Mellotron Updater vs SysX Buddy
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Mellotron Updater
Update the operating system of your Rev 2 Micro Mellotron using Bluetooth. This utility specifically targets firmware updates and does not alter the device's sounds. Ensure your device is compatible and follow the in-app instructions for a smooth update process.
- Bluetooth firmware updates
- Rev 2 Micro Mellotron support
- Firmware status indicator (green/red text)
- Restart required for update
- In-app update instructions
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App for updating your Rev 2 Micro Mellotron via Bluetooth The Rev 2 Micro is the revision without the SD slot in the back. On the Rev 1 the SD slot is between the Midi jacks and the Phones jack. The Rev 1 needs to be updated with an SD card. Please contact us via our Instagram page. NOTE: This app is only intended for updating the firmware, i.e. operating system. It will not change the sounds of your Micro. The Micro is not designed to have the sounds updated, neither via SD cards nor via Bluetooth. A full update of all the parts of the firmware will take ca 30 seconds. Only the parts of the firmware where the text is in green need to be updated. The parts that have red text don't have to be updated, and you can select "No". NOTE: This app will only transfer the firmware to the Micro's Bluetooth circuit. You will need to re-start your micro to do the actual update. Please follow the instructions in the app and on the screens of the Micro. NOTE: You will need an IP5S or later to use this app.
SysX Buddy
Manage MIDI System Exclusive messages on your iPhone or iPad. This utility allows you to send, receive, edit, and organize SysEx data for vintage synthesizers and sound modules. It supports external MIDI devices and BLE-MIDI, bridging classic instruments with modern mobile technology.
- Send and receive MIDI SysEx messages
- File manager with folder creation
- Hex viewer for SysEx data
- Create and edit SysEx files
- Support for USB MIDI devices
- Support for BLE-MIDI
- iCloud Drive integration
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Turn your iPhone or iPad into a dedicated SysEx manager. A reliable companion for your vintage MIDI gear. SysX Buddy is a straightforward and powerful app for sending, receiving, editing, and managing MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) messages. SysEx messages were widely used in the 1980s and 1990s by classic synthesizers and sound modules. SysX Buddy helps bridge the gap between these vintage instruments and your modern iPhone or iPad. Key Features - Send and receive MIDI SysEx messages - Simple file manager with folder creation - View SysEx data in a hex viewer - Create and edit SysEx files in hex format - Send a dump request message when recording - Support for external MIDI devices (USB MIDI) - Support for BLE-MIDI (Bluetooth Low Energy) - Save files anywhere on your device --- with fully customizable folder locations, including iCloud Drive. Note that: - There might be some communication issues on iOS/iPadOS 14. - The application and description contain AI-generated contents. - The data in the screenshot are not included by the application.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Mellotron Updater at Free against SysX Buddy's $4.99. Mellotron Updater also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). SysX Buddy's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 3.0). 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
Mellotron Updater is free to download; SysX Buddy costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SysX Buddy holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 3 respectively.
Mellotron Updater ships an update every 2 months, SysX Buddy every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Mellotron Updater | SysX Buddy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $4.99 |
| Rating | 3.0 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 34 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Markus Resch | Ryouta Kira |
Customer experience
Mellotron Updater
SysX Buddy
In-app purchases
Mellotron Updater
No in-app purchases
SysX Buddy
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Mellotron Updater free?
Is SysX Buddy free?
Which has better reviews, Mellotron Updater or SysX Buddy?
Do Mellotron Updater or SysX Buddy have ads?
Which is updated more often, Mellotron Updater or SysX Buddy?
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