Comparison

FRMS vs MIDISpy

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

Head to head
About

FRMS

This app offers a powerful and flexible layering system for creating unique audio experiences. It blends multiple synthesis types, allowing users to craft everything from ambient soundscapes to glitchy textures. Import your own sounds or use the curated library for endless sonic exploration.

Highlights
  • 4 Synthesis Engines per voice
  • FM Modes & Operator Stacking
  • Real-Time Granulation
  • Deep Modulation & Envelope Control
  • Advanced FX & Polyphony
  • MPE Compatibility
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

FRMS blends Granular, FM, Additive, and Subtractive synthesis in a powerful, flexible layering system. Create lush, evolving soundscapes or gritty, glitchy textures by combining up to four synthesis layers. With a sleek, intuitive interface, FRMS turns basic sounds into immersive audio experiences—from dense ambient drones to mechanical soundscapes. Choose from FRMS’s curated sample library, import your own sounds, or capture live audio for instant granulation. Shape unique sounds with layered synthesis, independent envelopes, modulation, and effects. Key Features: - 4 Synthesis Engines, 4 Layers Per Voice – Mix Granular, FM, Additive, and Subtractive synthesis. - FM Modes & Operator Stacking – Create rich, complex tones with 8 FM modes. - Real-Time Granulation – Process samples or live audio with up to 640 grains. - Deep Modulation & Envelope Control – Modulation matrix per layer, plus 2 EGs and filters per layer. - Advanced FX & Polyphony – 4 voices polyphony, arpeggiator, delay, and reverb. - High-Quality Sample Library & MPE Compatibility – Access FRMS’s expansive sound library and integrate with MIDI Polyphonic Expression and Ableton Link. Unlock endless sonic possibilities with FRMS, perfect for both beginners and advanced sound designers. "Imaginando super fan over here ..own everything they make. FRMS is no exception, as it’s incredibly powerful, versatile, and surprisingly intuitive. It’s a joy to work with, and the sound possibilities are endless." "I expected a lot from this app given the pedigree of the developer, but wow, this exceeded all my expectations. The depth of the granular synthesis engine combined with FM is truly amazing. A must-have for any sound designer." "This is a great app for anyone serious about granular synthesis. The interface is clean and easy to use, and the sound quality is top-notch. I find myself getting lost for hours exploring new sounds." "This synth is an interesting and great evolution in the world of granular. It pushes the boundaries of what you can do with layers and modulation. The presets are inspiring, but the real magic comes when you start creating your own." "FRMS has officially become my favorite synth app. The way it combines granular synthesis and FM is just genius. You can get subtle textures or full-blown sonic mayhem. Highly recommended!" "Every time I use FRMS, I feel like I’m discovering new dimensions of sound. The modulation options are vast, and the way you can shape tones makes it a designer’s dream. This app has changed my approach to sound design." "There’s something magical about the way FRMS handles sound. It’s intuitive yet deep, and I’ve created some of my best work using this app. Kudos to the developers for making such a high-quality product." "FRMS is absolutely brilliant. The interface is smooth, and the ability to layer sounds and modulate them takes granular synthesis to another level. I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know." "This app is an endless source of inspiration. Whether I’m working on cinematic soundscapes or glitchy textures, FRMS has everything I need. The layers and effects are phenomenal." "If you love creating ambient music, this app is for you. The ability to tweak and layer samples into lush textures is incredible. It’s become an essential part of my workflow." "The design of FRMS is superb. It’s both visually pleasing and incredibly functional. Every detail has been thought through, and the sound engine delivers in every way." "Hands down, the best granular synth I’ve used. The presets are great, but what sets it apart is how intuitive it is to create your own unique sounds."

About

MIDISpy

This utility helps monitor MIDI connections across various platforms. It offers basic filtering for different MIDI message types and supports multiple connectivity options.

Highlights
  • Standalone and AUv3 support
  • Basic message filtering
  • Inter-App MIDI
  • USB MIDI
  • Bluetooth MIDI
  • Network MIDI
Features
Read full description

MIDISpy - MIDI Monitor A handy little utility for monitoring MIDI connectivity. Overview: - Standalone and AUv3 support - Basic Filters for Note, Control Change, Clock and SysEx messages Connectivity: - Inter-App MIDI - USB MIDI - Bluetooth MIDI - Network MIDI - AUv3 Requirements: - iOS9+

Screenshots

FRMS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MIDISpy at Free against FRMS's $8.99. MIDISpy also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 16) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). FRMS's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 3.8) and ratings volume (284 vs 5). On 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

MIDISpy is free to download; FRMS costs $8.99 up front. FRMS sells 16 one-off in-app purchases. MIDISpy asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

FRMS holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FRMS has 284 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of FRMS's written reviews are positive against 71% of MIDISpy's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FRMS ships an update every 2 months, MIDISpy every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
FRMS versus MIDISpy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFRMSMIDISpy
Price$8.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (284 ratings) — better3.8 (5 ratings)
Positive reviews84.6% of reviews — better71.4% of reviews
Number of ratings284 — better5
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#185 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPad
Requires iOS17.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size267 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperImaginando LdaKai Aras

Customer experience

FRMS

All ratings284 ratings
Positive95.8%
Neutral1.1%
Negative3.2%
Written reviews123 reviews
Positive84.6%
Neutral5.7%
Negative9.8%

MIDISpy

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive71.4%
Neutral14.3%
Negative14.3%

Bugs and requests

FRMS

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashes and audio glitches in certain DAW environments
  • Issues with sample playback and freezing

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to import larger sample files
  • More granular control over modulation parameters
  • Undo/redo functionality
  • Improved MIDI integration and learn capabilities

MIDISpy

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

16 purchases

FRMS

One-time16
  • Fragmented Chants$5.99
  • Euphoria Preset Pack$6.49
  • Ghost Signals Preset Pack$7.99
Show 13 more
  • Supremeja Music Preset Pack$8.99
  • Sounds Of Saxophone$8.99
  • Glitches From The Heart$8.99
  • Sounds Of Guitar Preset Pack$8.99
  • Antique Shop Preset Pack$8.99
  • Sounds Of Clarinet Preset Pack$8.99
  • Sounds Of Bassoon Preset Pack$8.99
  • Sounds Of Foley 1$8.99
  • Scratching The Surface 1$8.99
  • Sounds Of Saxophone 2 Pack$8.99
  • Aural Alchemy 2 - Collector Edition$11.99
  • The Book Of Genesis$11.99
  • Aural Alchemy$11.99
None

MIDISpy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FRMS free?
FRMS costs $8.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is MIDISpy free?
MIDISpy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, FRMS or MIDISpy?
FRMS is rated higher. FRMS averages 4.8 out of 5 from 284 ratings, while MIDISpy averages 3.8 from 5 ratings.
Do FRMS or MIDISpy have ads?
Neither FRMS nor MIDISpy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FRMS or MIDISpy?
FRMS ships an update every 2 months, and MIDISpy every 3 weeks. Most recently, FRMS was updated on October 26, 2026 and MIDISpy on October 24, 2026.

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