Comparison

StepPolyArp vs QuadroSphere

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

QuadroSphere

This audio plugin allows musicians to sculpt immersive soundscapes by controlling stereo placement and effects across four distinct frequency bands. Create dynamic, atmospheric audio with automated movement and morphing between saved settings.

Highlights
  • 4 configurable frequency bands
  • Control stereo separation, level, and pan per band
  • Create and morph between 12 snapshots
  • Modulation control for automated sweeps
  • Per-band effects (Haas, Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Compressor)
  • Convert mono to pseudo-stereo
  • MIDI CC control
Features
Read full description

QuadroSphere is a great tool for bringing an instrument to life by creating a soundscape with a constantly moving sound source. QuadroSphere splits the incoming audio signal into 4 distinct coloured frequency bands using the frequency bar. Each band has an associated coloured sphere allowing you to control the pan, stereo separation and volume level. You can use this plugin as a way to impose subtle control over stereo placement with little or no movement, or go crazy with random automation. Adding effects such as reverb or delay on a specific frequency band can help create a lush atmospheric swirling which surrounds the listener. This is great for musicians trying to create minimalistic ambient or tranquil soundscapes. You can create up to 12 snapshots of the sphere parameters and effect settings, then morph between them at a designated speed (measured in beats). You can also enable continuous randomization mode, and have full control over which spheres and control which parts are automated. You can also use QuadroSphere as a stereo splitter, using the additional outputs to add your own effects to band outputs. Key Features: ○ 4 Configurable frequency bands. ○ Control stereo separation, level and pan for each band. ○ Create up to 12 Snapshots. ○ Morph between various panning, width and frequency band levels. ○ Modulation control for automated sweeps around pan center. ○ Convert MONO signals into a pseudo-stereo image. ○ Per band Haas, Delay, Reverb, Chorus and Compressor. ○ Allows combined and individual per-band audio outputs. ○ Continuous randomized morphing of the stereo field. ○ Built in Preset Manager with drag and drop support. ○ Power and Solo for each band. ○ Controlable morph speeds. ○ Various animated transition modes. ○ Access most options using AU parameters or MIDI CC control.

Screenshots

StepPolyArp3 screens
QuadroSphere4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QuadroSphere at none against StepPolyArp's 2. QuadroSphere also leads on price ($14.99 vs $19.99) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). StepPolyArp's advantage is ratings volume (48 vs 10). On 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

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

QuadroSphere holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of StepPolyArp's written reviews are positive against 100% of QuadroSphere's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, QuadroSphere every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
StepPolyArp versus QuadroSphere: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStepPolyArpQuadroSphere
Price$19.99$14.99 — better
Rating4.8 (48 ratings)5.0 (10 ratings) — better
Positive reviews86.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings48 — better10
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLaurent Colson4Pockets.com

Customer experience

StepPolyArp

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

QuadroSphere

All ratings10 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

StepPolyArp

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

QuadroSphere

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is StepPolyArp free?
StepPolyArp costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is QuadroSphere free?
QuadroSphere costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, StepPolyArp or QuadroSphere?
QuadroSphere is rated higher. StepPolyArp averages 4.8 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while QuadroSphere averages 5.0 from 10 ratings.
Do StepPolyArp or QuadroSphere have ads?
Neither StepPolyArp nor QuadroSphere shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StepPolyArp or QuadroSphere?
StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, and QuadroSphere every 3 weeks. Most recently, StepPolyArp was updated on September 22, 2026 and QuadroSphere on September 18, 2026.

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