# MIDI Guitar vs Black Distortion

The clearest difference is rating: Black Distortion at 5.0 against MIDI Guitar's 4.3. Black Distortion also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2). MIDI Guitar's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 61 months) and ratings volume (136 vs 24). On price, review sentiment, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MIDI Guitar sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Black Distortion asks for nothing beyond the download.

Black Distortion holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MIDI Guitar has 136 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 72% of MIDI Guitar's written reviews are positive against 67% of Black Distortion's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MIDI Guitar ships an update every 2 weeks, Black Distortion every 61 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MIDI Guitar | Black Distortion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (136 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-guitar/id523095780/reviews) | **[5.0 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-distortion/id1578909355/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **136** | 24 |
| Positive reviews | **71.8% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 61 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 16 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jam Origin](https://appshunter.io/developer/505401034) | [Nembrini Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1493296895) |

## What reviewers say

### MIDI Guitar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-guitar/id523095780)

Transform your guitar into a MIDI controller in real-time. This app accurately transcribes your playing into MIDI data, allowing you to control any synth or virtual instrument. It offers low latency and high accuracy, comparable to professional hardware.

**Highlights:** Real-time guitar to MIDI transcription, Low latency and high accuracy, Control any synth or virtual instrument, AudioUnit (AUv3) plugin support, Standalone app for hosting other synths, MIDI output to DAWs like GarageBand

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AudioUnit Hosting | $9.99 | one-time |
| MIDI Outputs | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎸 Exceptional polyphonic MIDI tracking accuracy
- 💡 Innovative pitch-to-MIDI conversion technology
- 🎵 Works with any guitar without special pickups
- ⚡ Low latency performance on modern devices
- 🎹 Seamless integration with synths and virtual instruments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Multiple in-app purchases required for full functionality
- 🔐 Confusing IAP structure and pricing model
- ⏱️ Noticeable latency on older iOS devices
- 🎼 Requires adjusted playing technique and style
- 🔊 Struggles with fast lead lines and complex fingerpicking

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iOS updates
- AU3 controls unresponsive (rotary knobs snap back to zero)
- Freezing in AUM with buzzing sound
- Audio cutouts despite full purchases
- Microphone input cannot be disabled

**Requested features**

- Lower tuning support (below D, baritone guitars, 8-string support)
- 432Hz tuning option
- Audiobus and IAA compatibility improvements
- Higher sample rate support (96kHz standalone)
- Pitch bending and slide detection


### Black Distortion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-distortion/id1578909355)

This audio plugin emulates a classic distortion pedal, offering versatile gain levels from mild overdrive to fuzzy tones. It features a unique filter control to shape high-end frequencies and a volume control for perfect integration with your existing sound. Use it as a primary distortion, a dirty channel for amplifiers, or a boost for solos.

**Highlights:** RAT2 distortion pedal emulation, Adjustable gain from overdrive to fuzz, Legendary filter control for treble shaping, Volume control for clean tone matching, Standalone, AudioUnit v3, and Inter-App Audio support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MIDI Guitar free?

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

### Is Black Distortion free?

Black Distortion is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MIDI Guitar or Black Distortion?

Black Distortion is rated higher. MIDI Guitar averages 4.3 out of 5 from 136 ratings, while Black Distortion averages 5.0 from 24 ratings.

### Do MIDI Guitar or Black Distortion have ads?

Neither MIDI Guitar nor Black Distortion shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MIDI Guitar or Black Distortion?

MIDI Guitar ships an update every 2 weeks, and Black Distortion every 61 months. Most recently, MIDI Guitar was updated on November 1, 2026 and Black Distortion on October 24, 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.*