ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 vs Prism MIDI Sequencer
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.
Prism MIDI Sequencer
This app is a powerful 16-track MIDI step sequencer designed for iOS devices. It allows users to create complex musical patterns with high resolution, elastic timing, and per-step control. It integrates with external synths and samplers, offering extensive features for melody, harmony, and drum sequencing.
- 16-track AUv3 MIDI step sequencer
- High resolution and elastic timing
- Per-step control and step FX
- Scale modes and flow modes for tonal tracks
- 16 mini-sequencers per drum track
- LFOs, arpeggiator, and generative tools
- Scene and mute profile performance modes
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Prism is a 16-track AUv3 MIDI step sequencer for iPhone and iPad that turns sparks of inspiration into living, breathing music. It’s built for touch and flow—pair it with your favorite synths, samplers, drum apps, and gear. Key Features ------------- [ Sequencing Engine ] ---------------------- - High resolution: 1/32 steps, up to 512 trigs/pattern, swing, polyphony, micro-timing per step - Elastic timing: per-sequence lengths plus smooth speed changes for real polyrhythm/polymeter - Per-step control: parameter locks and Step FX - Playback modes: Standard, Overlap, Trig Legato, Drone - Capture everything: live record with quantize, retroactive recording (always listening), and tap-in steps - Human feel & probability: Chance, Every, Hold, Range, Accent [ Tonal Tracks (Melody & Harmony) ] ------------------------------------ - Always in key: scale modes across the app (use built-in scales or create your own) - Note input modes: Poly, Chord Simple, Chord Multi, Chord Blocks - Flow modes (musical logic): Standard, Peek, Echo, Melt, Mirror - Per-Trig Step FX: Velocity, Pitch, Ratchet, Strum - Multi-Seq: 4 independent sequencers per tonal track to weave interlocking parts - Import and edit .MIDI files [ Drum Tracks (Kits & Samplers) ] ---------------------------------- - 16 mini-sequencers per drum track with independent settings, FX, and controls - Modular linking, advanced layering, and Drum↔Tone interactions for shared timing tricks - Drum profiles for fast kit routing and universal connectivity - Per-Trig Step FX (drum): Velocity, Length, Ratchet, Flam [ Modulation, Generative & Creative Tools ] ------------------------------------------- - 6 LFOs per track (track-tied and CC-tied) for tempo-synced movement and evolving patterns - Per-track/pattern 16-step Arpeggiator—from classic to experimental - Harmonizer and Hue Sequencer for chord color and phrase rotation - Tape-style MIDI Slicer & Looper (per track/pattern) for instant remixing - Smart randomizers: one-tap generation for drum patterns, sequences, and fx. [ Performance, Workflow & UI ] ------------------------------ - Scenes, mute profiles, and bar looper to play, capture, and perform. - Fast edits: copy, paste, multi-select, quick duplicate - Multi-touch keypad matrix & sequencer for hands-on control - Light & Dark themes - Host-aware saving (internal presets + AUv3 state) [ Hardware & Host Integration ] ------------------------------- - Deep, bi-directional control for Novation Launchpad (Pro, Mk3, Mini, X) and Launchkey Mini MK4 with LED feedback & mappings - External MIDI in/out/thru, per-track channel routing - AUv3 works in leading hosts (e.g., AUM, Logic Pro for iPad) [ Timing & Specs ] ------------------- - High-precision engine: 480 PPQN for tight playback at any tempo - iPhone & iPad AUv3 (MIDI-only; no built-in sounds) ---------- Find more info at sites.google.com/view/prism-midi-sequencer/home Happy creating, y’all. —A Mortal Mage
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 at $3.99 against Prism MIDI Sequencer's $19.99. ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). Prism MIDI Sequencer's advantage is review sentiment (86% vs 67%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On rating, ads 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
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 costs $3.99 and Prism MIDI Sequencer $19.99 up front. Prism MIDI Sequencer sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 against 4.8 for Prism MIDI Sequencer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 33 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3's written reviews are positive against 86% of Prism MIDI Sequencer's.
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 ships an update monthly, Prism MIDI Sequencer every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.
| Parameter | ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 | Prism MIDI Sequencer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 — better | $19.99 |
| Rating | 4.7 (9 ratings) | 4.8 (33 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | 85.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 9 | 33 — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 55 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cem Olcay | Tyler Quatraro |
Customer experience
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3
Prism MIDI Sequencer
In-app purchases
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3
No in-app purchases
Prism MIDI Sequencer
- LFO Extension$4.99
- Step FX$4.99
- Multi-Sequencer [Tone Tracks]$4.99
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- Launchkey Mini MK4 Control$4.99
- Euclidean Sequencer Extension$4.99
Questions
Is ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 free?
Is Prism MIDI Sequencer free?
Which has better reviews, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or Prism MIDI Sequencer?
Do ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or Prism MIDI Sequencer have ads?
Which is updated more often, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or Prism MIDI Sequencer?
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