ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 vs ChaosArp
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
ChaosArp
This music app generates complex and dynamic MIDI patterns using advanced algorithms. It offers a unique rhythm event feature and variance control for extensive customization, allowing users to create evolving musical sequences.
- Arpeggiator and step sequencer modes
- Rhythm event feature with 13 algorithms
- Pitch and rhythm variance control
- Scale quantizer
- Randomizable velocity and duration
- 4 performance buttons
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Introducing ChaosArp, the next-level MIDI arpeggiator/step sequencer designed to transform your musical ideas into intricate, dynamic patterns with a unique twist. ChaosArp is not just any arpeggiator; it's a powerhouse tool that uses the same advanced algorithms as LoAdKer to modulate pitch, rhythm, velocity, and duration, creating evolving, complex but high musical patterns that breathe life into your music. Dive into the heart of your creativity with ChaosArp's innovative ‘rhythm event’ feature, which allows you to explore a variety of rhythmic modifications. From repeaters to stretchers and rests for extra space and emphasis—ChaosArp has it all. Each one of these rhythm events can be assigned to any of the 6 available slots, offering limitless possibilities. Fine-tune your sonic exploration with the innovative ‘variance’ control - which goes one step beyond the simple ‘probability’ control that most arpeggiators have. Adjusting this setting for either pitch or rhythm (or both) will vary the character of the generated sequences, from fairly minimalistic to completely chaotic, thus opening up a world of endless variations. Elevate your music production today with ChaosArp and unleash patterns that inspire! Features: - Two modes: arpeggiator and stepper - 1-16 steps - Scale quantizer, never miss a note again! - Variable rate, from 1/128 to 4 beats - 3 arpeggiator modes (up, down, up/down) - 3 stepper modes (forward, backward, ping-pong) - 1 to 4 octaves range - Latch mode - Pitch randomizer with probability and variance control and random octave - Rhythm event selector with probability and variance control - 6 assignable rhythm event slots - 13 rhythm event algorithms, including repeaters, stretchers, and rests - Repeat, stretch, and repeat rest probability controls for further customization of the rhythm event algorithms - Randomizable velocity and duration with variable range - 4 performance buttons that temporarily override the probabilities of pitch, rhythm, velocity, and duration - Automatable parameters
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: ChaosArp at 83% against ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3's 67%. ChaosArp also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and price ($3.99 vs $5.99). 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
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 costs $5.99 and ChaosArp $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ChaosArp holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3's written reviews are positive against 83% of ChaosArp's.
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 ships an update monthly, ChaosArp every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 | ChaosArp |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.99 | $3.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (9 ratings) | 4.9 (9 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | 83.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 9 | 9 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 17 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cem Olcay | Achillefs Sourlas |
Customer experience
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3
ChaosArp
In-app purchases
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3
No in-app purchases
ChaosArp
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 free?
Is ChaosArp free?
Which has better reviews, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or ChaosArp?
Do ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or ChaosArp have ads?
Which is updated more often, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or ChaosArp?
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