# Surface Builder vs TD3 Studio

The clearest difference is price: Surface Builder at $14.99 against TD3 Studio's $22.99. Surface Builder also leads on iOS requirement (13 vs 17.0). TD3 Studio's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Surface Builder costs $14.99 and TD3 Studio $22.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Surface Builder ships an update every 3 weeks, TD3 Studio every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Surface Builder | TD3 Studio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$14.99** | $22.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surface-builder/id6449735778/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **15** | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 32 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [4Pockets.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/370131860) | [Johan Nieuwhoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/6811815522) |

## What reviewers say

### Surface Builder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surface-builder/id6449735778)

Create custom MIDI control surfaces for audio applications. Design interfaces with buttons, knobs, and faders to send and receive MIDI data, control audio clips, and customize appearance. Supports AUv3 plugins and standalone use.

**Highlights:** Customizable MIDI control surfaces, AUv3 plugin and standalone modes, Send/receive MIDI data (notes, controllers, pitch bend), Audio clip playback control, Multi-scene interface design, Drag and drop interface customization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### TD3 Studio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/td3-studio/id6811815519)

This application converts MIDI files into patterns for the Behringer TD-3 or TD-3-MO synthesizer. It allows users to build and edit patterns step-by-step, with or without the physical hardware, using an on-screen keyboard and simulator.

**Highlights:** MIDI file to pattern conversion, Step-by-step pattern building, On-screen keyboard and MIDI input, Built-in TD-3 simulator, Accents, slides, ties, and rests editing, Library management via Files app, Cross-platform compatibility (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Surface Builder free?

Surface Builder costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is TD3 Studio free?

TD3 Studio costs $22.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Surface Builder or TD3 Studio have ads?

Neither Surface Builder nor TD3 Studio shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Surface Builder or TD3 Studio?

Surface Builder ships an update every 3 weeks, and TD3 Studio every 3 days. Most recently, Surface Builder was updated on October 20, 2026 and TD3 Studio on October 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*