Comparison

iMPC vs KORG iWAVESTATION

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

Head to head
About

iMPC

Transform your iPad into a powerful music production tool with this app. It offers a classic MPC workflow, extensive sample libraries, and advanced editing features to create beats and sequences. Easily record, overdub, and share your musical creations.

Highlights
  • Classic MPC workflow
  • Over 1,200 samples
  • Record and overdub beats
  • Built-in effects
  • Sampler with multiple input options
  • Export tracks to MPC Software
  • 16 Levels mode
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPad into an MPC with more than 1,200 samples, 50 editable programs, 80 editable sequences, and iconic MPC workflow. Need help? Have an issue or question? Please email us at support@retronyms.com. iMPC brings the look and feel of the classic Akai Pro MPC to your iPad. iMPC includes everything you need to create a beat quickly and easily. With features including built-in effects, plus the ability to create new sequences and record and overdub beats, the possibilities are endless. The app’s built-in sampler can record samples three different ways: using the mic on the iPad, using the line input on the iPad, or using the multi-touch turntable interface in iMPC to record samples directly from iTunes or other music libraries. - Exclusive iMPC sound set and classic Akai Professional sound library - "3D Perform" controls -- use your iPhone's motion sensors to control parameters - Export tracks to MPC Software for use with MPC Renaissance and MPC Studio - Share on SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or export to your computer - 16 Levels mode: 16 levels of attack, velocity, length, and tuning - Note Variation slider: adjust attack, velocity, length, and tuning as you play - Trim and categorize samples, undo takes and erase samples - Use with Tabletop’s Timeline Editor - Tabletop Ready iMPC is free for for iMPC owners - Route to and use with your favorite Tabletop Effects and devices - Line-in allows you to resample Tabletop devices - Create new sequences, record and overdub beats - Live Sequence queuing for real-time performance and playback - Simple drag and drop program creation - Effects include delay, bit crusher, master compressor/limiter - Time correct: 1/8 note - 1/32T with variable swing - Note Repeat: 1/8 note - 1/32T timing, with latch - AudioCopy beats and sequences to compatible apps - AudioPaste samples from hundreds of compatible apps Check out our other apps in the MPC Collection: iMPC for iPhone and iMPC Pro 2. Happy music making!

About

KORG iWAVESTATION

This app recreates a legendary 1990s synthesizer, offering time-varying timbre creation and advanced vector synthesis. Experience its unique sound-shaping potential with a renewed graphic interface and touch-based operation for iOS devices.

Highlights
  • Faithful reproduction of original WAVESTATION sound
  • Graphical wave sequence view with touch control
  • 1,500 sounds, 700+ waveforms, 55 effects
  • Powerful random sequence engine
  • AUv3 support for Logic Pro and GarageBand
  • Integration with KORG Gadget DAW
Features
Read full description

Creating sounds with time-varying timbre, on your mobile device. KORG iWAVESTATION - A wave sequence synthesizer for iOS. The WAVESTATION synthesizer went on sale in 1990. This instrument featured an advanced vector synthesis system which created new sounds by combining and connecting multiple waveforms; it provided a mix/morphing function that let you use a joystick to change the balance of four oscillators, and a distinctive wave sequence function that allowed you to place waveforms in a desired sequence to create sequence patterns. To this day, it continues to be considered a legendary and still-unique instrument. Now in 2016, the WAVESTATION has been reborn as "KORG iWAVESTATION," an app for iPad/iPhone. In addition to completely reproducing the programs, it also features a renewed design that lets everyone experience the stupendous sound-shaping potential of the WAVESTATION. It features touch-based operation that's distinctive of iOS, in conjunction with a new graphic interface that allows you to visualize and edit the time-varying timbral changes that are distinctive of the WAVESTATION. [ Features ] - A faithful reproduction of the original WAVESTATION sound: In addition to providing the sounds from all PCM memories of the WAVESTATION, the new iWAVESTATION also reproduces in software every detail of the parameters, based on an analysis of the original hardware circuit diagram. - A new wave sequence view that can be graphically controlled: The iWAVESTATION, we advance another step with a graphical user interface that takes advantage of the touch operations that are a characteristic of iOS. Even more than ever, we've updated the screen design with an emphasis on creating sequences. - 1,500 sounds, more than 700 waveforms, 55 effects, and a powerful random sequence engine: This new instrument includes a stupendous number of presets and waveforms, covering all models of the series. iWAVESTATION also provides a new random sequence function which will give you different perspectives to inspire new sounds. - Use with KORG Gadget and AUv3 for song production: iWAVESTATION can be used in conjunction with the "KORG Gadget" music production DAW app that has won numerous awards around the world. If both apps are installed, it can be used as the "Milpitas" gadget inside the KORG Gadget app. And also supports AUv3, so it can also be used as a sound module for Logic Pro and GarageBand. With a convenient and richly varied set of sounds, iWAVESTATION can be the foundation for either of these music production environments. More info at korg.com

Screenshots

KORG iWAVESTATION4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: iMPC at $9.99 against KORG iWAVESTATION's $29.99. iMPC also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). KORG iWAVESTATION's advantage is rating (4.2 vs 2.3) and review sentiment (69% vs 44%). On update cadence and ads 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

iMPC costs $9.99 and KORG iWAVESTATION $29.99 up front. KORG iWAVESTATION sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. iMPC asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

KORG iWAVESTATION holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 132 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of iMPC's written reviews are positive against 69% of KORG iWAVESTATION's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iMPC ships an update every 10 months, KORG iWAVESTATION every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
iMPC versus KORG iWAVESTATION: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriMPCKORG iWAVESTATION
Price$9.99 — better$29.99
Rating2.3 (32 ratings)4.2 (132 ratings) — better
Positive reviews44.5% of reviews69.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings32132 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 5 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS8.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size440 MB96 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAkai ProfessionalKORG INC.

Customer experience

iMPC

All ratings30 ratings
Positive23.3%
Neutral10.0%
Negative66.7%
Written reviews443 reviews
Positive44.5%
Neutral15.1%
Negative40.4%

KORG iWAVESTATION

All ratings132 ratings
Positive78.8%
Neutral8.3%
Negative12.9%
Written reviews203 reviews
Positive69.0%
Neutral17.2%
Negative13.8%

User reviews

iMPC

From 32 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Intuitive workflow
  • 💯 Great sample library
  • 🎨 Classic MPC look and feel
  • 💰 Good value for money

Room to improve

  • 🔇 Weak metronome
  • 🔢 Limited to 4 tracks
  • 🔁 No sample editing after assignment
  • 🔌 Lack of Audiobus/MIDI support

KORG iWAVESTATION

From 132 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎹 Classic synth sounds
  • 👍 Improved interface over hardware
  • 🎨 Excellent sound design capabilities
  • 🎉 Randomize feature for inspiration
  • 🔌 Gadget integration

Room to improve

  • 🔍 Lack of preset search/organization
  • 🔊 Weak filter capabilities
  • 🔌 No MIDI channel selection
  • 🔌 Limited MIDI control options

Bugs and requests

iMPC

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes and freezes
  • Exported audio quality issues
  • Inconsistent MIDI implementation

Requested features

5 requests
  • Ability to chop samples
  • More effects and sound processing options
  • Increased track count
  • Audiobus and MIDI integration
  • Improved sample management and organization

KORG iWAVESTATION

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashes when saving user presets
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add AUv3 support
  • Improve preset management and browsing
  • Enhance MIDI functionality (channel selection, more CCs)
  • Expand filter options (high-pass, band-pass)

In-app purchases

None

iMPC

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

KORG iWAVESTATION

One-time1
  • Expansion Card Pack$4.99

Questions

Is iMPC free?
iMPC costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is KORG iWAVESTATION free?
KORG iWAVESTATION costs $29.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iMPC or KORG iWAVESTATION?
KORG iWAVESTATION is rated higher. iMPC averages 2.3 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while KORG iWAVESTATION averages 4.2 from 132 ratings.
Do iMPC or KORG iWAVESTATION have ads?
Neither iMPC nor KORG iWAVESTATION shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iMPC or KORG iWAVESTATION?
iMPC ships an update every 10 months, and KORG iWAVESTATION every 5 months. Most recently, iMPC was updated on October 14, 2026 and KORG iWAVESTATION on October 17, 2026.

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