Comparison

StepPolyArp vs MA3 Remote

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

MA3 Remote

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a wireless remote for grandMA3 lighting consoles. Control lighting cues, fixtures, and playback with a console-accurate keypad and live feedback. Offers both free and a one-time purchase Pro version.

Highlights
  • Console-accurate keypad
  • Live playback control
  • Fixture and layout selection
  • Cue sheet management
  • Pools for macros and groups
  • Bundled feedback plugin
Features
Read full description

MA3 Remote turns your iPhone or iPad into a fast, reliable wireless remote for grandMA3 lighting consoles and onPC — built for programmers and operators who need control while moving around the stage. Connect over your local network via OSC, run the included feedback plugin on the console, and you get live two-way control in your hand. FREE • Command Programmer — a console-accurate keypad. Type commands exactly like on the desk (Fixture, Group, At, Thru, Full, Please) with multi-press keywords, the level wheel and Grand Master. PRO (one-time purchase, no subscription) • Playbacks — motor-fader lanes with executor buttons, the X-Keys block, encoders and the master section, all live. • Cue sheets — tap any executor to expand the full sequence and fire Go right from the app. • Fixtures & Layout — select fixtures, drive encoders, and see your rig in the exact grandMA3 Layout positions with pinch-zoom pixel mapping. • Pools — macros and groups with the colours assigned on the console. • Bundled console plugin — export the feedback plugin straight from the app. WHAT YOU NEED • A grandMA3 console or grandMA3 onPC on the same network. • The MA3RemoteFeedback plugin (included in the app) running on the console. Not affiliated with or endorsed by MA Lighting. grandMA3 is a trademark of MA Lighting International GmbH.

Screenshots

StepPolyArp3 screens
MA3 Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MA3 Remote at Free against StepPolyArp's $19.99. MA3 Remote also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 87%). StepPolyArp's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On ads, in-app purchases 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

MA3 Remote is free to download; StepPolyArp costs $19.99 up front. StepPolyArp sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and MA3 Remote sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, MA3 Remote every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
StepPolyArp versus MA3 Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStepPolyArpMA3 Remote
Price$19.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (48 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews86.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings48 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLaurent ColsonMaksim Chernikov

Customer experience

StepPolyArp

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

MA3 Remote

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

StepPolyArp

One-time2
  • Dance Horizons$4.99
  • Analog Sequence$4.99
1 purchases

MA3 Remote

One-time1
  • MA3 Remote Pro$19.99

Questions

Is StepPolyArp free?
StepPolyArp costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is MA3 Remote free?
MA3 Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do StepPolyArp or MA3 Remote have ads?
Neither StepPolyArp nor MA3 Remote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StepPolyArp or MA3 Remote?
StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, and MA3 Remote every 9 days. Most recently, StepPolyArp was updated on September 22, 2026 and MA3 Remote on September 8, 2026.

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