KeyStage vs Aro Metronome
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
KeyStage
This app acts as a master controller, AUv3 host, and audio mixer for keyboard players. It allows simultaneous control of multiple hardware and software instruments via MIDI, with advanced mapping, scripting, and audio mixing capabilities.
- Connect multiple MIDI controllers to instruments
- Load AUv3 instruments, effects, and MIDI processors
- Create complex keyboard splits and layers
- Advanced MIDI mapping and scripting
- Audio mixer with volume and pan control
- Play and automate audio files
- View PDF and JPG files
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TRY THE FREE LITE VERSION: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/keystage-lite/id1437899019 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.
Aro Metronome
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Aro Metronome is a clean, reliable metronome built for musicians who need precisstraightforwardicity. Whether you’re practicing solo or leading a group, Aro keeps time steady with a strightfoward interface. What sets Aro apart is the ability to connect multiple devices together and control a group of metronomes simultaneously. Start, stop, or change tempo from one device and keep everyone in sync. It’s perfect for ensembles, rehearsals, classrooms, and practice rooms where consistency matters. Designed to be straightforward and fast, Aro Metronome helps you focus on the music instead of the settings. Set it up in seconds and keep the whole room on the same beat.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Aro Metronome at Free against KeyStage's $29.99. Aro Metronome also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 7). KeyStage's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). 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
Aro Metronome is free to download; KeyStage costs $29.99 up front. KeyStage sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Aro Metronome asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | KeyStage | Aro Metronome |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (41 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 91.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 61 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ali Gokturk | Archenemy LLC |
Bugs and requests
KeyStage
Reported bugs
7 issues- Custom Translators Database not downloading
- Snap to grid on wave files not lining up
- Song switching via MIDI channels not working
- App crashes when trying to use instruments Database (older iOS)
- Occasional crashes
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- Bluetooth MIDI requires another app
- App still asks for more money to unlock features after purchase
Requested features
12 requests- More complete user manual with troubleshooting
- Beginner's explanation of MIDI and AUv3
- MIDI Clock In + Seq Sync
- Global Tap Tempo
- In-line FX bypass (MIDI mappable)
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- Bus Mix Assignment for dynamic routing
- Better integration with apps like Animoog
- Midi FX like chord trigger, arpeggiator
- Include sounds from common synth apps
- Dark mode option
- More comprehensive tutorials
- Improve UI/UX
Aro Metronome
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
KeyStage
- Instrument UnitsFree
- Effect UnitsFree
- Player, Input, and Mixer UnitsFree
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- MIDI UnitsFree
- Small Tip$0.99
- Medium Tip$3.99
- Large Tip$9.99
Aro Metronome
No in-app purchases









