Magic Tines vs Blue Mode Drive
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Magic Tines
This app emulates a classic electric piano using a hybrid approach of sampling and synthesis. It offers a range of effects, adjustable parameters, and multiple instrument models for a versatile sound experience. Available as a standalone app or audio plugin.
- Hybrid Modeling engine (samples + synthesis)
- Three EP models
- Adjustable sampled and synthesis parameters
- Multiple amplifier and phaser models
- Mono or Stereo tremolo
- Built-in programmer with unlimited Programs
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GSi Magic Tines is a Hybrid Modeling emulation of a Tine Electric Piano. INSTRUMENT BACKGROUND The Rhodes Piano was invented during WWII by an american music teacher, Harold B. Rhodes (1910 - 2000), and has been widely used for decades in nearly every genre of music ranging from soul music to jazz, blues, modern and pop. This instrument quickly became a legend, and is still used today. In 2007 it had a first rebirth thanks to an American entrepreneur who tried to restore the glory to this instrument, so the Mark 7 was born, but unfortunately his venture failed after a few years. In 2021, a group of British entrepreneurs acquired the brand and put a revamped edition of this instrument back into production, the Mark 8. In digital territory, the sound of a Rhodes piano is an important part of every digital piano / keyboard / workstation, and is reproduced mainly using samples, and in a few cases using some kind of synthesis. The Crumar Seven is one example of a hardware digital piano that uses real Physical Modeling to recreate the sound of a Tine Piano, i.e. it doesn't use any samples to recreate the sound, just real-time math calculations. GSi Magic Tines uses a different approach, which consists in both sampling and modeling, whereas all attack and release transients come from recordings of real life electric pianos, and the body of each note is recreated by a special synthesizer that uses math functions to simulate the exact behavior of a steel tine being struck by a rubber hammer tip. What is excluded by the synthesis engine is compensated by the sampled material. In other words, the best of the two worlds. Main features - Hybrid Modeling engine (samples + synthesis) - Full Polyphony (up to 88 keys) - Three EP models to choose from - Parameters for adjusting both the sampled part and the synthesis part separately - Three band semi-parametric EQ - Mono or Stereo tremolo with opto-coupler panner - Amplifier simulation with 5 different models - Tube overdrive effect - Adjustable stereo chorus - Phaser effect with six different models - Stereo Delay effect - Stereo Reverb effect - User programmable Velocity curve - Built-in programmer with unlimited Programs - Embedded user's manual - Available as Stand-alone application and audio plugin - Very low CPU and RAM usage - AUv3 for iPad and iPhone - Supports Background audio and Bluetooth Midi
Blue Mode Drive
This plugin emulates a classic blues overdrive pedal with nuanced, touch-sensitive tones. It offers dual modes and advanced modeling for dynamic sound shaping, integrating seamlessly with macOS and iOS DAWs.
- Classic blues overdrive emulation
- Dual Mode Switch (Standard/Custom)
- Parametric NAM Modeling
- Touch-sensitive dynamics
- Cross-platform AUv3 support
- Optimized M1/M2 performance
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Blue Mode is a meticulously crafted overdrive plugin that captures the essence of a classic blues overdrive pedal. Utilizing Artera DSP's Parametric NAM engine, it delivers nuanced, touch-sensitive tones that respond dynamically to your playing. Key Features: Dual Mode Switch (S–C): Toggle between Standard for classic breakup and Custom for a fuller, more saturated sound. Parametric NAM Modeling: Ensures detailed and responsive overdrive tones. Touch-Sensitive Dynamics: From subtle grit to soaring leads, your playing nuances shine through. Cross-Platform AUv3 Support: Seamlessly integrates with macOS and iOS DAWs like Logic Pro and GarageBand. Optimized Performance: M1/M2 native support with ultra-low CPU usage. Whether you're in the studio or on the go, Blue Mode provides the authentic overdrive experience musicians crave.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Blue Mode Drive at 5.0 against Magic Tines's 3.7. Blue Mode Drive also leads on price ($12.99 vs $19.99). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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
Magic Tines costs $19.99 and Blue Mode Drive $12.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Blue Mode Drive holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
| Parameter | Magic Tines | Blue Mode Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $12.99 — better |
| Rating | 3.7 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 19 MB | 91 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Genuine Soundware | Reinarc LLC |
Customer experience
Magic Tines
Blue Mode Drive
In-app purchases
Magic Tines
No in-app purchases
Blue Mode Drive
No in-app purchases






