Comparison

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 vs Koto Master

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

Koto Master

Features
Read full description

The koto (箏) is a Japanese plucked half-tube zither instrument, and the national instrument of Japan. It is derived from the Chinese zheng and se, and similar to the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and ajaeng, the Vietnamese đàn tranh, the Sundanese kacapi and the Kazakhstan jetigen. Koto are roughly 180 centimetres (71 in) in length, and made from Paulownia wood (Paulownia tomentosa, known as kiri). The most common type uses 13 strings strung over movable bridges used for tuning, different pieces possibly requiring different tuning. 17-string koto are also common, and act as bass in ensembles. Koto strings are generally plucked using three fingerpicks (tsume), worn on the first three fingers of the right hand.

Screenshots

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv34 screens
Koto Master3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 at none against Koto Master's shown. Koto Master's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $5.99) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On in-app purchases 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

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 costs $5.99 and Koto Master $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 versus Koto Master: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3Koto Master
Price$5.99$2.99 — better
Rating4.7 (9 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB130 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCem OlcaySENSOR NOTES JOINT STOCK COMPANY

In-app purchases

None

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3

No in-app purchases

None

Koto Master

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 free?
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Koto Master free?
Koto Master costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or Koto Master have ads?
Koto Master shows ads; ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 does not.

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