Comparison

Koto Master vs Phase Chimes

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

Head to head
About

Koto Master

Features
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The koto (箏) is a Japanese plucked half-tube zither instrument, and the national instrument of Japan. It is derived from the Chinese zheng and se, and similar to the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and ajaeng, the Vietnamese đàn tranh, the Sundanese kacapi and the Kazakhstan jetigen. Koto are roughly 180 centimetres (71 in) in length, and made from Paulownia wood (Paulownia tomentosa, known as kiri). The most common type uses 13 strings strung over movable bridges used for tuning, different pieces possibly requiring different tuning. 17-string koto are also common, and act as bass in ensembles. Koto strings are generally plucked using three fingerpicks (tsume), worn on the first three fingers of the right hand.

About

Phase Chimes

Create intricate musical compositions by linking gears to generate complex rhythms and melodies. Explore generative music ideas standalone or as a MIDI plugin within other music production apps.

Highlights
  • Generative rhythm and melody composition
  • AUv3 MIDI plugin support
  • Standalone app functionality
  • Adjustable gear parameters (size, angle, velocity)
  • Composition snapshots and transitions
  • On-the-fly performance capabilities
  • Internal sound library
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MAKE MUSICAL MACHINES! Link gears together to compose surprisingly complex rhythms and melodies. Runs as an AUv3 MIDI plugin in host apps like AUM and Logic Pro (for iPad), or as a standalone app so you can explore musical ideas on your iPhone or iPad whenever inspiration strikes! THE CONCEPT - Differently-sized gears define gear ratios, which produce polyrhythms. - The connection angle between gears determines note pitch. Use these simple principles to create generative compositions with a visually elegant user interface. Compose patterns that evolve over time, or perform live by changing and arranging gears on-the-fly. FEATURES - Set each gear's size, offset, velocity, duration, and MIDI channel. - Store multiple snapshots of your composition and smoothly transition between them. - Reposition groups of gears to transpose and re-harmonize multiple notes at the same time. - Almost any aspect of a composition can be randomized. - Control external software or hardware instruments when in standalone MIDI mode or as an AUv3 plugin. - Synchronizes with your DAW's timeline to play in time with other tracks. - Get started quickly with an onscreen tutorial and a bunch of factory presets. SOUNDS Select from internal sounds such as a sampled grand piano, a Wurlitzer, and a vintage synthesizer. Whether you want to create a live audio-visual performance, add a polyrhythmic layer to your project, or compose an ambient, meditative atmosphere, Phase Chimes will surprise you with something new every time you engage with it.

Screenshots

Koto Master3 screens
Phase Chimes4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Phase Chimes at none against Koto Master's shown. Koto Master's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $9.99) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.6). On 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

Koto Master costs $2.99 and Phase Chimes $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Koto Master versus Phase Chimes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKoto MasterPhase Chimes
Price$2.99 — better$9.99
Rating—5.0 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—9 — better
Update frequency—Every 2 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size130 MB33 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSENSOR NOTES JOINT STOCK COMPANYKenneth Murphy

In-app purchases

None

Koto Master

No in-app purchases

None

Phase Chimes

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Koto Master free?
Koto Master costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Phase Chimes free?
Phase Chimes costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Koto Master or Phase Chimes have ads?
Koto Master shows ads; Phase Chimes does not.

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