEssentialsi's written reviews are positive against 57% of Pentaholic Synth's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MidiQuestEssentialsi ships an update every 5 weeks, Pentaholic Synth every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
MidiQuestEssentialsi versus Pentaholic Synth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMidiQuestEssentialsiPentaholic Synth
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (2 ratings)3.8 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews57.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings26 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS10.2 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB21 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSound QuestAndrew Strickland

Customer experience

MidiQuestEssentialsi

All ratings2 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Pentaholic Synth

All ratings6 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral14.3%
Negative28.6%

In-app purchases

None

MidiQuestEssentialsi

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Pentaholic Synth

One-time1
  • Full Features$28.00

Questions

Is MidiQuestEssentialsi free?
MidiQuestEssentialsi is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pentaholic Synth free?
Pentaholic Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, MidiQuestEssentialsi or Pentaholic Synth?
Pentaholic Synth is rated higher. MidiQuestEssentialsi averages 1.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Pentaholic Synth averages 3.8 from 6 ratings.
Do MidiQuestEssentialsi or Pentaholic Synth have ads?
Neither MidiQuestEssentialsi nor Pentaholic Synth shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MidiQuestEssentialsi or Pentaholic Synth?
MidiQuestEssentialsi ships an update every 5 weeks, and Pentaholic Synth every 6 days. Most recently, MidiQuestEssentialsi was updated on November 8, 2026 and Pentaholic Synth on October 31, 2026.

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