Comparison

Trace Sequenced Sample Box vs Prism MIDI Sequencer

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

Head to head
About

Trace Sequenced Sample Box

Create music with this versatile sample-based creation tool. It functions as a drum computer, groovebox, and sample animator with built-in effects and live performance capabilities. Generate unique rhythms and soundtracks using its priority-driven sequencer and extensive sound library.

Highlights
  • Sample-based music creation
  • Drum computer and groovebox
  • Sample animator
  • Priority-driven sequencer
  • Onboard effects
  • Live performing skills
  • Internal recorder
Features
Read full description

WELCOME TO TRACE Trace is a versatile tool for sample based music creation presented by immons audio tools. It´s a drumcomputer, groovebox, sample animator and metronome with onboard effects and live performing skills. Use it intuitively to achieve unexpected, inspiring results and produce rhythms, complete playbacks, atmospheric soundtracks, etc.. It comes with a really special sequencer which is priority driven, means: One channel trigger at a time to create unusual patterns with automatic generated death notes. Do not have to preprogram any sequence. Just dial in the pattern length and tempo, choose a sample and divisor for each channel and let it swing. Create a song with the arranger and synchronize your patterns and selected channel delays to the global song speed. Play your animated samples, patterns and songs live with multiple realtime FX options per channel/group and use the internal recorder to tape your session to wav. Share your recorded wav´s via social media, e-mail and cloud, or drag and drop them, patterns and songs to your computer. Trace comes with more than 160 carefully created sounds. Each sequencer channel includes: Beat Divisor/Trigger 18 divisors/trigger points, including different subdivisions of 1/4 note. Changes happen on the fly, with preview. Sound Make your selection out of the provided onboard sounds and import your own samples and soundbanks to dial in your favorite tone. Changes happen on the fly, with preview. Volume Set the volume for each channel. Solo/Mute Select channel solo or mute a various number of channels and control this group with just one button. Swing/Probably Bring your beats up to life and build spacy rhythmical sculptures, jazzy grooves and audio landscapes. Includes negative swing. EFFECTS & PERFORMANCE Mixer is the integrated effects and performance tool of the sequenced sample box. It is intuitive operable without any menu scrolling and performance ready with the groupable options. You can shape the sound for each channel with: Delay 1 Every channel has it´s own full featured delay plus tap tempo, ms/bpm input and the possibility to sync the delays to future pattern speed changes. Delay 2 Rhythm delay with eighth dotted, quarter triplet, eighth and eighth triplet time presets relatet to delay 1 or pattern speed. Ring Modulator Add and subtract the dialed in oscillator frequency to your sample frequency and bring them together again for some really weird results. Bit Crusher Reduce the bit depth to add noise and sustain, works great in cooperation with the ring modulator. Varispeed Speed up or slow down the samples read speed, like a pitched tape recorder. Panorama Place sound in the stereo field. Mute With group option for assigned channels. RSP Reverse sample playback with group option for assigned channels to swap the status quo. Shortener Divide the sample length by factors 2/4/8 with group option for assigned channels to swap between your choice and full sample length. NOTE: All of the blocks listed above can be assigned to the master toggle switch to swap the status quo.

About

Prism MIDI Sequencer

This app is a powerful 16-track MIDI step sequencer designed for iOS devices. It allows users to create complex musical patterns with high resolution, elastic timing, and per-step control. It integrates with external synths and samplers, offering extensive features for melody, harmony, and drum sequencing.

Highlights
  • 16-track AUv3 MIDI step sequencer
  • High resolution and elastic timing
  • Per-step control and step FX
  • Scale modes and flow modes for tonal tracks
  • 16 mini-sequencers per drum track
  • LFOs, arpeggiator, and generative tools
  • Scene and mute profile performance modes
Read full description

Prism is a 16-track AUv3 MIDI step sequencer for iPhone and iPad that turns sparks of inspiration into living, breathing music. It’s built for touch and flow—pair it with your favorite synths, samplers, drum apps, and gear. Key Features ------------- [ Sequencing Engine ] ---------------------- - High resolution: 1/32 steps, up to 512 trigs/pattern, swing, polyphony, micro-timing per step - Elastic timing: per-sequence lengths plus smooth speed changes for real polyrhythm/polymeter - Per-step control: parameter locks and Step FX - Playback modes: Standard, Overlap, Trig Legato, Drone - Capture everything: live record with quantize, retroactive recording (always listening), and tap-in steps - Human feel & probability: Chance, Every, Hold, Range, Accent [ Tonal Tracks (Melody & Harmony) ] ------------------------------------ - Always in key: scale modes across the app (use built-in scales or create your own) - Note input modes: Poly, Chord Simple, Chord Multi, Chord Blocks - Flow modes (musical logic): Standard, Peek, Echo, Melt, Mirror - Per-Trig Step FX: Velocity, Pitch, Ratchet, Strum - Multi-Seq: 4 independent sequencers per tonal track to weave interlocking parts - Import and edit .MIDI files [ Drum Tracks (Kits & Samplers) ] ---------------------------------- - 16 mini-sequencers per drum track with independent settings, FX, and controls - Modular linking, advanced layering, and Drum↔Tone interactions for shared timing tricks - Drum profiles for fast kit routing and universal connectivity - Per-Trig Step FX (drum): Velocity, Length, Ratchet, Flam [ Modulation, Generative & Creative Tools ] ------------------------------------------- - 6 LFOs per track (track-tied and CC-tied) for tempo-synced movement and evolving patterns - Per-track/pattern 16-step Arpeggiator—from classic to experimental - Harmonizer and Hue Sequencer for chord color and phrase rotation - Tape-style MIDI Slicer & Looper (per track/pattern) for instant remixing - Smart randomizers: one-tap generation for drum patterns, sequences, and fx. [ Performance, Workflow & UI ] ------------------------------ - Scenes, mute profiles, and bar looper to play, capture, and perform. - Fast edits: copy, paste, multi-select, quick duplicate - Multi-touch keypad matrix & sequencer for hands-on control - Light & Dark themes - Host-aware saving (internal presets + AUv3 state) [ Hardware & Host Integration ] ------------------------------- - Deep, bi-directional control for Novation Launchpad (Pro, Mk3, Mini, X) and Launchkey Mini MK4 with LED feedback & mappings - External MIDI in/out/thru, per-track channel routing - AUv3 works in leading hosts (e.g., AUM, Logic Pro for iPad) [ Timing & Specs ] ------------------- - High-precision engine: 480 PPQN for tight playback at any tempo - iPhone & iPad AUv3 (MIDI-only; no built-in sounds) ---------- Find more info at sites.google.com/view/prism-midi-sequencer/home Happy creating, y’all. —A Mortal Mage

Screenshots

Trace Sequenced Sample Box4 screens
Prism MIDI Sequencer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Trace Sequenced Sample Box at Free against Prism MIDI Sequencer's $19.99. Trace Sequenced Sample Box also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Prism MIDI Sequencer's advantage is ratings volume (33 vs 1). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases 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

Trace Sequenced Sample Box is free to download; Prism MIDI Sequencer costs $19.99 up front. Trace Sequenced Sample Box sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Prism MIDI Sequencer sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Trace Sequenced Sample Box holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Prism MIDI Sequencer has 33 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Trace Sequenced Sample Box ships an update monthly, Prism MIDI Sequencer every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Trace Sequenced Sample Box versus Prism MIDI Sequencer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrace Sequenced Sample BoxPrism MIDI Sequencer
PriceFree — better$19.99
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better4.8 (33 ratings)
Positive reviews—85.7% of reviews
Number of ratings133 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size215 MB55 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGrohe & Giannakakis Applications GbRTyler Quatraro

Customer experience

Trace Sequenced Sample Box

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Prism MIDI Sequencer

All ratings33 ratings
Positive93.9%
Neutral3.0%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral4.8%
Negative9.5%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Trace Sequenced Sample Box

One-time2
  • Pro$7.99
  • Storage and Recoding$7.99
5 purchases

Prism MIDI Sequencer

One-time5
  • LFO Extension$4.99
  • Step FX$4.99
  • Multi-Sequencer [Tone Tracks]$4.99
Show 2 more
  • Launchkey Mini MK4 Control$4.99
  • Euclidean Sequencer Extension$4.99

Questions

Is Trace Sequenced Sample Box free?
Trace Sequenced Sample Box is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Prism MIDI Sequencer free?
Prism MIDI Sequencer costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Trace Sequenced Sample Box or Prism MIDI Sequencer?
Trace Sequenced Sample Box is rated higher. Trace Sequenced Sample Box averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Prism MIDI Sequencer averages 4.8 from 33 ratings.
Do Trace Sequenced Sample Box or Prism MIDI Sequencer have ads?
Neither Trace Sequenced Sample Box nor Prism MIDI Sequencer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Trace Sequenced Sample Box or Prism MIDI Sequencer?
Trace Sequenced Sample Box ships an update monthly, and Prism MIDI Sequencer every 2 weeks. Most recently, Trace Sequenced Sample Box was updated on June 1, 2026 and Prism MIDI Sequencer on September 26, 2026.

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