Comparison

StepPolyArp vs VAPolyQuad

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

"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)

About

VAPolyQuad

Create rich, analog-style music with this powerful polyphonic synthesizer. Explore a vast array of sound-shaping tools, including multiple oscillators, filters, and effects. Program intricate melodies and rhythms with the built-in sequencer, and seamlessly share projects across your Apple devices.

Highlights
  • Virtual analog polyphonic synthesizer
  • Up to 8 voice polyphony
  • Four oscillators per voice
  • Multiple resonant filters
  • Built-in effects suite
  • 16-bar sequencer with piano roll
  • Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) support
Features
Read full description

VAPolyQuad is a virtual analog polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It features 8 voice synthesizer, effects, sequencer and audio visualization tools. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. Single voice of the synthesizer features four oscillators, two mixers, two resonant high pass filters, two resonant low pass filters, two amplifiers, four ADSR envelopes and four LFOs. The oscillators features continuously variable wave shape and wide variety of modulation. The filters are modeled on the Sallen-Key filter circuit and cascaded OTA filter circuit for classic analog sound. The Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. The sequencer features piano roll and parameter automation editor to program 16 bar pattern per clip. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. - Main Features - Virtual analog polyphonic synthesizer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Four oscillators per voice. Flexible audio signal and control signal routing. Keyboard Control Routing Two type of Lowpass filter, cascaded OTA model and Sallen-key model. Support MIDI 2.0 New User Interface built by SwiftUI for improved performance. Built-in Sequencer. 16 bar patterns per clip. Total 8 clips. Piano Roll and Parameter automation. Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. Audio Export. Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. 370 Factory Presets - System Requirements - A13 Fusion or above is recommended. AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) requires host application which support AudioUnit Extension. AudioUnit Extension is supported by Apple Logic and Apple Garage Band on iOS and macOS. For any other DAW, it depends on the application and some of them don’t support AudioUnit Extension. Sound may be distorted if CPU of the device doesn't have enough power. If it happens reduce number of voices.

Screenshots

StepPolyArp3 screens
VAPolyQuad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: StepPolyArp at 87% against VAPolyQuad's 0%. StepPolyArp also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.0) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 22 months). VAPolyQuad's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and price ($14.99 vs $19.99). On ads, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement 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

StepPolyArp costs $19.99 and VAPolyQuad $14.99 up front. StepPolyArp sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. VAPolyQuad asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

StepPolyArp holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StepPolyArp has 48 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of StepPolyArp's written reviews are positive against 0% of VAPolyQuad's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, VAPolyQuad every 22 months. Both last shipped on September 22, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
StepPolyArp versus VAPolyQuad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStepPolyArpVAPolyQuad
Price$19.99$14.99 — better
Rating4.8 (48 ratings) — better4.0 (5 ratings)
Positive reviews86.7% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings48 — better5
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 22 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLaurent ColsonRyo Togawa

Customer experience

StepPolyArp

All ratings48 ratings
Positive97.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative2.1%
Written reviews45 reviews
Positive86.7%
Neutral6.7%
Negative6.7%

VAPolyQuad

All ratings5 ratings
Positive60.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

StepPolyArp

One-time2
  • Dance Horizons$4.99
  • Analog Sequence$4.99
None

VAPolyQuad

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is StepPolyArp free?
StepPolyArp costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is VAPolyQuad free?
VAPolyQuad costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, StepPolyArp or VAPolyQuad?
StepPolyArp is rated higher. StepPolyArp averages 4.8 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while VAPolyQuad averages 4.0 from 5 ratings.
Do StepPolyArp or VAPolyQuad have ads?
Neither StepPolyArp nor VAPolyQuad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StepPolyArp or VAPolyQuad?
StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, and VAPolyQuad every 22 months. Most recently, StepPolyArp was updated on September 22, 2026 and VAPolyQuad on September 22, 2026.

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