WoodStepper vs PatternBud
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
WoodStepper
This app is a versatile music production tool that combines sequencing, synthesis, and sampling. It offers multiple independent sequencers that can be linked, and each can function as a synth. It supports both standalone use and as a plugin within a DAW.
- 4 independent 8-step sequencers
- Synth mode for parameter automation
- Sequencers can be linked for longer patterns
- Audio and MIDI output
- Built-in VCOs with modulation
- Sampling from live input or files
- Step-based pitch shifting and filtering
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The WoodStepper is a sequencer/synthesizer/sampler having both audio and midi out. The audio sources can be the track audio, sampled audio (live/track recorded or from file) or the built-in VCO's. The VCO notes can also be set by the Chordulator which finds chord notes in a live stream or recorded track. It consists of 4 independent 8-steps sequencers which can be linked to a 16, 24 or 32 steps sequencer. Each sequencer can independently be set to Synth mode. So WoodStepper can be used in any combinations of sequencers, synths and looper/samplers. Each step can also send 4 midi messages (note on, CC, …) to 2 midi channels. The audio part for each sequencer has a pitch (down) shifter, (Moog lowpass) filter with A(D)SR envelope, saturator, amplitude A(D)SR envelope and delay line which can all be set independently per step. The VCO notes can be set by midi input and WoodStepper has a function to limit the notes produced by VCO + pitch shifters to a specified key and interval scale. The app can be used stand-alone (device audio input and output) or as a plugin in a DAW. The manual can be downloaded from : http://www.woodmansimmaculatemaplesyrupstudio.be/woodstepper/WoodStepperHelp.pdf - IOS plugin type : AUv3 effect, AUv3 instrument and stand-alone app. - Has 4 independent 8-steps sequencers. - Each of the 4 sequencers can be set to Synth mode, the steps can then be used to automate parameters while playing. - Sequencers can be linked to form 16, 24, or 32 steps sequencer(s). - Each sequencer can have a different timing. - Steps can be disabled for non 4/4 patterns. - Each step can send up to 4 midi messages (+ all previous notes off) on 2 midi channels - Audio sources can be the track audio, sampled audio or 3 VCO's (per sequencer). - Sampling (audio coming live or from the DAW track) can be armed (per sequencer) with a button or a midi in CC. - Samples can also be loaded from file (sample files should be in the WoodStepper iCloud folder) - Each sequencer has it’s own gain, clipping led and brick-wall limiter. - VCO’s have the usual waveforms and can be modulated in various ways. - Full polyphonic mode sends 4 subsequent note-ons to the 4 sequencers/synths. - Para-polyphonic mode (per sequencer) sends notes 2&3 to the sequencer/synth VCO's 2&3, giving max 12 voices. - Each sequencer/synth can set the range of receiving midi notes (which allows for up to 4 split keyboard regions). - Each step has a pitch down shifter (sequencer mode only). - Pitch shifters have a glide control. - Pitch shifters can be set to a random value (out of a list of scales). - Pitch values can be harmonically locked to the Just Scale or the Equally Tempered Scale. - VCO + Pitch can be limited to a specified key + interval scale (e.g. C Major Pentatonic) - Each step has a 4-pole Moog Lowpass filter with resonance and ASR (sequencer) or ADSR (synth) envelope. - Steps have an additional high-pass filter and a saturation control. - All steps have an ASR (sequencer) or ADSR (synth) amplitude envelope and a step gain. - Each step has its own delay line with independent timing, feedback, and filtering. - Step audio and delay can be panned independently per step. - Sequencers can be started manually, started with the DAW transport, start after receiving a midi note or start audio gated. - Sequencers can be stopped manually or after a number of bars have been played. - A “Play 1 Step” button allows to finetune step settings - An “All Steps” button allows to set the same parameter value in all steps. - Has a global Dry-Wet, Input gain and Output gain control. - Presets can be stored in iCloud Drive (makes them available on all your devices). - Presets can be switched with Midi Program Changes or with the "Next Preset" button when running. - Major controls can be set with Midi CC messages. - Ableton Link can synchronise tempo, phase and start-stop with other Ableton Link enabled apps.
PatternBud
This app sequences MIDI CC and Program Change messages to control patterns in music applications. It allows for sophisticated song arrangements by timing pattern changes in synthesizers and drum machines. Features include multi-track sequencing, flexible step durations, and an advanced action system for dynamic control.
- Multi-track sequencing
- MIDI CC and Program Change support
- Flexible step durations
- Advanced action system
- Tempo synchronization
- AUv3 plugin format
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PatternBud is a MIDI CC and Program Change sequencer designed for controlling patterns across your music applications. Create sophisticated song arrangements by sequencing pattern changes in your synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers based on musical timing such as bars, beats, or note values. Key Features: - Multi-track sequencer with unlimited tracks and steps per track - Individual MIDI channel and CC number assignment per track - MIDI CC and Program Change message support for each step - Flexible step durations: bars, beats, note values, seconds, or minutes - Advanced action system for dynamic pattern control - Random value generation with customizable min/max ranges - Step-based actions including pattern jumps and random pattern selection - Copy, paste, insert, and delete operations for efficient workflow - Real-time step progress visualization with duration indicators - Tempo synchronization with host applications - Pattern switching via MIDI CC input - Comprehensive MIDI input and output routing - AudioKit-powered MIDI engine for precise timing - AUv3 plugin format for seamless DAW integration - Standalone app operation for hardware setups - iCloud based preset manager Advanced Action System: - Jump to specific steps or patterns - Trigger random steps within tracks - Send custom MIDI notes, CC, or PC messages - Execute actions at step start or end points - Chain multiple actions per step Perfect for controlling: - Pattern-based synthesizers and drum machines - Sequencer applications with multiple patterns - Hardware devices via MIDI CC/PC messages - Complex song arrangements and live performances - Any audio app supporting MIDI CC or AU parameter control PatternBud serves as the conductor for your electronic music setup, enabling you to create evolving compositions by orchestrating pattern changes across your entire rig. The application produces no audio itself - it focuses purely on MIDI control and timing. For AUv3 plugin usage, you'll need a compatible host application such as AUM, Cubase, apeMatrix, BeatMaker, or similar DAW software.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: PatternBud at $3.99 against WoodStepper's $10.99. WoodStepper's advantage is review sentiment (57% vs 44%) and iOS requirement (11.4 vs 13.0). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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
WoodStepper costs $10.99 and PatternBud $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for WoodStepper against 4.3 for PatternBud. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 6 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 57% of WoodStepper's written reviews are positive against 44% of PatternBud's.
WoodStepper ships an update every 3 weeks, PatternBud every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | WoodStepper | PatternBud |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10.99 | $3.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.3 (12 ratings) | 4.3 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews — better | 44.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 12 — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.4 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 112 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Woodman's Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio | Cem Olcay |
Customer experience
WoodStepper
PatternBud
In-app purchases
WoodStepper
No in-app purchases
PatternBud
No in-app purchases








