Comparison

DRM vs Pulsar

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

Head to head
About

DRM

This app transforms your device into a pocket beat-making companion, emulating the simplicity and raw heritage of a 1978 instrument. It offers high-quality samples, preset patterns, and various instrument and audio effects for creative music production.

Highlights
  • 8 original high-quality double-samples
  • 16 preset patterns
  • Selective instrument deletion modes
  • Commutable 'Spacedrum' instrument
  • Full machine state auto-save
  • Background audio playback
  • Audiobus V3 and InterApp audio support
Features
Read full description

Holding the simplicity of a rare 1978 instrument and carrying its raw heritage to you, it turns your device into a pocket beat making companion. I believe that designing a pure interface, simply displaying your machine without any distraction, was the best way to reflect the spirit of the period it was born. Characteristics : - 8 Original high quality double-samples - 16 preset patterns - 3 Selective instrument deletion modes - Commutable « Spacedrum » instrument - Full machine state auto-save - Background audio playback enabled - Audiobus V3 - InterApp audio - AudioUnit - Midi - Bluetooth LE Bonuses accessible in your device settings : - Additionnal LED display for the tempo and the volume - Pattern selection LED indicators - Alternative « Rock » drum kit with integrated effects - Built-in intruments effects : « Stereo pan » and « Jungle tune » - Built-in audio effects : « Equalizer » and « Distortion » - Built-in global effects : « Delay » and « Reverb » - Mute any instrument I hope you will enjoy it as much as I love it ;-)

About

Pulsar

This music app provides a virtual drum machine with 8 pads for improvising and playing along to built-in rhythm presets. It features real-time rhythm switching, tempo control, and various effects. It also supports Ableton Link and MIDI for seamless integration with other music software and hardware.

Highlights
  • 8-pad drum machine
  • Built-in rhythm presets
  • Real-time rhythm switching
  • Tempo and accent control
  • Drive, reverb, and filter effects
  • Ableton Link synchronization
  • MIDI In/Out support
  • AUv3 compatibility
Features
Read full description

Pulsar-ES is a sample-based drum machine inspired by the Estradin Pulsar. Start with 128 factory rhythms, 64 in bank A and 64 in bank B, play the eight-pad kit, and edit MIDI notes and velocities. In version 1.0.8, Random rhythm generates a new pattern in the current slot. Swing adjusts the timing from 0 to 100%. Shape the sound with filter, reverb, overdrive, delay, chorus and compression. Save edited rhythms as separate user patterns; the factory patterns remain available. Open LINK for tempo-sync settings with compatible peers. Start/stop synchronization is a separate setting. With a MIDI output selected and a compatible route configured, send pattern notes to another instrument. In a plug-in host, routing depends on the host. For iPhone and iPad: standalone app and AUv3. Hosting, MIDI and Link features require the corresponding compatible setup.

Screenshots

DRM4 screens
Pulsar4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Pulsar at 4.3 against DRM's 3.7. Pulsar also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months) and review sentiment (67% vs 38%). DRM's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $4.99). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

DRM costs $0.99 and Pulsar $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Pulsar holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of DRM's written reviews are positive against 67% of Pulsar's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DRM ships an update every 9 months, Pulsar every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
DRM versus Pulsar: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDRMPulsar
Price$0.99 — better$4.99
Rating3.7 (12 ratings)4.3 (7 ratings) — better
Positive reviews38.5% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12 — better7
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB69 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDavid RochaixDmytro Kiro

Customer experience

DRM

All ratings12 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral8.3%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive38.5%
Neutral15.4%
Negative46.2%

Pulsar

All ratings7 ratings
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

None

DRM

No in-app purchases

None

Pulsar

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DRM free?
DRM costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pulsar free?
Pulsar costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, DRM or Pulsar?
Pulsar is rated higher. DRM averages 3.7 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Pulsar averages 4.3 from 7 ratings.
Do DRM or Pulsar have ads?
Neither DRM nor Pulsar shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DRM or Pulsar?
DRM ships an update every 9 months, and Pulsar every 3 weeks. Most recently, DRM was updated on November 7, 2026 and Pulsar on November 3, 2026.

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