MIDIWriter vs bismark CtrlSlide
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MIDIWriter
This app transforms keyboard input into musical notes and sounds. Type characters to instantly generate MIDI messages, or input phrases to create musical sequences with adjustable tempo and looping. It includes a built-in sound engine and supports external MIDI devices and apps.
- Text to MIDI conversion
- Built-in General MIDI sound engine
- Phrase playback with tempo control
- Drum mode with multiple kits
- External MIDI output
- Hardware keyboard support
- Wi-Fi MIDI networking
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[[ A STRANGE MUSIC TOOL FOR MANIAC MUSIC LOVERS! ]] MIDIWriter is a unique app that converts keyboard input into MIDI note messages. Each character you type instantly produces sound. You can also enter a phrase and play it back as a sequence with adjustable tempo and loop options. KEY FEATURES: Built-in Sound Engine: No external app required! MIDIWriter includes a built-in General MIDI sound engine with 128 instruments and 9 drum kits. Just type and hear the sound immediately. Phrase Playback: Enter any text and play it as a musical sequence. Adjust the tempo (1-480 BPM), enable loop mode, and let your words become music. Space characters can be used as rests. Drum Mode: Switch to drum mode to play percussion sounds. Choose from 9 GM drum kits including Standard, Room, Power, Electronic, 808/909, Jazz, Brush, and Orchestral. MIDI Output: Send MIDI to other apps or external devices. Configure MIDI channel (1-16), program change (0-127), and destination. Works with Virtual MIDI and MIDI Network Session. Can be used simultaneously with the built-in sound engine. Keyboard Support: Use the on-screen software keyboard, or connect a Bluetooth/USB hardware keyboard for a real typing experience. Supports Japanese input with proper IME handling. MIDI Network Session: Connect to Mac or other iOS devices over Wi-Fi to control CoreMIDI-compatible sound generators remotely. Dark Mode & Rotation: Full support for light and dark modes. Works in portrait and landscape orientations on both iPhone and iPad. Note: Playback stops when the app goes to background. Using the Built-in Sound: Simply launch MIDIWriter and start typing. Each key produces a unique sound based on its character code. Enable drum mode in Settings for percussion sounds. Using with External MIDI Apps (Virtual MIDI): 1. Open a CoreMIDI sound generator app. 2. In MIDIWriter Settings, turn on "MIDI Output" and select the destination. 3. Type any key to hear sound from the external app. Using with Mac (MIDI Network Session): 1. Connect iPhone and Mac to the same Wi-Fi network. 2. Open MIDIWriter on iPhone. 3. On Mac, open "Audio MIDI Setup" and configure Network MIDI. 4. Connect your iPhone to the session. 5. Open a CoreMIDI app on Mac and select the network session as MIDI input. 6. Type on MIDIWriter to play sounds on Mac. Credits: Built-in sound engine uses "GeneralUser GS" SoundFont by S. Christian Collins. https://schristiancollins.com/generaluser.php
bismark CtrlSlide
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bismark CtrlSlide is a touch-based MIDI controller that allows you to send Control Change (CC) and Program Change (PC) messages to external MIDI devices or apps. With an intuitive multi-slider interface, CtrlSlide makes it easy to adjust MIDI parameters in real time. Whether you're controlling hardware synthesizers, virtual instruments, or exploring MIDI behavior, this app provides a flexible and reliable control surface at your fingertips. Designed for musicians, producers, and sound designers, CtrlSlide supports various MIDI connection methods including USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and virtual MIDI routing (depending on your device and operating system). Key Features: • Send MIDI Control Change (CC) and Program Change (PC) messages • Customize multiple sliders for flexible real-time control • Connect to external MIDI devices or other apps • Supports USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and virtual MIDI • Includes predefined CC numbers for quick setup • Clean, responsive interface optimized for touch Use CtrlSlide to fine-tune your synths, experiment with sound design, or enhance your live performance setup — all from your iPhone or iPad.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: bismark CtrlSlide at every 2 months against MIDIWriter's every 35 months. MIDIWriter's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $1.99). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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
MIDIWriter costs $0.99 and bismark CtrlSlide $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
MIDIWriter ships an update every 35 months, bismark CtrlSlide every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MIDIWriter | bismark CtrlSlide |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $1.99 |
| Rating | 1.5 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 35 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 31 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Masayuki Akamatsu | bismark LLC |
In-app purchases
MIDIWriter
No in-app purchases
bismark CtrlSlide
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is MIDIWriter free?
Is bismark CtrlSlide free?
Do MIDIWriter or bismark CtrlSlide have ads?
Which is updated more often, MIDIWriter or bismark CtrlSlide?
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