Comparison

MIDISynth Control vs Poly 2

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

Head to head
About

MIDISynth Control

Control multiple MIDI synthesizers and drum machines from one app. Offers in-depth editing for built-in synths and customizable control maps for external gear. Sync with Ableton Link and add advanced features via in-app purchases.

Highlights
  • Centralized control for multiple MIDI synths
  • In-depth editing for popular built-in synths
  • Customizable control maps for external synths
  • Global layout creation for multiple devices
  • Patch storage, randomization, and morphing
  • Ableton Link support for syncing
  • Arpeggiator and drum repeat functionality
Read full description

MIDISynth-Control provides a control hub for your MIDI synthesisers from a single application and also provides in-depth editing for a number of inbuilt, popular synths and drum machines. For the inbuilt synths, all controls are automatically provided, as well a librarian features and functionality specific to the synth. For all other synths it is possible to define your own control map for the controls you wish access to and then lay these out as you see fit. From here global layouts can be created allowing several synths & drum machines to be controlled from a single screen in the app. In-built synths: Novation Circuit & Tracks, Novation Circuit Mono Station, Novation Peak & Summit, Elektron Digitakt, Elektron Digitone, Korg Minilogue xd & Prologue In-built controllers: Novation Launchpad X, Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 As well as being able to store and retrieve patch and synth data to/from your mobile device each editor also provides bi-directional communication, patch randomisation features, patch morphing, XY controls, mixer view (if appropriate), and a performance mode (separate In-App Purchase). A fully featured arpeggiator and drum repeat functionality are available as an IAP. Ableton Link support is provided for syncing individual sequencers to a Link session. This can also be used for syncing LFO and ARP clocks if they exist on the synth. There is also a Link+ IAP available which allows up to 6 other USB devices to be synced to a Link session - this can be used standalone and no other purchases are necessary. Keyboard and drumpad functionality can be added for up to six external synths using the Keyboard/Drumpad+ IAP. No other purchases are necessary. With each module purchase a single user definable layout in available in a 2x2 to 8x8 grid. With the purchase of the Rand/Morph/Performance module this is increased to 6 user layouts. Each module offers a 3-day trial version with some restrictions in order for testing before purchase.

About

Poly 2

This app generates evolving musical patterns and melodies using polyrhythms. It offers extensive sound manipulation with a sampler, multiple effects, and the ability to store numerous configurations. Users can also import their own sounds and integrate with other music production tools.

Highlights
  • Generative polyrhythm sequencing
  • Up to 8 simultaneous sounds
  • Sampler with envelopes and filters
  • Randomize capabilities
  • Built-in delay, reverb, distortion, and EQ FX
  • AUv3, Audiobus, and IAA support
  • Import custom samples
Features
Read full description

Poly 2 is a generative sequencer that creates evolving patterns and melodies based on the power of polyrhythms. Check out the promo video: https://youtu.be/ovCXtBynEkw Features: - Up to 8 different sounds at any time - Store up to 16 different configurations for each project - A sampler that includes envelopes, filters, loop crossfading, an LFO and more - Randomise capabilities - Delay, reverb, distortion and EQ FX - Over 100 samples included for free - 13 premade collections of sounds - 13 example projects - AUv3 support, both MIDI and Audio - Audiobus and IAA - Ableton Link - MIDI notes in / out, MIDI CC in / out and MIDI clock in - Import your own samples via iOS Files or WIFI transfer

Screenshots

MIDISynth Control1 screens
Poly 24 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Poly 2 at 4.8 against MIDISynth Control's 3.4. Poly 2 also leads on ratings volume (686 vs 12) and review sentiment (84% vs 64%). MIDISynth Control's advantage is iOS requirement (9.3 vs 16.6). 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. MIDISynth Control sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and Poly 2 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

Poly 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Poly 2 has 686 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of MIDISynth Control's written reviews are positive against 84% of Poly 2's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MIDISynth Control ships an update every 3 weeks, Poly 2 every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
MIDISynth Control versus Poly 2: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMIDISynth ControlPoly 2
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (12 ratings)4.8 (686 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.6% of reviews84.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12686 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.3 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size46 MB153 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLee HuddlestonJames Milton

Customer experience

MIDISynth Control

All ratings12 ratings
Positive58.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative36.4%

Poly 2

All ratings686 ratings
Positive95.0%
Neutral2.6%
Negative2.3%
Written reviews63 reviews
Positive84.1%
Neutral4.8%
Negative11.1%

Bugs and requests

MIDISynth Control

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Poly 2

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • In-app purchase not working for some users
  • MIDI connectivity issues with certain apps
  • Crashes upon opening for some users

Requested features

8 requests
  • Ability to preview samples before importing
  • Autoslice/autochop functionality for samples
  • Support for larger sample imports and automatic slot filling
  • Granulizer effect
  • Note repeat and vinyl effects
Show 3 more
  • More built-in effects and processing options
  • Ability to create and arrange full songs
  • M1 Mac compatibility

In-app purchases

11 purchases

MIDISynth Control

One-time11
  • Link+$5.99
  • Keyboard/Drumpad+$6.99
  • Control+$9.99
Show 8 more
  • Novation Circuit MonoStation$10.99
  • Rand/Morph/Performance$12.99
  • Novation LPX$12.99
  • Novation LCXL$12.99
  • Novation Circuit$19.99
  • Elektron Digitakt$19.99
  • Elektron Digitone$19.99
  • Novation Peak & Summit$27.99
1 purchases

Poly 2

One-time1
  • Pro mode$11.99

Questions

Is MIDISynth Control free?
MIDISynth Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Poly 2 free?
Poly 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, MIDISynth Control or Poly 2?
Poly 2 is rated higher. MIDISynth Control averages 3.4 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Poly 2 averages 4.8 from 686 ratings.
Do MIDISynth Control or Poly 2 have ads?
Neither MIDISynth Control nor Poly 2 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MIDISynth Control or Poly 2?
MIDISynth Control ships an update every 3 weeks, and Poly 2 every 4 weeks. Most recently, MIDISynth Control was updated on September 23, 2026 and Poly 2 on October 8, 2026.

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