LoopStar vs NovoNotes Duo
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
LoopStar
Record audio loops and create beats with various effects. This app allows you to capture short audio clips and master tracks, then record video to share your musical creations. It offers a new way to start making music directly from your iPhone.
- Record audio loops
- Create beats with effects
- Record master audio tracks
- Record master video tracks
- Share music creations
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LoopStar 1.31 is a powerful new iPhone & iPad Audio Loop and Video Recorder App: Record loops and create beats with audio effects, and record master audio and video tracks to share with the world. LoopStar is a new amazing way to start your music creation. With LoopStar you can create tight little audio clips and tracks right from your iPhone.
NovoNotes Duo
This app extends your desktop Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) with mobile device capabilities. Use your smartphone or tablet as a MIDI controller or run mobile audio plugins directly within your Mac's music production software.
- Use mobile audio plugins on Mac DAW
- Integrate AUv3 plugin ecosystem
- Transform smartphone into MIDI controller
- Supports MPE for expressive performances
- Real-time control for live performance
- Mobile controller for on-the-go use
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NovoNotes Duo is an app that supports music production on your desktop DAW. It is composed of "mini-apps" that extend the functionality of your DAW on the Mac. The currently available mini-apps include the following, with plans to expand in future updates. 1. SideRack Server "SideRack" is software that allows audio plugins running on mobile devices, such as iPads and iPhones, to be used from a desktop DAW. This product makes it possible to easily integrate the innovative AUv3 plugin ecosystem and the touch interface experience into a professional music production environment. SideRack consists of two components: the "SideRack Plugin," which is inserted into the DAW on a Mac, and the "SideRack Server," which operates on a mobile device. It quickly transfers audio and MIDI signals inputted into the SideRack Plugin from the DAW to the SideRack Server via a USB cable for processing. To install the SideRack plugin, please visit our website: https://novo-notes.com/side-rack 2. MIDI Controller "MIDI Controller" transforms your smartphone or tablet into a MIDI controller for your desktop DAW. This mini-app supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), enabling detailed and expressive performances. Compatible with a wide range of DAWs, it’s ideal for real-time control during live performances, music production in your home studio, or as a mobile controller on the go.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: NovoNotes Duo at 100% against LoopStar's 33%. NovoNotes Duo also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.7) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). LoopStar's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs monthly) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ratings volume, 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
Both are free to download. LoopStar sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. NovoNotes Duo asks for nothing beyond the download.
NovoNotes Duo holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 8 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of LoopStar's written reviews are positive against 100% of NovoNotes Duo's.
LoopStar ships an update every 10 days, NovoNotes Duo monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LoopStar | NovoNotes Duo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (6 ratings) | 4.8 (8 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 6 | 8 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 7HillsStudios | MAGNETICA STUDIO INC. |
Customer experience
LoopStar
NovoNotes Duo
In-app purchases
LoopStar
- LoopStar Monthly Subscription$0.491 Month
- LoopStar Yearly Subscription$4.991 Year
NovoNotes Duo
No in-app purchases






