tapeRecorder vs Scale Study
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
tapeRecorder
This app transforms your device into a vintage-style audio recorder and music player. It allows for unlimited recordings and playback of your music library, with features like tape rewind and animation for an authentic retro experience.
- Unlimited audio recordings
- Music playback from iTunes library
- Karaoke recording feature
- Retro tape rewind and fast forward
- Animated tape reel simulation
- iTunes File Sharing for backup
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“tapeRecorder" turns your device into an "OLD STYLE" tape recorder / music player. Useful for: - Record interviews, lectures at the university, audio notes, live music performances - Play music stored in your iTunes music library The software allows: - To make an infinite number of recordings, each with an endless recording time (professional type - using the device's microphone) - Saves an infinite number of recordings (subject to availability of physical memory on the device) - Automatically assigns the current date and time for the title of the recorded audio file (automatic historical archive recording) - At any time you can load and listen the Your personal recordings - Using the technology "iTunes File Sharing" all the recordings can be transferred from device to PC or MAC (RECORDING BACKUP) - Using the technology "iTunes File Sharing" all the recordings can be transferred from the MAC / PC to the device - Allows to load songs directly from the music library of the device, for listening (MUSIC PLAYER feature for iTunes music library) - Parallel listening and recording 1) Import music from your iTunes library 2) Press REC 3) Press PLAY 4) Sing over the music playing RESULTS: music + voice will be recorded on a new audio file (KARAOKE RECORDING feature) and stored in the archive of tapeRecorder (These steps can be repeated several times to create such choirs or double voices) - FF and REW tape, slow and fast (pressing FF and REW buttons the tape is rewinded or fast forwarded like in the old cassette recorder) - Animation for tape reel (simulates the old cassette player for REC, PLAY, FF, fast FF, REW, fast REW) - Volume control - Slider control to modify the song playback position (like in the default device player) - Controls, status display, playback time, level meter (for PLAY and REC), audio clipping leds (for PLAY and REC) - “OLD STYLE" tape recorder design
Scale Study
Improve your piano scale technique by practicing tempo and accuracy. Connect a MIDI keyboard to log your fastest clean tempos and track progress over time. A tapping mode is available for rhythm practice without a keyboard.
- Practice scales with MIDI keyboard
- Log fastest accurate tempos
- Track progress over time
- Focus on speed and accuracy
- Rhythm and timing tapping mode
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Piano scale practice is a core part of building technique, but improving means more than playing the right notes. You need to increase tempo while staying accurate and in control. Scale Study helps you practice scales and improve your tempo in a clear and measurable way. Connect a MIDI keyboard or digital piano and play your scales as usual. The app listens to your playing, confirms when a scale is correct, and records the fastest tempo you can play it cleanly. This helps you see which scales are improving and which need more work. You can start slowly to build accuracy, then increase the tempo over time. Scale Study keeps a record of your progress so you can see your speed improve through regular practice. Practice Anywhere mode is also included for when you do not have a keyboard. This is a simple tapping mode that helps you practice rhythm and timing, but the full scale detection and tempo tracking requires a MIDI keyboard. Features • Practice major and minor scales using a MIDI keyboard • See the fastest tempo you can play each scale accurately • Track your progress over time • Focus on both speed and accuracy • Practice Anywhere tapping mode for rhythm and timing This is useful for piano students preparing for exams such as ABRSM, and for anyone who wants to improve their scale tempo and overall technique. Scale Study is a small, focused app made by an independent developer. I am Shane, and I read every review and message. The goal is simple. Help you improve your scales and increase your tempo through regular, focused practice. Try it free, then upgrade with a yearly or lifetime purchase. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Scale Study at Free against tapeRecorder's $0.99. Scale Study also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.3) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 8 months). tapeRecorder's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On ads 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
Scale Study is free to download; tapeRecorder costs $0.99 up front. Scale Study sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per year. tapeRecorder asks for nothing beyond the download.
Scale Study holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.
tapeRecorder ships an update every 8 months, Scale Study every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | tapeRecorder | Scale Study |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 2.3 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.1 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 20 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gianluca Natalini | Diem Limited |
Customer experience
tapeRecorder
Scale Study
In-app purchases
tapeRecorder
No in-app purchases
Scale Study
- Scale Study Annual Subscription$0.991 Year
- Scale Study Lifetime Purchase$2.99









