# MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface vs shapesynth

The clearest difference is review sentiment: shapesynth at 65% against MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface's 0%. shapesynth also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.0) and ratings volume (24 vs 2). MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface costs $4.99 and shapesynth $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

shapesynth holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: shapesynth has 24 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface's written reviews are positive against 65% of shapesynth's.

MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface ships an update every 3 weeks, shapesynth every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface | shapesynth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Rating | [2.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-bagpipes-control-surface/id368380201/reviews) | **[4.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapesynth/id431097161/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **24** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **65.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 21 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Eskin](https://appshunter.io/developer/342739369) | [Erik Sigth](https://appshunter.io/developer/385275335) |

## What reviewers say

### MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-bagpipes-control-surface/id368380201)

This app acts as a MIDI control surface for iPad, simulating Irish/Scottish bagpipe fingerings. It allows you to play external MIDI synthesizers or other MIDI apps, offering distinct fingering modes for Uilleann and Highland pipes. It does not produce sound on its own.

**Highlights:** Irish/Scottish bagpipe fingering simulation, MIDI control surface for external synths, Uilleann and Highland fingering modes, Independent MIDI channels for chanter and drones, Optional finger vibrato, Adjustable drone transposition

**In-app purchases:** none


### shapesynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapesynth/id431097161)

Create unique retro-inspired sounds by drawing oscillator waveforms. This polyphonic synthesizer offers extensive modulation options, built-in effects, and recording capabilities. Seamlessly integrate with other music apps and hardware for a versatile creative experience.

**Highlights:** Draw custom oscillator waveforms, 16-voice polyphony, Arpeggiator and stereo delay, Resonant filter, Parameter modulation via keyboard, MPE, accelerometer, Tape recorder with infinite overdubs, Inter-app audio and AUv3 support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface free?

MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is shapesynth free?

shapesynth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface or shapesynth?

shapesynth is rated higher. MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface averages 2.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while shapesynth averages 4.9 from 24 ratings.

### Do MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface or shapesynth have ads?

Neither MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface nor shapesynth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface or shapesynth?

MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface ships an update every 3 weeks, and shapesynth every 2 months. Most recently, MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface was updated on June 1, 2026 and shapesynth on September 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*