MIDISynth Control vs Helio Sequencer
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.
Helio Sequencer
A free and open-source music sequencer designed for hobbyist composers, game developers, and indie artists. Comprehensive documentation is available to help users get started with its features.
- Open-source music sequencer
- Aimed at hobbyist composers
- Supports game developers
- For indie artists
- Includes documentation
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Helio is a free and open-source music sequencer aimed at hobbyist composers, game developers, and indie artists. Follow the documentation to get started: https://docs.helio.fm
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Helio Sequencer at 4.4 against MIDISynth Control's 3.4. Helio Sequencer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and review sentiment (86% vs 64%). MIDISynth Control's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 11.0). On price, ratings volume, 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. Helio Sequencer asks for nothing beyond the download.
Helio Sequencer holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 13 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of MIDISynth Control's written reviews are positive against 86% of Helio Sequencer's.
MIDISynth Control ships an update every 3 weeks, Helio Sequencer every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MIDISynth Control | Helio Sequencer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.4 (12 ratings) | 4.4 (13 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 63.6% of reviews | 85.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 12 | 13 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.3 — better | 11.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 46 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lee Huddleston | Peter Rudenko |
Customer experience
MIDISynth Control
Helio Sequencer
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
Helio Sequencer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is MIDISynth Control free?
Is Helio Sequencer free?
Which has better reviews, MIDISynth Control or Helio Sequencer?
Do MIDISynth Control or Helio Sequencer have ads?
Which is updated more often, MIDISynth Control or Helio Sequencer?
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