Comparison

AudioLayer vs KeyStage Lite

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

Head to head
About

AudioLayer

This app is a powerful mobile multi-sampler for music production, offering advanced features for creating and manipulating complex instruments. It integrates seamlessly with iOS production environments and supports iCloud for easy collaboration and storage.

Highlights
  • Streaming Sample Engine (SSE)
  • Hierarchical Layer and Zone editing
  • Seamless Instrument Switching (SIS)
  • Integrated audio sample recorder
  • Auto Sampler for hardware synths
  • AUv3 AudioUnit integration
  • iCloud storage and collaboration
Features
Read full description

AudioLayer satisfies the most sought after gap for contemporary music production on iOS devices. AudioLayer is a full featured open standard audio multi-sampler pushing the boundaries beyond what has been available even in the desktop music production worlds. And all this integrated in all relevant iOS production environments especially the emerging AUv3 AudioUnit standard. - SSE - Streaming Sample Engine - The ultra efficient Streaming Sample Engine SSE is capable of playing hundreds of voices of big multi-sampled instruments even in strictly resource limited applications like using multiple instances of AudioLayer in AudioUnit host environments. Innovative features like Sub Sample Looping for perfect loops even in the audible range extend the range of applications even further. - Multiple storage options - The consequent usage of the open file structure of the Files app makes organising even large sample libraries a breeze. Sample recordings and Instrument designs made with AudioLayer are seamlessly available across all your devices and desktop using either iCloud storage or external SSD. The iCloud option opens up new forms of collaborations with musicians all around the world to share your creations and work together. - Multi Scope Editing - To support the creation of complex multi-sampled instruments AudioLayer allows you to use a hierarchical structure of Layers and Zones each with it’s own sound manipulation parameters. A unique element of AudioLayer is the possibility to decide for each Zone at which Scope level your editing apply: For the all Zones in the Instrument, for the Layer only or individually for this Zone only. This opens a whole new world of creative options for sound mangling. For sound manipulation you can use a full set of Filters, Envelopes and LFOs to shape the pitch, timbre and level of the sound of each Zone. SIS - Seamless Instrument Switching The unique architecture of the Streaming Sample Engine allows for instant loading of even complex instruments and makes this switching from one Instrument to the next without cutting off the sound! And this includes of course also different effect settings - Easy Design Workflow - The built in audio sample recorder let you create Instruments on the fly in seconds. The Music Effect AudioUnit / Audiobus effect plugin of AudioLayer let you record multi-samples semi automatically directly inside your preferred host and instantly create an Instrument with the help of several Auto mapping options available. This includes file name based mapping of key ranges and velocities and automatic pitch detection. For the creatives we’ve also integrated a special “Single Cycle Waveform” detector making the use of this special files a breeze. - Auto Sampler feature for easy creation of Sample Instruments from hardware synthesiser. - Versilian Studio Sample Library ( VCSL/VSCO ) with excellent strings and orchestra samples for free download - Exchange libraries with XinematiX App Integration • Stand-alone App • Sample import for EXS24 and SFZ Format • AUv3 AudioUnit Instrument and Music Effect • Inter App Audio • Audiobus 3 Input/Effect with state saving support. • Audio recorder with share function. • Ableton Link compatible.

About

KeyStage Lite

This app acts as a master controller and audio mixer for keyboard players. It allows simultaneous control of multiple hardware and software instruments using various MIDI controllers. Organize songs into sections, customize instrument sounds, and manage MIDI mappings with advanced scripting capabilities.

Highlights
  • Control multiple MIDI controllers and instruments
  • Host AUv3 instruments and effects
  • Create complex keyboard splits and layers
  • Advanced MIDI mapping and scripting
  • Audio mixer with track control
  • Play and manage audio files
  • View PDF and JPG files
Read full description

KeyStage is a master controller, AUv3 host, and audio mixer app designed mainly for keyboard players. With KeyStage, you can simultaneously control any number of hardware and software instruments using any number of MIDI controllers in an organized way. Each project consists of sections (which corresponds to sections of a song). In each section you can change sounds and sound parameters of connected instruments, create complex splits and layers of your keyboard(s), change the functionalities of sliders/knobs/pedals of your MIDI controllers by creating advanced MIDI mappings, write your own scripts, view PDF and JPG files (e.g. sheet music) and lyrics, and much more. LIST OF FEATURES • Connect any number of MIDI controller to any number of MIDI instruments by creating tracks. • Load AUv3 instruments, effects, and MIDI Processors. • Assign any region of your keyboard(s) to any connected instrument. • Change velocity curve and velocity limits, and create velocity splits and layers. • Transpose notes and restrict notes to any key using pitch shifter. • Create mixer units to combine audio signals, turning KeyStage into an audio mixer. • With the player units, you can play wav, mp3, and m4a files, add marker points, automate actions (like play, stop, move to a marker etc.) using custom translators, or trigger certain events (like changing sections) when the player reaches a certain marker. • Input units allows you to use the microphone input, or the hardware inputs of a connected audio interface. • The Main Mixer view allows you to control volume levels and pans of all tracks, connect effect units, and connect units to mixer units. • Create instrument presets to easily change sounds of instruments by choosing patch names from patch lists. • KeyStage can also import Cubase Patch Scripts to automatically create instrument presets for your MIDI instruments. • KeyStage automatically detects new MIDI connections and recommends matching instrument presets from a database. • Simulate auto-sustain on any connected instrument. • KeyStage has a multi-track recorder, which lets you record any number of tracks simultaneously. • Change or filter any MIDI signal using custom translators. Use “Relative Control” switch to smoothly change the parameters of your instruments without any jumps. • Use XY control unit to send control change and pitch bend messages to any connected MIDI instrument. • Create setlists, quick access all the songs in a setlist from a setlist bar, move to previous/next songs from live console or using external MIDI. • Create virtual MIDI inputs/outputs for KeyStage. • Use virtual MIDI piano controller to play connected instruments. • View PDF and JPG files. Link any page or region of any file to any section. • Backup and restore your songs and global properties to Dropbox. • Map special actions (like changing octaves, switching sections, changing pages of a PDF file) to notes and controllers using custom translators. • You can write your own scripts in custom translators, which opens up endless possibilities. • Use MPE routing to control any MIDI instrument using MPE controllers like Seaboard. Use custom translators to change the functionalities of each MPE dimension. • KeyStage supports smooth transitions between sections. Pressed notes will continue to sound when you switch sections. You can access demo videos and video tutorials on my Youtube channel.

Screenshots

AudioLayer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: KeyStage Lite at Free against AudioLayer's $12.99. KeyStage Lite also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). AudioLayer's advantage is rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). On review sentiment, ads and iOS requirement 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

KeyStage Lite is free to download; AudioLayer costs $12.99 up front. AudioLayer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. KeyStage Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

AudioLayer holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AudioLayer has 179 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of AudioLayer's written reviews are positive against 60% of KeyStage Lite's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AudioLayer ships an update fortnightly, KeyStage Lite every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
AudioLayer versus KeyStage Lite: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAudioLayerKeyStage Lite
Price$12.99Free — better
Rating4.4 (179 ratings) — better4.0 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews55.6% of reviews60.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings179 — better7
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size242 MB61 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsAli Gokturk

Customer experience

AudioLayer

All ratings179 ratings
Positive81.6%
Neutral5.6%
Negative12.8%
Written reviews124 reviews
Positive55.6%
Neutral16.1%
Negative28.2%

KeyStage Lite

All ratings7 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative40.0%

Bugs and requests

AudioLayer

Reported bugs

17 issues
  • App crashes on startup (splash screen)
  • Reverb and chorus effects cause sound to disappear
  • Pitch resets to -24 after stopping Logic Pro playback
  • Layer voice polyphony controls not working properly
  • SFZ batch import distributes samples incorrectly across layers
Show 12 more
  • EXS24 import fails for complex instruments (pianos, drum kits)
  • MIDI source names display as 'Unknown Name'
  • Plugin window resizing required to access all controls
  • Sample end marker positioning doesn't work in all view sizes
  • Soundfont import module shows as missing despite purchase
  • App becomes unresponsive when loading complex instruments
  • Control Change 11 (Expression) not received
  • Autosampler function button missing after update
  • Settings not saved properly as AUv3 plugin
  • Instrument loading defaults to first instrument in host
  • Click/pop noises in sustain loops
  • Inter-Audio (IAA) compatibility broken

Requested features

17 requests
  • Time-stretching/pitch-shifting capability
  • Program Change MIDI support
  • Undo/Redo functionality
  • GigaSampler .gig library support
  • Soundfont SF2 import (now paid feature)
Show 12 more
  • MIDI learn for real-time parameter control
  • Expression (CC11) and other CC support
  • Multi-output support for individual zone routing
  • Batch import and file management improvements
  • Instrument selection screen persistence in MIDI mode
  • Bit reduction effect for vintage sampler emulation
  • Better local file management and folder organization
  • Modulation wheel pitch control
  • Transposition features
  • Disk streaming for larger libraries
  • Macro/customizable GUI support
  • Purge unused samples function

KeyStage Lite

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

AudioLayer

One-time1
  • SoundFont Import$3.99
None

KeyStage Lite

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is AudioLayer free?
AudioLayer costs $12.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is KeyStage Lite free?
KeyStage Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, AudioLayer or KeyStage Lite?
AudioLayer is rated higher. AudioLayer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 179 ratings, while KeyStage Lite averages 4.0 from 7 ratings.
Do AudioLayer or KeyStage Lite have ads?
Neither AudioLayer nor KeyStage Lite shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AudioLayer or KeyStage Lite?
AudioLayer ships an update fortnightly, and KeyStage Lite every 3 months. Most recently, AudioLayer was updated on September 23, 2026 and KeyStage Lite on September 19, 2026.

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