Comparison

DAW Control vs Knobbler

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

DAW Control

Control your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) wirelessly with this app, optimized for popular software like Logic Pro and Ableton Live. Enjoy a fast, responsive interface for seamless music production on Mac and Windows.

Highlights
  • Wireless DAW control
  • Optimized for Logic Pro and Ableton Live
  • Supports Mackie Control protocol
  • Fast and responsive interface
  • Built-in presets for popular DAWs
  • RETINA display support
Features
Read full description

DAW Control is a wireless DAW(Digital Audio Workstation) software controller, especially optimized for Apple Logic® and Ableton Live®. DAW Control is compatible with both MAC and Windows. Support RETINA display for The New iPad. (iPad 3) Daw Control has nice and fast interface. So you can enjoy the work without jerking or any delays. It is support Logic Control and Mackie Control protocols. Built-in presets for main layout: Logic Pro Ableton Live Cubase/Nuendo Fl Studio Layouts: Surface Transport Other software which supports the Mackie Control protocol will work with the "Default Mode" Works without additional server software on OS X "Tiger" and above. Also works on Windows XP, Vista, And 7 with solutions such as Tobias Erichsen's "rtpMIDI" driver. Software which support Mackie Protocol: Apple's Logic Pro Tools MOTU's Digital Performer (v6.02 upwards) Cubase/Nuendo Cakewalk Sonar Reaper Ableton Live Propellerhead Reason/Record Sony Vegas/Acid Pro FruityLoops Studio Presonus Studio One Adobe Audition Mackie Tracktion Final Cut Pro

About

Knobbler

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a powerful, auto-labeling control surface for Ableton Live. Seamlessly navigate tracks, control parameters, and build custom interfaces that save with your Live sets. Keep your focus on creativity without leaving the music-making flow.

Highlights
  • Auto-labeling and auto-coloring control surface
  • Multitouch parameter control
  • Customizable interface saved with Live sets
  • Real-time parameter updates with units
  • Fast track, group, and device navigation
  • Channel strip mixer controls
Features
Read full description

Knobbler turns your iPhone or iPad into an auto-labeling, auto-coloring, multitouch control surface for Ableton Live. 30 day fully-functioning trial of all features. The Mixer, Clips, Session, and Nav pages are available during the trial and after a one-time purchase of Knobbler or a subscription. Ableton Live 12 Suite or Ableton Live 12 Standard with the Max for Live add-on is required. Simply add the free Knobbler4 device to your Live Set and use the Knobbler app to use your iPhone or iPad to control devices and parameters. ** Control every parameter and build a customized interface, including sliders and X-Y pads that is saved with your Live sets. ** Navigate your tracks, groups, racks and devices faster and easier than ever. ** Full screen Cilps and Mixer views keep you connected to your music. ** Session View gives you a combined clips and mixer view for full control. ** Full access to capture and recall rack variations. ** Navigate cue points and locators in your set. ** Engage Spring mode for momentary effects. Visit https://plugins.steinkamp.us/m4l-Knobbler4 to download the Ableton Live device to use with this app. Map parameters in your Ableton Live set to unmapped sliders on the tablet with a single touch. No need to enter and exit a mapping mode. Access every parameter in the currently selected device, directly on the phone or tablet. Parameter mapping configuration is saved with your Live Set, so you can switch between songs with minimal friction. Track, device, and parameter names are kept synchronized with your Live Set as you change them, even track colors! Parameter sliders and values are updated in real time, with the same units (e.g. dB, ms, %) displayed as what you see in Live. Double tap a slider on the tablet to reset the parameter to its default value. Swipe in the Navigation controls on the right side to dive into your tracks, groups, racks, and devices faster than ever before. Swipe in from the left to show a channel strip with familiar mixer controls, including color-coded sends. Works on phones and tablets, even in multi-window view on the latest IOS 26. Knobbler is there to keep you out of the computer and in the creative moment, unlocking more of your music making potential. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Knobbler4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Knobbler at Free against DAW Control's $2.99. Knobbler also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.3) and review sentiment (88% vs 57%). DAW Control's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 16.4). On ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Knobbler is free to download; DAW Control costs $2.99 up front. Knobbler sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. DAW Control asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Knobbler holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 46 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of DAW Control's written reviews are positive against 88% of Knobbler's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DAW Control ships an update every 3 months, Knobbler every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
DAW Control versus Knobbler: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDAW ControlKnobbler
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating3.3 (46 ratings)4.8 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews56.9% of reviews87.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings46 — better16
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS7.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size239 MB55 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVITALIY TARASYUKZACHARY STEINKAMP

Customer experience

DAW Control

All ratings46 ratings
Positive56.5%
Neutral2.2%
Negative41.3%
Written reviews153 reviews
Positive56.9%
Neutral5.2%
Negative37.9%

Knobbler

All ratings16 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral6.3%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews24 reviews
Positive87.5%
Neutral8.3%
Negative4.2%

Bugs and requests

DAW Control

Reported bugs

17 issues
  • App freezes immediately after opening
  • Settings button doesn't function
  • Doesn't work on Sequoia and latest iPad OS
  • UI broken on iPad Pro 12.9 with distorted layout
  • Faders and buttons misaligned on iPad Pro
Show 12 more
  • Time display and mixer display blank
  • Network MIDI connection fails
  • Sticky mute and solo buttons
  • Fader buttons off by 4dB from unity gain
  • Channel number 8 missing from display
  • VU meters hard to see
  • Lag issues with some DAWs
  • IPv6 connection issues on Mac
  • App doesn't fill new iPad screen sizes
  • Buttons trigger MIDI notes instead of controlling parameters
  • Disconnects after app is minimized
  • Channel display not working as advertised

Requested features

14 requests
  • Update app for newer iOS and iPad screen sizes
  • Add dark theme/metallic skin options
  • Add Studio One preset
  • Add SONAR/Cakewalk preset
  • Full-screen mixer view
Show 9 more
  • Marker navigation in Logic Pro
  • iPhone version with transport controls
  • Ability to edit button group headings
  • Multi-line button label support
  • Master fader in transport mode
  • Better channel identification display
  • Disable button click sounds option
  • Multiple iPad support simultaneously
  • Better Windows setup documentation

Knobbler

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

DAW Control

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Knobbler

Subscriptions2
  • Knobbler Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Knobbler Annual$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Knobbler Lifetime$19.99

Questions

Is DAW Control free?
DAW Control costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Knobbler free?
Knobbler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, DAW Control or Knobbler?
Knobbler is rated higher. DAW Control averages 3.3 out of 5 from 46 ratings, while Knobbler averages 4.8 from 16 ratings.
Do DAW Control or Knobbler have ads?
Neither DAW Control nor Knobbler shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DAW Control or Knobbler?
DAW Control ships an update every 3 months, and Knobbler every 9 days. Most recently, DAW Control was updated on October 7, 2026 and Knobbler on October 21, 2026.

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