DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin vs Strokes
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin
This is a pattern-based MIDI sequencer plugin for AUv3 compatible hosts. It can drive external MIDI instruments or its internal sample-based audio engine. Create looped patterns, chain them into songs, and experiment with real-time performance modes.
- Pattern-based MIDI sequencing
- Internal sample-based audio engine
- 16 MIDI tracks per pattern
- Song creation up to 256 patterns
- Random pattern generator
- Live matrix performance mode
- Multi-Bus output support
Read full descriptionHide full description
DigiKeys is an AUv3 compatible MIDI sequencer plugin for AUM or other AUv3 compatible host applications. DigiKeys is a pattern based sequencer which can be used to drive either external MIDI based AUv3 instruments, or the internal sample based audio engine. It can also be used as a 16 channel multi-timbral sound source accepting MIDI data on each of the 16 MIDI channels and routing to 16 internal instruments. This flexible design allows you to experiment with pattern based song construction using the DigiKeys sound engine, then map to external MIDI based synth engines once an idea needs expanding. The program was created specifically for AUM, but should function fine under any DAW of your choice (routing options permitting). The advantage of AUM is its unlimited routing flexibility, and the ability to split MIDI output in order to feed multiple AV3 sound sources DigiKeys allows you to create looped patterns which can later be chained into songs. Each pattern has 16 tracks (one for each MIDI channel) which can be up to 32 steps in length. Each track can have its own playback speed, transposition and effects routings. You can chain up to 256 of these patterns together into a song, and since each song is tied to a scale, you can use the transpose function to quickly create chord changes without needing to redesign your patterns. DigiKeys was designed to drive other MIDI compatible AUv3 plugins, but comes equiped with its own internal synth engine with over 100 custom presets. If you own the 4Pockets Chameleon sampler plugin, DigiKeys will auotmatically make those instruments available to you, so its easy to expand the library of instruments using Chameleon. The app has its own custom MIDI mixer, which controls incoming / outgoing MIDI velocity levels rather than traditional audio levels. This allows you to control relative volumes of internal as well as external MIDI instruments. It also allows DigiKeys to be used as a multi-timbral sound source with level mixing, by routing MIDI data on each of the 16 incoming ports to seperate instruments. DigiKeys features a sophisticated random pattern generator capable of taking advantage of random velocities, probability, note length, sub beats and reverse hits. It can even randomize targetted notes that comply to a chord in the song scale. The latest update introduces a live matrix performance mode that lets you mix tracks from different patterns in real time, creating scenes to aid your performance. Patterns and scenes can be triggered remotely from MIDI equipment sending simple note data on MIDI channel 16. Also recently added is the ability to route internal sound to different output busses for adding external effects in AUM. We also include 3 global effects, reverb, chorus and digital delay which allow per track routing. Features: • 16 MIDI tracks per pattern. • Randomize Patterns. • Up to 32 beats per pattern. • Songs up to 256 patterns in length. • Supports Multi-Bus out in AUM. • Definable track muting, repeat length and transposing per song step. • Selectable Key, Scale and Chords to use as guides. • Various edit modes allowing fades and drum rolls. • Supports Reverse Mode, Probability, Triplets etc.. • Ability to override the scale for drum tracks. • 16 channel Mixer. • Track Mutes and Solo options. • 8 band EQ. • Build in Delay, Reverb and Chorus. • Live Matrix. (iPad Only) • Remote pattern switching. • Chamelon Instrument Compatability. • Per pattern Automation. • Comprehensive clipboard functionality. • Local and Remote MIDI Sync. • Real time and Step pattern recording. • HTTP interface for backup / restore of songs.
Strokes
This cross-platform audio workstation encourages rhythmic experimentation through sequencing, sampling, and synthesis. It offers intuitive controls for creating unique patterns and soundscapes, with cross-patched sequencers and modulation for cohesive results.
- Sequencing, sampling, and synthesis
- Intuitive design for experimentation
- Cross-patched sequencers and modulation
- Assign oscillators or samples
- Probability options for semi-random changes
- On-board reverb and delay effects
- VST3/AU plugin and standalone iOS app
Read full descriptionHide full description
Sound On Sound (Jan 2023): ""Huge fun, and musically potent. A dedicated pattern sequencer for your DAW that opens up all sorts of polyrhythmic, pseudo-random, non-linear possibilities." Tom Rowlands [Chemical Brothers] : "Strokes is an amazing device for rhythmic inspiration. Its a lot of fun to play with and can lead to some very cool unexpected patterns and combinations" CDM : "Its just really elegant... a semi-modular powerhouse for exploring polyrhythms, both in musical note/percussion patterns and modulation. So, uh… whoa." DJ Mag: "DJs and producers wanting to create intricate sequencer patterns should look at Strokes" MusicRadar: "An instant inspiration generator" International Orange: "An elevated groovebox" ---------------------------------- Welcome to Strokes. An all-in-one, cross-platform workstation for sequencing, sampling and synthesis. The idea of this device is to encourage free-flow experimentation and exploration of rhythm and modulation. The architecture behind Strokes is complex, but on the surface it’s designed to be intuitive no matter what your experience level is. By setting up some sounds and turning the dials, anyone can create interesting and unique results. The sequencing and modulation are cross-patched, meaning the actions of one part impact on another - in this way, the patterns all form part of the greater whole, moving in symbiosis to create cohesive results. The first four sequencer channels can be set according to your wishes, while the other four behave in various ways according to those settings. Each channel can be assigned one of 16 oscillators from Mutable Instruments’ celebrated Plaits module. Alternatively, they can each be assigned to samples of your choice with various sound design options. There are probability options to add semi-random changes to the sequencers, and on-board reverb and delay add effects processing to the sounds being generated. Various modulation options allow these sounds and effects to be changed in subtle or significant ways, always in response to the other rhythmic behaviour taking place in the project. Rather than relying on methodical programming of patterns or computer-defined ‘randomness’, Strokes offers a way to create surprising music with an emphasis on fun. Nothing happens by accident, but you never quite know where a jam will take you. With the means to store patterns and melodic information within a project, one set up can produce different results every time. Strokes can run as a VST3 or AU plug-in within all major DAW environments, meaning the MIDI information generated can also be assigned to your own software and hardware instruments. On iOS, Strokes can run as a standalone application or from within a host such as AUM. Desktop VST3 & AU are a separate purchase, available at congburn.co.uk/strokes ---------------------------------- Video Manual - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUa8ZmeONjE Synth/iOS demo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9IXqFBCa24 Sampler/iOS demo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvLasl_wois PDF Manual - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hViEDttYSAIFygN1Y4kWXByMXfX5r3K4 ---------------------------------- Strokes contains DSP code provided under the MIT open source license by Mutable Instruments. Plaits © 2016 Emilie Gillet https://github.com/pichenettes/eurorack
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin at $9.99 against Strokes's $19.99. DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Strokes's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (100% vs 79%). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin costs $9.99 and Strokes $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Strokes holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 27 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin's written reviews are positive against 100% of Strokes's.
DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin ships an update every 10 days, Strokes fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin | Strokes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 — better | $19.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (19 ratings) | 5.0 (27 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 78.6% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 19 | 27 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 307 MB | 21 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 4Pockets.com | John Howes |
Customer experience
DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin
Strokes
In-app purchases
DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin
No in-app purchases
Strokes
No in-app purchases





