# MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface vs VisualSound

The clearest difference is price: MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface at $4.99 against VisualSound's $19.99. MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.0). VisualSound's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 2.0) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface costs $4.99 and VisualSound $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

VisualSound holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface ships an update every 3 weeks, VisualSound every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface | VisualSound |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [2.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-bagpipes-control-surface/id368380201/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visualsound-av-modular-synth/id6791189371/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 21 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Eskin](https://appshunter.io/developer/342739369) | [Mike Gazzaruso](https://appshunter.io/developer/1369584675) |

## 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


### VisualSound

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visualsound-av-modular-synth/id6791189371)

This app is a modular instrument that synthesizes sound and visuals using a unified patching system. Explore over 140 modules for audio, control, and graphics, and even generate custom effects with AI. It's designed for performance and integrates with your existing studio setup.

**Highlights:** Unified sound and visual patching, Over 140 modules (sound, control, visuals, code), AI-powered module creation, GPU-native visuals, Performance-oriented features, AUv3 integration and hosting, Cross-device functionality (iPad, Mac, iPhone)

**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 VisualSound free?

VisualSound costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

VisualSound is rated higher. MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface averages 2.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while VisualSound averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

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

Neither MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface nor VisualSound shows ads.

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

MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface ships an update every 3 weeks, and VisualSound every 2 days. Most recently, MIDI Bagpipes Control Surface was updated on October 12, 2026 and VisualSound on September 30, 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.*