Comparison

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 vs VA

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

VA

Features
Read full description

VA-1 is a focused virtual-analog synthesizer for musicians, producers, and sound designers who want a fast, hands-on way to create their own sounds. Play, sequence, record, and shape sounds from one direct interface inspired by classic hardware synths. No subscription. No in-app purchases. No ads. No account required. — SYNTHESIZER — • Up to 16-voice polyphony • Two oscillators plus a sub oscillator • Independent oscillator noise controls • Multi-mode filter with resonance • Amp and filter ADSR envelopes • One LFO per voice • Chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb effects Explore the included factory sounds, customize any preset, mark favorites, and save your own creations. — SEQUENCER & WAV EXPORT — Record and loop sequences while shaping the sound, change the pattern length, or use KEY mode to transpose a sequence from the keyboard. Capture VA-1’s stereo output while you play, then preview, save, or share the recording as a WAV file. Sequencer loops can also be exported directly to WAV using the current sound, tempo, and effects. Recording captures only VA-1’s internally generated output. It does not use the microphone or record audio-interface inputs. — MIDI & AUv3 — • External MIDI input and output • Send MIDI from the keyboard or sequencer to external instruments • MIDI Learn for mapping hardware controls • Standard MIDI CC support • AUv3 instrument support in compatible hosts • Background audio • Support for class-compliant USB audio interfaces — ONE PURCHASE, ALL YOUR DEVICES — VA-1 is a universal purchase. Buy it once and install it on iPhone, iPad, and Mac at no additional cost.

Screenshots

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv34 screens
VA3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 at $5.99 against VA's $24.99. ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). On update cadence, ads, 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 VA $24.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 ships an update monthly, VA every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 versus VA: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3VA
Price$5.99 — better$24.99
Rating4.7 (9 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS13.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCem OlcayRichard Gillespie

In-app purchases

None

ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3

No in-app purchases

None

VA

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 free?
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VA free?
VA costs $24.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or VA have ads?
Neither ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 nor VA shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 or VA?
ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 ships an update monthly, and VA every 6 weeks. Most recently, ShiftBud Generative MIDI AUv3 was updated on October 15, 2026 and VA on October 8, 2026.

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