MIDISynth Control vs ChordGen
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
ChordGen
Generate chords for any stringed instrument with custom tunings. This universal chord dictionary is ideal for beginners, songwriters, and musicians seeking new sounds. Easily search for specific chords and explore variations.
- Generate any chord
- Select any instrument
- Choose any tuning
- Generate chords with bass notes
- Text search system
- Universal chord dictionary
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Chords for any instrument, in any tuning. ChordGen is a chord generator and dictionary for fretted string instruments. Explore chords, try different tunings, and discover new ways to play, practice, and compose. Choose an instrument and tuning to see chord voicings directly on the fretboard. You can also create custom instruments and tunings to go beyond traditional setups. Explore chords Generate chords and see exactly how to play them. Quickly search for the chord you need and browse different voicings, including slash chords such as C/B. Instruments and tunings Use a range of fretted string instruments, change their tunings, or build your own configurations. Experiment with new combinations and discover different sounds. Create and organize chord sheets Create your own chord sheets or start from a chord-sheet link on the web. Add and organize chords, keep your songs together, and check each voicing while you play or work on a composition. Choose the voicing you want for any chord, or let ChordGen find suitable positions for the remaining chords based on the selected instrument and tuning. Whether you are learning an instrument, exploring an alternate tuning, studying harmony, playing your songs, or composing, ChordGen gives you a simple and flexible way to work with chords.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: ChordGen at 5.0 against MIDISynth Control's 3.4. ChordGen also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11). MIDISynth Control's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 12 months) and ratings volume (12 vs 1). On price, ads 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
Both are free to download. MIDISynth Control sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. ChordGen asks for nothing beyond the download.
ChordGen holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MIDISynth Control has 12 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
MIDISynth Control ships an update every 3 weeks, ChordGen every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MIDISynth Control | ChordGen |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.4 (12 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 63.6% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 12 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 12 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 9.3 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 46 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lee Huddleston | Gustavo Sore |
Customer experience
MIDISynth Control
ChordGen
In-app purchases
MIDISynth Control
- Link+$5.99
- Keyboard/Drumpad+$6.99
- Control+$9.99
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- 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
ChordGen
No in-app purchases









