ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 vs CentiGrade Visual Tuner
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.
CentiGrade Visual Tuner
This app provides instant, ad-free tuning with a unique rolling trace feature for pitch practice. Its interface dynamically zooms as you approach the target note, offering multiple visual modes and presets for various instruments.
- Instant tuning on launch
- Rolling trace for pitch history
- Dynamic zoom interface
- Fluid wave visualizer
- Chromatic, Guitar, Bass presets
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No Ads: Instant tuning as soon as you open the app. Rolling Trace: See a historical line of your pitch for perfect intonation practice. Dynamic Zoom: The interface adapts as you get closer to your target note. Multiple Modes: Toggle between a fluid wave visualizer and the rolling history roll. Presets: Support for Chromatic, Guitar, and Bass tuning.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: CentiGrade Visual Tuner at every 4 days against ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3's monthly. CentiGrade Visual Tuner also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and price ($0.99 vs $5.99). ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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 $5.99 and CentiGrade Visual Tuner $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
CentiGrade Visual Tuner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 ships an update monthly, CentiGrade Visual Tuner every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 | CentiGrade Visual Tuner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.99 | $0.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (9 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 9 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 4 days — 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 | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cem Olcay | PHILIP BRADLEY KING |
Customer experience
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3
CentiGrade Visual Tuner
In-app purchases
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3
No in-app purchases
CentiGrade Visual Tuner
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 free?
Is CentiGrade Visual Tuner free?
Which has better reviews, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or CentiGrade Visual Tuner?
Do ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or CentiGrade Visual Tuner have ads?
Which is updated more often, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or CentiGrade Visual Tuner?
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