Comparison

Modulin vs MIDI FX

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

Head to head
About

Modulin

This app is a highly customizable analog modeling synthesizer designed for personal expression. It offers a wide range of visual feedback, sound modulation options, and built-in effects. Users can create, record, and share their musical creations.

Highlights
  • Customizable analog modeling synthesizer
  • LFO with four wave types
  • Low-pass filter and glide effect
  • Built-in reverb, delay, and chorus
  • Multi-track recording and playback
  • Synthesis exploration area
  • MIDI CC mapping
Features
Read full description

Modulin is the world's most customizable synthesizer. It allows for unique personal expression while providing a wide spectrum of visual feedback. The playful colored strings are visually appealing while providing the user with fluent modulation of Modulin's LFO. The LFO replicates the vibrato effect heard throughout an orchestra or choir. The LFO can be set to four different wave types: Sinuous, Triangle, Sawtooth, and Square. It also can be set to a wide variety of frequency ranges. Modulin's oscillator can also be set to these four waveforms, but its pitch is controlled by the strings and a tuning knob. A simple low-pass filter allows you to cut off the unnecessary frequencies. The glide rate knob on Modulin creates a fluent portamento effect and allows for some pretty cool instrument replications. A slider located in the middle of the effects view can be dragged to reveal different effects and extra sound makers. Modulin includes reverb, delay, and chorus. It also contains a separate white noise module. Modulin simulates paraphonicness by allowing for a second VCO multiplied to form a gap of up to 2 octaves. Below all the knobs, an ADSR control allows you to manipulate the attack, decay, sustain, and release of your sounds. Modulin truly is the complete package for channeling your inner-composer. It can even record and store your works of art. A record button allows you to lay down a beat and overwrite it with complex melodies. The tracks button allows you to manage your tracks as you add them. New to synthesis? No problem. Modulin has an explore section that takes you through every component in an analog synthesizer, describing what it does alongside a diagram of how signals flow through it. Master of all things musical? Modulin's got you covered again. You can change the root note, octave, and type of scale that Modulin uses. If you feel really confident, you could even turn off the note names in the settings and try to memorize where everything is. With over 40 presets and other preset packages to buy, you will never run out of new and unique sounds. Even if you do, you can create your own and save it for later or share it with friends by the swipe of your finger. Fat fingers? Don't worry. With Modulin’s design, you can plug in an external MIDI keyboard and play it however you like. You can even map certain knobs on Modulin to knobs on your keyboard. It's magic! The more you explore Modulin, the more fun it becomes. You can personalize it by adding your own custom color or amp up the expression through the pressure sensitivity setting. FEATURES ・Comes with over 40 presets (More available through Modulin’s store) ・Easily share presets and recordings with friends ・MIDI CC mapping ・Amazing digital synth sounds ・Multi track recordings ・Synthesis exploration area ・22 Scales (With the ability to add your own) ・Save custom presets ・Favoritize presets for quick and easy access ・Built-in metronome for playing in time ・Customizable color ・Toggling of note labels ・Fun flexible strings and an oscilloscope in the upper corner give a great level of feedback ・Effortless and intuitive design SUPPORTS ・All 64-bit iOS devices ・External MIDI controllers ・Bluetooth MIDI controller ・Audiobus and Inter-App Audio ・Share custom preset files over AirDrop, Mail, or other 3rd party applications ・3D Touch LFO Modulation ・Drag and Drop for Presets

About

MIDI FX

This app allows you to control and process MIDI signals for music creation. It offers features like harmonization, transposition, and sequencing, enabling you to control external or virtual synthesizers and create complex musical arrangements.

Highlights
  • MIDI signal processing
  • Harmonize and Transpose
  • Sequencer for synths
  • Delay and Looper
  • Filter notes by velocity
  • Internal instruments
Features
Read full description

Buy once and get the iOS and Mac apps (with Family Sharing) Control your MIDI signals and process them in any combination of ways: Harmonize, Transpose, Arpeggiate, etc... Or use the Sequencer to play any external or virtual synth. Use a MIDI interface to unlock the power of the app to control multiple synths with one keyboard, play one note and generate chords, basslines, etc... Use the delay/looper or filter notes based on velocity or other parameters to send to different synths/effects. A MIDI workstation in your pocket (or your iPad/Mac) You can also use some internal instruments (drums sampler, piano or synth) if you are away from your MIDI gear, and sequence whole songs inside the app, or use other synth apps as input/output for MIDI FX. Your imagination is the limit!

Screenshots

Modulin4 screens
MIDI FX2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MIDI FX at 5.0 against Modulin's 4.3. MIDI FX also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Modulin's advantage is ratings volume (17 vs 4) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 14.7). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Modulin sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and MIDI FX sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MIDI FX holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 4 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Modulin ships an update every 5 days, MIDI FX every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Modulin versus MIDI FX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterModulinMIDI FX
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (17 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews69.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings17 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 9 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS10.0 — better14.7
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB263 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGrant EmersonJorge Arroyo

Customer experience

Modulin

All ratings17 ratings
Positive76.5%
Neutral11.8%
Negative11.8%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive69.2%
Neutral15.4%
Negative15.4%

MIDI FX

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Modulin

One-time1
  • PhilharmodulinFree
1 purchases

MIDI FX

One-time1
  • Unlock app$9.99

Questions

Is Modulin free?
Modulin is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MIDI FX free?
MIDI FX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Modulin or MIDI FX?
MIDI FX is rated higher. Modulin averages 4.3 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while MIDI FX averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do Modulin or MIDI FX have ads?
Neither Modulin nor MIDI FX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Modulin or MIDI FX?
Modulin ships an update every 5 days, and MIDI FX every 9 days. Most recently, Modulin was updated on October 2, 2026 and MIDI FX on October 6, 2026.

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