DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin vs Blackstar BEAM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin
This AUv3 compatible plugin functions as a drum machine and sampler for DAWs. It offers extensive sample hosting, multi-layer control, advanced pattern editing, and flexible routing for both internal and external effects. Easily create and manipulate drum kits with its redesigned interface and robust features.
- 64 assignable pads with 4 banks
- Up to 64 samples per drumkit with 5 layers per pad
- Advanced multi-sample layer control
- Internal and external effect routing
- Sophisticated multi-layer Auto Sampler
- Export patterns as MIDI stems and audio
- Drag and drop sample functionality
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DigiStix 2 is an AUv3 compatible drum machine and sampler plugin for your favourite DAW. This new version of DigiStix brings some distinct advantages over its predecessor, most notably the ability to host up to 64 samples per drumkit with 5 layers per pad. The interface has been drastically redesigned for iPad to make better use of full screen mode, allowing a popular MPC style 4x4 pad layout with 4 banks of samples. Digistix 2 also allows greater control over the multi-sample layers, with the ability to individually control the volume levels and pitch of layers as well as global pitch and tune settings all from the new sample window. Previously, each pad had effect sends for the internal reverb and delay effects, but this can now be routed to external busses 9 and 10 for processing using external effects. The controller editing is now build into the main display and can be edited in place without the need to scroll the interface. It also now supports extra effect controllers. A new context aware control window allows you to quickly change pad settings without the need for popup windows. DigiStix 2 now supports GM and original DS drum kit layouts, and includes a sophisticated multi-layer Auto Sampler, capable of recording new GM compatible drumkits automatically from your hardware. It is 100% backward compatible with the original app, and can be used as a drop-in replacement. Drag and drop support now allows you to directly drop samples on specific layers, as well as preview and edit them directly. You can create new kits by simply combining banks from existing kits into one mega kit, or use our non destructive referencing to include sounds from other kits. The randomize feature has been enhanced so you can randomize individual instruments or within specific banks. The new continuous MIDI learn mode makes custom mapping a breeze. Patterns can also be exported as MIDI stems for use in other packages including a direct import to Helium clips. You can also export patterns as audio in the latest version. The auto sample feature allows automated recording of GM compatible kits directly from hardware drum machines. The slice editor can also be used for MPC style slicing of audio clips. Features: • 64 Assignable Pads (4 banks of 16 pads). • Advanced Randomize Pattern feature. • Internal & external effect routing. • Mix and match different kits with drum references. • Up to 64 beats per pattern. • Songs up to 255 patterns in length. • Reverse Mode, Triplets and Accents. • Supports Mute Groups. • Multi-layer and Round Robin modes. • DS and GM MIDI Mapping. • 64 channel Mixer. • 8 band EQ. • Randomize Feature. • Sophisticated Auto Sampler • Export loops to audio and MIDI formats. • Looping Mode with Time Stretching. • Build in Delay, Reverb, Overdrive, Bit Crunch and LP/HP Filters. • Paramter Automation from your DAW. • Local and Remove MIDI Sync. • Built in Sampler. • Multi-bus/outputs when using AUM • Multiple Import options. • Melodic Remapping. • MIDI Mapping. • Real time and Step pattern recording. • iTunes and Filer importing of samples. • Files App Drag & Drop Support • Sample Slicer
Blackstar BEAM
This app provides guitarists with an immersive headphone amp experience, offering pro-level sound and creative freedom. Explore artist-created sound patches, share your own tones within a global community, and access backing tracks and video lessons for continuous learning.
- Immersive headphone amp experience
- Official artist sound patches
- Online community for tone sharing
- Backing tracks
- Video lessons
- Creative freedom for guitarists
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BEAM — the most immersive, intuitive guitar experience for modern players. Whether you’re jamming at home, on the move, recording ideas, or just grabbing ten minutes of play time between everything else, BEAM gives you pro-level sound with complete creative freedom — wherever you are. Head over to the companion BEAM app to find Official Artist Patches from the likes of Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies), Phil Collen (Def Leppard) and so many more. You can join in the fun and share your own tones on the BEAM app Online Community, as well as download other creators’ patches from a vibrant global community of players just like you. You can even share your favourite patches with friends over message with just a simple tap. Within the Music section of the BEAM app, you’ll find a host of backing tracks and video lessons to help you stay inspired and continue your learning journey. BEAM is a complete one-stop solution for guitar players today, whether you’re using BEAM SOLO or BEAM MINI.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Blackstar BEAM at Free against DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin's $14.99. DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 2.4) and review sentiment (67% vs 28%). 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
Blackstar BEAM is free to download; DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin costs $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 51 and 29 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin's written reviews are positive against 28% of Blackstar BEAM's.
DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin ships an update every 5 weeks, Blackstar BEAM every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin | Blackstar BEAM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.5 (51 ratings) — better | 2.4 (29 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews — better | 27.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 51 — better | 29 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Ad-supported — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 313 MB | 100 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | 4Pockets.com | Blackstar Amplification Ltd. |
Customer experience
DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin
Blackstar BEAM
In-app purchases
DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin
No in-app purchases
Blackstar BEAM
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin free?
Is Blackstar BEAM free?
Which has better reviews, DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin or Blackstar BEAM?
Do DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin or Blackstar BEAM have ads?
Which is updated more often, DigiStix 2 AUv3 Plugin or Blackstar BEAM?
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