Comparison

7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker vs MidiStep

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

Head to head
About

7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker

Create complex FM synthesizer sounds and sequences with this 7-track music production tool. Features include LFO modulation, piano roll editing, and built-in effects like echo and reverb. Sync with other apps via Ableton Link or MIDI, and export your creations.

Highlights
  • 4 operator FM synthesizer
  • 7-track sequencer
  • LFO modulation
  • Piano roll editing
  • Echo and reverb effects
  • Ableton Link and MIDI sync
  • Audio export
Features
Read full description

Welcome to 7XFM - a 4 operator FM synthesizer and 7 track sequencer with Ableton link, recording, and routing for your audio to connect to AUM or Audiobus. With most of the important synthesizer settings found in most FM synthesizers and added modulation. Modulate the operators over time with the LFO, plus dynamics for amplitude and pitch of modulators wherever you add an ACCENT Pick from a range of preset frequencies for carrier and modulators (influenced by Orla DSE/Bohm FM Expander synthesisers) Create those classic FM sounds from punchy Lately Bass to smooth 80s fm pads or crazy chaotic FM sound effects. Keep in Sync with your apps using Ableton Link or MIDI Send MIDI clock or MIDI note as separate channels. This app was influenced by the Korg Volca/Electribe FM synth sequencers as well as TX81z and Orla DSE9 FM synthesizer SEQUENCER The sequencer has 7 channels containing a sequence dedicated to a tone sound. You can create sequences using step edit or bring up the PIANO ROLL for quick step placement. You can just randomly generate steps - either random choice pitches or SELECT NOTES. or shuffle the sequence PIANO ROLL! its easy to create melodies and bass lines fast! Double click step to cycle though octaves or erase across step with finger motion. Mask keys so you can define keys and swipe across bar with finger motion to lay down steps easily. EFFECTS! Each track has echo, reverb and a low pass filter similar to add some spacial atmosphere or emulate an analogue synthesizer. COOL CREATIVE FEATURES! 2nd and 3rd voice generators with detune and transpose by semitomes for fat chorus effects or chorded notes Auto level ducking switchable input from bass metronome or any track Playback timing of notes on sequences - steps triggered either at 4th or 8th timings - a sequence can play slower and last longer equivalent to 512 steps Added a “mutate tone” option that slowly modifies the sound randomly away from original. Added “randomise tone” that completely creates a random tone from fresh. GLOBAL TRANSPOSE! All channels can be transposed simultaneously on the fly to create great layered melodies, and you can choose which ones are ignored (TR LOCK) for things like sound effects. SONG MODE is like a playlist of programs, where you can chain programs from either the current loaded program or imported saved program file. A scene can have any track muted, global transposed, reset counter at start (D.C.) "Da Capo", override step length and control the BEAT ON metronome mode. You can then arm sampling and record the chained programs and export the audio. Save your Songs and they won't be affected by changes in the original programs. EXPORT! You can easily record a perfect loop of whatever is playing and export via AudioCopy or Audioshare as well as email and IOS Folder Export your tones, sequences or whole programs to another device, friend or saved elsewhere SYNC This is compatible with Ableton Link as well as MIDI so you have options for connecting to external hardware or other apps while keeping in time AUDIO ROUTING Output the main audio to other apps such as Audiobus or AUM to allow those apps to record or process your creations EXTERNAL CONTROL Control Mute of tracks with midi keys, volume of track-channel with MIDI CC 176 for channel 1, , 177 - channel 2 etc .. MIDI note input of one track's sound available while sequencer is playing all tracks - selectable tracks controlled by all midi channels (omni) THIS DOESNT ACCEPT MULTIPLE MIDI PER SEQUENCE.

About

MidiStep

Create complex rhythms and generative music with a powerful step sequencer. Control randomization for notes, chords, velocity, and more to generate unique, ever-changing musical patterns. Automate synth parameters with independent modulation lanes.

Highlights
  • User-controlled randomization for musical parameters
  • Polyphonic chord playback per step
  • Variable step sequence lengths
  • Multiple linked patterns
  • 8 independent modulation lanes
  • Real-time modification of randomization
Features
Read full description

MidiStep is a powerful and inspirational polyphonic step sequencer, and a dream for lovers of complex rhythms and generative music creation tools. The program uses sophisticated, user-controlled randomization to generate notes with a variety of parameters, including note values, note length, chords, patterns, velocity, gate, dividers, repeats, swing, and many more. You have complete control over what, when, and how much is randomized on a step-by-step basis. You can easily create patterns that have little to no variation, patterns that maintain a recognizable pattern but have some degree of variations to the notes, velocity, etc., all the way to patterns with extreme randomness with every pass – the degree of randomization is completely under your control for every parameter and for every step of a pattern. Features include per-step polyphonic chord playback, variable step sequence lengths for all parameters such as pitch, octave, velocity, note duration, beat divisions etc, and the capability to create multiple patterns which can be linked together in various ways. MidiStep also features 8 additional modulation lanes with independent play speeds. These can be used to automate parameters within your favourite synths. MidiStep uses sophisticated randomization settings for note values, note lengths, velocity, gate, dividers, repeats, swing, pitch bend and modulation. In addition, by setting different cycle lengths, step skips, step repeats, jumps, rewinds, cursor positions, pattern jumps, octave shifts, and many other parameters, you can create an infinite number of non-repeating sequences. The degree and types of randomizations for each of these parameters is up to you! Aleatoric music, also known as chance music, allows you to create patterns and entire compositions with user-controlled randomisation. The word 'aleatory' is derived from the Latin word 'alea' meaning dice. MidiStep allows you to turn on/off randomisation on a stepwise basis for almost all parameters, set the percent probability that the randomisation will occur, set min/max values, set exactly which parameters will be randomized, etc. The exact realization of the music will vary with each pass of the sequence, resulting in unique and captivating aleatoric renditions. All randomization controls can be modified in real-time. Features include: •Each of the 16 sequences can have unlimited types and degrees of randomness that you control. •8 independent sequencer lanes: Notes, Chords, Octaves, Velocity, Gate, Divider, Repeat, Delay. •8 independent Modulation sequencer lanes. •16 Patterns and 4 types of pattern switching, independent for each pattern. •Up to 16 steps per pattern, 16 patterns, and 16 cycles per pattern for a maximum sequence length of 4096 notes. •Independent sequencer length (1–16 steps) for each of the 16 lanes. •A Master step cursor independent of all other lanes. •Independent randomization parameters for each of the 16 lanes, with probability, min/max values, default values, skips, repeats, etc. •Unlimited variety of sequences, from slight variation to wildly different sequences on every pass. •126 scales and 126 chords – in every key, along with a scale and chord editor for you to create your own. •Chord complexity for 2–8 note chords, with notes specified or randomly generated. •Chord Articulation options – Block chords, Strum up/down, Arp up/down – with accent, length, speed, and random note order parameters. •Master lane and Chord lane previews. •Pattern Creator - automatic melody, chord, bass and drum backing. •Auto-scroll chord lane. •7-octave range for notes and chords (from C1–C8), with static and random octave offsets. •11 note lengths – from 1/32 note to 4 full measures, plus ties across notes, rests, repeated notes, and delays. •Two types of Swing with adjustable offset. •Humanize settings for note velocity and note timing. •Transposition of sequences using a keyboard – mono for single notes, and poly for chords.

Screenshots

7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker4 screens
MidiStep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker at $1.99 against MidiStep's $14.99. 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). MidiStep's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (81% vs 50%). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker costs $1.99 and MidiStep $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MidiStep holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 26 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker's written reviews are positive against 81% of MidiStep's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker ships an update every 5 days, MidiStep every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker versus MidiStep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop MakerMidiStep
Price$1.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.0 (6 ratings)4.8 (26 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews81.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings626 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRob Wilmot4Pockets.com

Customer experience

7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker

All ratings6 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%

MidiStep

All ratings25 ratings
Positive96.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative4.0%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive81.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative18.8%

In-app purchases

None

7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker

No in-app purchases

None

MidiStep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker free?
7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MidiStep free?
MidiStep costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker or MidiStep?
MidiStep is rated higher. 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker averages 4.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while MidiStep averages 4.8 from 26 ratings.
Do 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker or MidiStep have ads?
Neither 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker nor MidiStep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker or MidiStep?
7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker ships an update every 5 days, and MidiStep every 2 weeks. Most recently, 7XDXFM 4OP FM Loop Maker was updated on October 27, 2026 and MidiStep on October 30, 2026.

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