Comparison

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 vs mKer

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

Head to head
About

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3

This app generates random MIDI sequences using a shift register chip, inspired by a popular eurorack module. It offers extensive control over scales, octaves, velocity, and MIDI CC modulation, allowing for complex and evolving musical patterns.

Highlights
  • Random looping generative MIDI sequencing
  • 16-bit shift register logic
  • Adjustable chaos for sequence variation
  • Over 110 scales plus custom scales
  • MIDI CC generation and modulation
  • Unlimited pattern pages
  • Manual trigger function
Features
Read full description

ShiftBud is a random looping generative MIDI sequencer based on the eurorack module Turing Machine by Tom Whitwell.  It works based on the 16-bit shift register chips where it shifts its value on each sequencer step. However, you can lock the sequence in a desired length if you fully rotate the chaos knob to the left or right. If you introduce low amount of chaos, then the sequence "flips" occasionally and generate beautiful sequences. You can also produce random values if set higher amount of chaos.  The MIDI note generation can be in more than 110 scales plus your custom ScaleBud 2 scales. You can set the octave range, velocity or velocity randomness as well. You can set the higher and lower bounds on MIDI Control Change generation as well as the CC number you want to control. It's very useful on modulating synth parameters and you can even modulate the ShiftBud's AU parameters as well. You can also set a ramping value for a smoother change. With the 0% ramping, you can use it like a "sample and hold" module. With the manual trigger function, you can use another sequencer or keyboard to trigger ShiftBud's next note. You can create unlimited pattern pages on the lower left corner of the app and you can select the pattern with MIDI CC messages as well. Please note that ShiftBud is a MIDI app. The standalone version has an optional internal synth where you can enable or disable on the settings menu. The AUv3 plugin requires an audio app for output. For the AUv3 functionality, it needs to be hosted within an app such as AUM, Loopy Pro, Cubasis, Logic Pro, Nanostudio, Drambo, or apeMatrix.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

*** 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

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv34 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 at 4.7 against mKer's 4.5. ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 also leads on device support (3 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 costs $3.99 and mKer $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 22 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3's written reviews are positive against 64% of mKer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 ships an update monthly, mKer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and August 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 versus mKer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3mKer
Price$3.99$3.99
Rating4.7 (9 ratings) — better4.5 (22 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better63.6% of reviews
Number of ratings922 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCem OlcayAxart Labs OU

Customer experience

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3

All ratings9 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%

mKer

All ratings20 ratings
Positive85.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative10.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral9.1%
Negative27.3%

In-app purchases

None

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3

No in-app purchases

None

mKer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 free?
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is mKer free?
mKer costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or mKer?
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 is rated higher. ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while mKer averages 4.5 from 22 ratings.
Do ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or mKer have ads?
Neither ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 nor mKer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or mKer?
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 ships an update monthly, and mKer every 3 weeks. Most recently, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 was updated on September 21, 2026 and mKer on August 22, 2026.

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