Harmonix vs TinyRiff
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Harmonix
This app provides an intelligent controller for the Elektron Digitone FM Synth, offering features like sound type programming, parameter randomization, and pattern generation. It allows for manual or queued pattern launching and includes customizable keyboard filters for note selection and parameter control.
- Intelligent Sound Types
- Parameter Randomize/Morph/Reset
- Sound Design Functions & Macros
- Mixer Control
- Intelligent Pattern Generation
- Customizable Keyboard Filters
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Harmonix is an intelligent controller for Elektron's Digitone FM Synth! - Intelligent Sound Types (Pad, Strings, Drone, Hybrid, Keys, Classic, Dub, Mono, Organ, Bass, Square, Noise, Kick, Perc, Chaos, Custom) lets you program Sounds with minimal effort - Randomize / Morph / Reset parameters (Tracks, Pages, MFX, Mixer, Mods) - Sound design functions and macros - Mixer to control Track Levels, Mute, Pan, Drive & FX Sends - Randomize Modulations - Intelligent Pattern Generation - Snapshots for install recall of Sounds - Manually launch Patterns or Queue up to 16 Patterns (Song Mode) - Save / Load Presets - Customizable Keyboard filters notes to the selected Key / Scale, and controls various parameters with vertical finger movement *OS 1.30 or higher is required
TinyRiff
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TinyRiff is a performance pad app for triggering chords, backing patterns, and layered sampler performances from a single pad—ideal for practice, songwriting, and live performance. (The app has been renamed from TinyTone to TinyRiff as of version 1.5) Use TinyRIff as a MIDI pad for GarageBand, synthesizers, electric pianos, samplers, and other MIDI gear. With the built-in “TinyTone” sound engine, you can also play instantly without any external devices or MIDI connections. TinyTone can also be used as a chord input pad within Mac DAW environments. Chords can be entered not only from external MIDI input, but also directly on the app screen. Up to four key transpose settings (key shift / octave shift) can be stored within a single pad set, allowing you to switch chord arrangements for intros, verses, choruses, outros, and other musical sections from the same pad layout. TinyRIff can also load sound data created with the separate “TinyTone” app, allowing you to use original sounds directly inside TinyRIff. With TinyRIff Yearly (annual subscription), you can save, share, and import up to 100 pad layout sets. The free version supports saving up to 5 sets. [Added in version 1.5] New “Riff-Pattern” and “Step Sequencer” modes have been added. • Riff Pattern: Freely assign notes across 16 steps, including upper, middle, and lower notes within a chord. TIE input is also supported. • Step Sequencer: Create 16-step patterns with support for ties and rests. • Each mode includes 4 slots that can be switched during performance. • Supports real-time performance together with slider control and transpose. • Created patterns can be imported and exported together with pad presets, and shared via AirDrop. Improved MIDI connectivity with GarageBand and AUM. • To use GarageBand or AUM, select "VIRTUAL MIDI" as the MIDI output. • "VIRTUAL MIDI" sends MIDI data to all connected host apps. When using GarageBand and AUM simultaneously, disable TinyRiff MIDI input on the host you do not want to control.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: TinyRiff at Free against Harmonix's $14.99. TinyRiff also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). Harmonix's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). 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
TinyRiff is free to download; Harmonix costs $14.99 up front. TinyRiff sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year. Harmonix asks for nothing beyond the download.
Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, TinyRiff every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Harmonix | TinyRiff |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 13 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Marcos Kohler | KEISUKE TONE |
In-app purchases
Harmonix
No in-app purchases
TinyRiff
- JPad Yearly1 Month trial$4.991 Year









