PatternBud vs mKer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PatternBud
This app sequences MIDI CC and Program Change messages to control patterns in music applications. It allows for sophisticated song arrangements by timing pattern changes in synthesizers and drum machines. Features include multi-track sequencing, flexible step durations, and an advanced action system for dynamic control.
- Multi-track sequencing
- MIDI CC and Program Change support
- Flexible step durations
- Advanced action system
- Tempo synchronization
- AUv3 plugin format
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PatternBud is a MIDI CC and Program Change sequencer designed for controlling patterns across your music applications. Create sophisticated song arrangements by sequencing pattern changes in your synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers based on musical timing such as bars, beats, or note values. Key Features: - Multi-track sequencer with unlimited tracks and steps per track - Individual MIDI channel and CC number assignment per track - MIDI CC and Program Change message support for each step - Flexible step durations: bars, beats, note values, seconds, or minutes - Advanced action system for dynamic pattern control - Random value generation with customizable min/max ranges - Step-based actions including pattern jumps and random pattern selection - Copy, paste, insert, and delete operations for efficient workflow - Real-time step progress visualization with duration indicators - Tempo synchronization with host applications - Pattern switching via MIDI CC input - Comprehensive MIDI input and output routing - AudioKit-powered MIDI engine for precise timing - AUv3 plugin format for seamless DAW integration - Standalone app operation for hardware setups - iCloud based preset manager Advanced Action System: - Jump to specific steps or patterns - Trigger random steps within tracks - Send custom MIDI notes, CC, or PC messages - Execute actions at step start or end points - Chain multiple actions per step Perfect for controlling: - Pattern-based synthesizers and drum machines - Sequencer applications with multiple patterns - Hardware devices via MIDI CC/PC messages - Complex song arrangements and live performances - Any audio app supporting MIDI CC or AU parameter control PatternBud serves as the conductor for your electronic music setup, enabling you to create evolving compositions by orchestrating pattern changes across your entire rig. The application produces no audio itself - it focuses purely on MIDI control and timing. For AUv3 plugin usage, you'll need a compatible host application such as AUM, Cubase, apeMatrix, BeatMaker, or similar DAW software.
mKer
A versatile MIDI step sequencer designed for music creation. It offers multiple outputs, extensive pattern and lane customization, and advanced step editing. Best used within an AUv3 host app for sound generation.
- 8 MIDI outputs
- 64 Patterns with 16 Lanes each
- Customizable Steps and Step Size per Lane
- Advanced Step Parameters (Pitch, Velocity, Probability, etc.)
- Flexible Editor with Step Entry Keyboard
- 32 Clips with Repeat Functionality
- Performance Tab with Assignable Sliders and Morphing
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*** Note *** Although mKer can run as a stand-alone app, the recommended way to use it is as an AUv3 plugin from inside a suitable AU Host app that supports MIDI Processors such as AUM, Audiobus, Cubasis etc. Please also note that mKer is a MIDI app/plugin. That means that it does not produce sound itself - it needs to be connected to an audio source that can receive MIDI. mKer is a versatile, multi-output MIDI step sequencer with an extensive range of features. These include: - 8 MIDI outputs - 64 Patterns - 16 Lanes (aka tracks) per Pattern - Independent number of Steps (1-32) and Step Size (1/64-256 beats) per Lane per Pattern - Every step can play either a single note, an interval (2 notes) or a chord (3 or 4 notes) - Lane Step parameters: Play Cycles, Skip Cycles, Play Offset Cycles, Pitch, Velocity, Probability, Offset (can be used for ‘swing’ like effects), Repeat (rachet) and Gate - A flexible Editor that includes a step entry keyboard, parameter sliders and a variety of options and utilities designed for to make the workflow intuitive and fast - 32 Clips with 1-8 Steps per Clip, 1-128 repeats per step (every clip step has one pattern) - 3 Play Modes: Pattern, Clip, Sequence (all Clips) - A Performance tab with 10 fully assignable MIDI sliders, a 12-snapshot bank and morphing function between the snapshots... - MIDI step input and real-time recording - 12-track beat generator with six genres, density, intensity and GM beat mapping ... and more!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: mKer at 64% against PatternBud's 44%. mKer also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (22 vs 6). PatternBud's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, 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
PatternBud costs $3.99 and mKer $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
mKer holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 22 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of PatternBud's written reviews are positive against 64% of mKer's.
PatternBud ships an update every 2 weeks, mKer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and August 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PatternBud | mKer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (6 ratings) | 4.5 (22 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 44.4% of reviews | 63.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 6 | 22 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 57 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cem Olcay | Axart Labs OU |
Customer experience
PatternBud
mKer
In-app purchases
PatternBud
No in-app purchases
mKer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PatternBud free?
Is mKer free?
Which has better reviews, PatternBud or mKer?
Do PatternBud or mKer have ads?
Which is updated more often, PatternBud or mKer?
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