Comparison

MIDI Layers vs ANALOGySTR

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MIDI Layers

This app allows musicians to intelligently route MIDI data, enabling complex keyboard splits, layered instruments, and seamless scene switching for live performances. Create up to 12 scenes with numerous layers, each with customizable MIDI output and note remapping.

Highlights
  • Up to 127 layers per scene
  • 12 scenes per preset
  • 16 output ports and channels
  • Remote scene switching
  • Layer mutes and mute groups
  • Scales per scene
  • Per-layer velocity curves
Features
Read full description

MIDI Layers is an AUv3 MIDI plugin designed to allow sophisticated routing of MIDI data in hosts such as AUM or Cubasis. Have you ever wanted to play multiple instruments from a single master keyboard during a live performance? Would you like to be able to set up keyboard splits, crossfade layers or create an ensemble of layered instruments? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then MIDI Layers may be your solution. Layers allows you to create up to 12 scenes, each with up to 127 layers, spanning your entire master keyboard. These scenes allow you to seamlessly switch between various layer mappings at any time during a performance. Each layer controls the MIDI output, which can be routed to one of MIDI Layers 16 output ports and 16 channels. So if you have 5 layers in your scene, each layer is able to divert MIDI key input to 5 destinations, allowing you to control 5 instruments from one master keyboard. Layers can overlap, meaning you can create an ensemble of two or more instruments. Layers can also have cross fades so that you can fade from one instrument to another across a specified range. You can also control the velocity curves of a layer if you need to emphasize note velocity at a certain set of octaves. Each layer can also be remapped so that you can target a different key range on the destination instrument. This allows you to have several single note layers that can target specific drum machine samples for instance. You can assign a song per scene, or have several scenes containing parts of the same song. Switching scenes is simple, using the on screen scene buttons, via AU parameters, or you can even add a special control layer to a scene which can then be triggered via your master keyboard. It is also possible to assign a Program Changes to a layer. When you switch scenes, each layer can fire off its own program change to your destination instruments. Each scene can be assigned its own scale, which enables you to play using only the white notes so say goodbye to wrong notes. Finally, layers can be assigned to mute groups, allowing you to quickly turn on/off groups of layers with a single key or button press. Features: ○ Up to 127 layers per scene. ○ 12 scenes per preset. ○ Supports 16 output ports and 16 channels. ○ Remote switching of scenes using MIDI or AU. ○ Supports layer mutes and mute groups. ○ Named scenes with large scene selection mode. ○ Supports scales per scene which can be played using white notes only. ○ Each layer can define a Program Change that is sent when scenes are switched. ○ Supports per layer velocity curve. ○ Supports per layer remapping of notes on output. ○ Each layer can have a cross fade settings assigned. ○ Definable Master Keyboard size (6, 7, 8 or 10 octave). ○ Scene and mute control layers. ○ Provides default custom layouts. Please Note: This product will not work with GarageBand since it cannot load AUv3 MIDI plugins.

About

ANALOGySTR

This virtual instrument plugin recreates the iconic sounds of 1970s analog string synthesizers. It offers three distinct string tones, adjustable filters, and classic ensemble, phaser, and reverb effects for a wide sonic palette. It's designed for music producers and enthusiasts seeking vintage synth textures.

Highlights
  • Emulates 1970s analog string synths
  • Three blendable base string tones
  • High and low pass filters
  • Ensemble and phaser effects
  • Plate reverb effect
  • MIDI and velocity sensitivity
  • AUv3 compatible
Read full description

ANALOGySTR Retro String Machine (AUv3) ANALOGySTR is a virtual instrument plugin that can run standalone, or in any AU compatible host such as Logic Pro or GarageBand. Please note that the standalone version does not include a built-in keyboard - you need to connect a suitable MIDI device to play the synth. Overview ANALOGySTR is a tribute to the analog string synthesizers made in the 1970's which are still popular today for good reason. From Pink Floyd to Jean-Michel Jarre, from The Cure to Air, chances are you've heard these "string machines" on countless recordings. Funnily enough, because of the limited technology at the time, they don't actually sound a lot like real strings, but have a distinct tonal character of their own which has become iconic and much loved. Based on sub-octave divider oscillators originally developed for transistor organs, the basic sounds are somewhat thin and reedy but the addition of phaser and "ensemble" effects gives the instruments their distinctive sound and huge appeal. ANALOGySTR has three different base "string" tones that can be blended, and further shaped with high and low pass filters to emulate the limited frequency response of the vintage instruments. Of course, no string machine emulation would be complete without the "ensemble" and phaser effects and ANALOGySTR includes both in its dedicated effects section, with the option to process the signal in classic mono, or super-wide stereo mode. A variable size "plate" type reverb with mono / stereo options completes the effects section. Please note that ANALOGySTR is not intended to be a replica or digital emulation of a specific instrument, but its design and development was heavily influenced by those classic old machines. And while I like to think ANALOGySTR does get pretty close to those vintage string machine tones, it can also stray into other sonic territory, and the presets include examples of organ, choir and synth pad type sounds. MIDI Implementation ANALOGySTR is a 16 voice polyphonic "somewhat" (*) velocity-sensitive MIDI instrument and is playable over a keyboard range from A0 (21) to C7 (96) on any MIDI channel. ANALOGySTR also responds to mod wheel / vibrato (CC#1), expression / volume (CC#11), sustain (CC#64), all notes off (CC#123) and pitch-bend (+/- 2 semitones). (*) Notes will be slightly louder as you play harder, but the dynamic range is reduced slightly. ANALOGySTR does not currently respond to breath controller or after-touch messages. About The UI Not everyone likes the UIs of my latest (2025) plugins - I get it. However, the simplistic and generic approach allows me to (a) 99% focus on the DSP, sound quality and CPU performance, and (b) significantly reduce the development (and potential maintenance) time, which is reflected in my pricing. For more info and support please visit: www.waverley-instruments.com/robjackson

Screenshots

MIDI Layers4 screens
ANALOGySTR4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ANALOGySTR at $2.99 against MIDI Layers's $12.99. ANALOGySTR also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 57%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). MIDI Layers's advantage is ratings volume (13 vs 4). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

MIDI Layers costs $12.99 and ANALOGySTR $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ANALOGySTR holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of MIDI Layers's written reviews are positive against 100% of ANALOGySTR's.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
MIDI Layers versus ANALOGySTR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMIDI LayersANALOGySTR
Price$12.99$2.99 — better
Rating4.7 (13 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews57.1% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings13 — better4
Update frequencyFortnightly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS1312.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer4Pockets.comRob Jackson

Customer experience

MIDI Layers

All ratings13 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.7%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral14.3%
Negative28.6%

ANALOGySTR

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

MIDI Layers

No in-app purchases

None

ANALOGySTR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MIDI Layers free?
MIDI Layers costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ANALOGySTR free?
ANALOGySTR costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MIDI Layers or ANALOGySTR?
ANALOGySTR is rated higher. MIDI Layers averages 4.7 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while ANALOGySTR averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do MIDI Layers or ANALOGySTR have ads?
Neither MIDI Layers nor ANALOGySTR shows ads.

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