StepPolyArp vs MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
StepPolyArp
This app functions as a real-time polyphonic and polyrhythmic MIDI step arpeggiator and sequencer. It can generate melodic patterns from input or operate as a standalone sequencer. Save and sync unlimited presets with iCloud, featuring extensive customization for patterns and step controllers.
- Standalone app and AUv3 MIDI effect plugin
- Arpeggiator and step sequencer modes
- Programmable step matrix with transposition lines
- Polyrhythmic step controllers
- Internal sound bank
- Ableton Link and MIDI sync support
- Unlimited preset saving with iCloud sync
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"StepPolyArp" is a real-time polyphonic and polyrhythmic MIDI step arpeggiator and step sequencer. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in. The application and the plug-in can operate as a step arpeggiator, automatically generating melodic patterns from played notes or chords, or as a step sequencer that does not require MIDI input to play. Unlimited presets can be saved locally and synchronized with iCloud. Each preset contains 16 patterns, 5 customizable polyrhythmic step controllers, and a 32-step event matrix with 11 polyphonic and polyrhythmic lines driving the arpeggiator engine. The application supports full internal and external MIDI connections for input and output, Ableton Link synchronization, and MIDI clock synchronization. An internal sound bank is included. The AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in supports multiple instances. A compatible host is required to run the plug-in. The host must support the Audio Unit v3 (AUv3) MIDI effect format. Hosts supporting AUv3 MIDI effect on iOS: Logic Pro, Cubasis, Beatmaker, AUM, Audiobus, NanoStudio, Auria Pro, apeMatrix. Hosts supporting AUv3 MIDI effect on macOS: Logic Pro 10.7 or later. Features: • Standalone application and AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in • Arpeggiator and step sequencer mode • 1 to 32-step programmable matrix • 11 configurable transposition lines • Polyrhythmic lines and clock dividers per line • Mute by line • Gate, velocity, probability, random pitch, random gate, and random velocity per event • 16 patterns by preset • Automatic pattern chaining • 8-octave resizable keyboard • Multitasking support • Stop "Audio Background" automatically after inactivity (15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, or never) • Sample-accurate timing • Internal sound bank • Tap tempo • Receiving MIDI from external MIDI sources • Receiving external MIDI sync (MIDI clock) • Ableton Link support • Internal routing of inputs, outputs, and MIDI sync • Send MIDI to a virtual port usable as MIDI input by other "Core MIDI" compatible apps • Default velocity, modulation, pan, volume, aftertouch, and pitch bend step controllers • Customizable MIDI setup for step controllers • Arpeggiator and sequencer can conform to the selected scale • Predefined scales and possibility to create custom scales • 6 arpeggiator modes • 1 random mode • 1 chord mode • Randomization panel for generating random patterns with a large number of parameters to control the result • Preset manager with support for in-app purchase packs • "Program Change" support • Preset sharing via "AirDrop", "Mail", "Messages", and other supported services • Native iCloud support • "iCloud Drive" support in the "Files" app on iOS and "Finder" on macOS • Full support of "Windowed Apps" mode on iPad • Undo/Redo • Lockable keyboard (latch mode) Supported MIDI connections: • Virtual "Core MIDI" connections between applications • Any compatible MIDI interface • MIDI over Wi-Fi • MIDI over Bluetooth • Ableton Link (sync and transport)
MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin
This app generates MIDI note data to simulate guitar strumming and picking. It includes a soundfont player, definable chord pads, and a pattern editor for creating custom strumming and picking sequences. You can also chain patterns into songs and apply various audio effects.
- Simulate guitar strumming and picking
- Generate MIDI note data
- Import and use soundfonts (.SF2, .DLS)
- 16 definable chord pads
- Pattern editor for creating sequences
- Song mode to chain patterns
- 6 and 12 string emulation
- Built-in audio effects
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MIDI Strummer is an AUv3 plugin designed to simulate guitar strumming and picking techniques. It can used to generate MIDI note data which can be sent to either an external synth of choice or the internal soundfont engine. The inbuilt soundfont player allows you to import all your favourite .SF2 and .DLS soundfonts and use them as a sound source. MIDI strummer has a set of 16 definable chord pads that can hold a series of chords, which in turn can be triggered remotely via MIDI messages or by tapping the pads. Use the pattern editor to create a series of picking or strumming patterns that can be tranposed to the selected chord pad. Song mode allows you to chain these chord patterns together to form songs combining both picking and strumming patterns within the same song. Enable 6/12 string on a particular part to emphesize a pert by adding depth. Strummer also features a number of audio effects that can be used to enhance the audio from the soundfont player. These include overdrive, distortion, tremolo, chorus, phaser, graphic EQ, digital delay and reverb. Key Features: • 6 and 12 string emulations. • Simulate strum up/down with variable speeds. • Create patterns up to 64 steps in length. • Load up to 6 pattern variations. • Ramdomize and rotate options. • Songs can be up to 255 steps in length. • Built in ARP function. • Import your own soundfonts. • 8 different effect types (reverb, delay, phaser, chorus, overdrive, distortion, tremelo and EQ). • Paramter Automation from your DAW using MIDI. • Built in Sampler. • Comprehensive Help pages included. Please Note: This version is now compatible with GarageBand running on iOS14.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin at $6.99 against StepPolyArp's $19.99. MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2). StepPolyArp's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (87% vs 75%). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads 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
StepPolyArp costs $19.99 and MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin $6.99 up front. StepPolyArp sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin asks for nothing beyond the download.
StepPolyArp holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 51 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of StepPolyArp's written reviews are positive against 75% of MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin's.
StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | StepPolyArp | MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $6.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (48 ratings) — better | 4.3 (51 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 86.7% of reviews — better | 75.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 48 | 51 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 38 MB | 386 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Laurent Colson | 4Pockets.com |
Customer experience
StepPolyArp
MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin
Bugs and requests
StepPolyArp
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin
Reported bugs
15 issues- App support is not opening
- App support website is gone/suspicious
- App keeps crashing when hosted in AUM
- Plugin corrupts entire track and makes project impossible to open
- Crashes constantly when used in AUM
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- Latest update causes failed to load in IMPC pro 2 and standalone
- App crashes and help function doesn't work
- Audio unit extension quit messages
- Crashes when selecting a preset
- Soundfonts not working when loaded as an instrument in AUM
- Sometimes stops all internal sounds
- Pop up menus not accessible for VoiceOver
- MIDI channel out returns to default on every startup
- Chords bug out and change half the chord in latch mode
- Preset/chords would not save in AUM
Requested features
34 requests- Include pattern lengths of 3, 5, 7
- Piano to guitar chords and manual strumming
- Offset notes in pattern editor for swing/triplet tempos
- Add swing/humanize to patterns
- Functionality for capo or real-time key change with MIDI
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- Pattern latch function in real-time with MIDI
- More guitar sounds and strum patterns
- Optimize for M1 Macs
- Save and export patterns to MIDI
- Tap or strum patterns manually and record
- Interface similar to Helium for saving/exporting MIDI
- Interface reminiscent of Guitarism
- Stronger colors for chosen/played chords
- Modulation in song creation (change key)
- Access MIDI parameters in Piano to Guitar mode
- More detailed documentation on chord formation
- Ability to reorder saved settings
- MIDI learn for CC messages
- Add more layers of pads for chords (7ths, sus, etc.)
- Double size pad page for more chords
- MIDI in functionality
- Ability to touch fretboard for custom chords/voicings
- Construct chords from scratch
- Control over pedal damping
- Add open tunings
- Change chords on every half and quarter beat
- Display current preset name at the top
- Add bend of notes and note sustain
- Improve interface for ARP/strum grid to match guitar tabs
- Save chord chains, chord pads, and custom strumming patterns separately
- Include custom chords in future versions
- More Soundfont files
- More presets
- Faster BPM adjustment
In-app purchases
StepPolyArp
- Dance Horizons$4.99
- Analog Sequence$4.99
MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is StepPolyArp free?
Is MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin free?
Which has better reviews, StepPolyArp or MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin?
Do StepPolyArp or MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin have ads?
Which is updated more often, StepPolyArp or MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin?
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