# SampleTank CS vs MKSensation

The clearest difference is rating: MKSensation at 3.7 against SampleTank CS's 3.1. MKSensation also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (37% vs 29%). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SampleTank CS sells 15 one-off in-app purchases and MKSensation sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MKSensation holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 144 and 112 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of SampleTank CS's written reviews are positive against 37% of MKSensation's.

SampleTank CS ships an update every 2 months, MKSensation every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SampleTank CS | MKSensation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (144 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sampletank-cs/id464775965/reviews) | **[3.7 (112 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mksensation/id996418917/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **144** | 112 |
| Positive reviews | 28.9% of reviews | **37.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1.5 GB | 539 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IK Multimedia US, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/323694278) | [MIDIculous LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/579058990) |

## What reviewers say

### SampleTank CS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sampletank-cs/id464775965)

This professional mobile sound and groove workstation brings desktop-level virtual instrument power to your iPhone and iPad. It offers a vast array of world-class instruments and patterns for live performance and composition, with expandable sound libraries available for purchase.

**Highlights:** 23 free instruments in 16 categories, 8-part multitimbral sound module, Expandable sound library with 2300+ instruments, Over 1,200 melodic and rhythmic patterns, 8-track MIDI recorder with audio export, Intuitive interface and new sound engine, Song and Live environments

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Organ | $4.99 | one-time |
| Strings | $4.99 | one-time |
| Brass | $4.99 | one-time |
| Synth Leads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Synth Pads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Woodwinds | $4.99 | one-time |
| Acoustic Drums | $4.99 | one-time |
| Electric Piano | $7.99 | one-time |
| The Grid | $14.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade to SampleTank | $24.99 | one-time |
| Miroslav Philharmonik - Mobile Edition | $24.99 | one-time |
| Sample Moog - Mobile Edition | $24.99 | one-time |
| Sonik Synth - Mobile Edition | $24.99 | one-time |
| All Sounds | $64.99 | one-time |
| SampleTank PRO - All Sounds Pack | $64.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great sound quality
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Excellent for live performances

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🔒 Issues with in-app purchases and restoring purchases
- 🔋 High memory usage
- 👎 Lack of updates and support

**Reported bugs**

- Incompatible with latest iOS versions
- MIDI issues and lack of device detection
- Purchased content not properly restored

**Requested features**

- Add AU/AUv3 support for better DAW integration
- Improve MIDI functionality and mapping
- Allow importing custom samples
- Enhance performance controls (e.g., pitch bend, modulation)


### MKSensation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mksensation/id996418917)

This app provides essential sounds for live musical performances, offering a curated selection of warm, realistic instruments. Designed for ease of use, it allows for instant layering and inspiration for gigging musicians.

**Highlights:** Live gigging module, Rompler with realistic sounds, Instant layering, Easy to use interface, Global effects section, Multiple instrument types

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DYNO Synth | $2.99 | one-time |
| FM TINE Synth | $2.99 | one-time |
| Piano 1 Synth | $3.99 | one-time |
| EP 1 Synth | $3.99 | one-time |
| PWR GRND Synth | $3.99 | one-time |
| SYNTH Synth | $3.99 | one-time |
| STRINGS Synth | $3.99 | one-time |
| PAD Synth | $3.99 | one-time |
| EP 2 Synth | $4.99 | one-time |
| All Synth | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SampleTank CS free?

SampleTank CS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MKSensation free?

MKSensation is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SampleTank CS or MKSensation?

MKSensation is rated higher. SampleTank CS averages 3.1 out of 5 from 144 ratings, while MKSensation averages 3.7 from 112 ratings.

### Do SampleTank CS or MKSensation have ads?

Neither SampleTank CS nor MKSensation shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SampleTank CS or MKSensation?

SampleTank CS ships an update every 2 months, and MKSensation every 3 weeks. Most recently, SampleTank CS was updated on October 13, 2026 and MKSensation on October 7, 2026.

---

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