Comparison

EG Nodes vs MIDI Drum

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

Head to head
About

EG Nodes

This app is a clip-based audio unit host and MIDI sequencer for creating musical projects. It offers a variety of built-in MIDI and audio nodes for generating sequences, recording, and sampling. Users can load external Audio Units and automate parameters for unique compositions.

Highlights
  • Clip-based Audio Unit host
  • Built-in MIDI generators (Note/Chord, Arpeggio, Sequencer)
  • Audio recording and sampling
  • Load external AU3 instruments and effects
  • Scene and automation control
  • Flexible MIDI routing
  • Standalone and AUv3 modular sequencer
Features
Read full description

EG Nodes is a clip based Audio Unit host with sequencing capabilities to play external instruments, Audio Unit or MIDI hardware and create a complete audio project. A powerful and flexible groovebox to perform or create musical projects from scratch in a fast and easy way. BUILTIN MIDI GENERATOR Use the builtin nodes to play instruments, apply effects and perform. NOTE/CHORD - generates a single note or a chord ARPEGGIO - generates chord arpeggios SEQUENCER - to play a note sequence RHYTHM - to play drums, percussion or rhythmic instruments PIANO ROLL - to write more complex MIDI part in a classic piano roll editorFEATURES GENERATIVE - to continuously generate sequences evolving in time MIDI FX - to host external MIDI FX Audio unit like sequencers, piano rolls and others MIC/INPUT NODE a simple node input audio from your device mic or an external usb interfaces. You can play your guitar or any instrument together with your song and record it using the Audio/Sampler node. BUILTIN AUDIO/RECORDER/SAMPLER Use the Audio Sampler node to import audio files (wav, mp3, mov, mp4, caf or aiff). Audio node is capable of sync the loop to your project tempo using pitch shifting algorithm to stretch the audio without changing its pitch. You can create your own instrument, adding a sample and playing it via the MIDI sequencer nodes. You can also use the Audio node to record the output from any node in your project or from a mic/line (using the MIC node). SONG NODE to link scenes and create a song structure. You can add how many song nodes you like and assign each one to a different section. MIX GROUP NODE to create mixing busses and group nodes. An easy way to apply effects and automation to multiple nodes at the same time. AU3 INSTRUMENTS, FX AND MIDI FX Load your favorite Audio Units to unlock an infinite palette of sounds. SCENES & AUTOMATIONS Save and recall up to 8 main scenes to control your song structure and nodes combination - each node can save its configuration, parameters and notes Automate parameters to add sparkle to your compostions. PROBABILITY - FREQUENCY - RANDOMIZATION AND MORE... Each node has additional controllers to make your performance unique, original and unpredictable. FLEXIBLE MIDI ROUTING & MIDI LEARN Send MIDI and receive it from external hardware, software or apps. Configure soruces and destination for each node and record directly into piano roll. Almost each button, know or slider can be assigned and controlled by your extenal MIDI controllers via a super easy MIDI learn setup AU3 MODULAR SEQUENCER EG Nodes can be loaded in other DAW/Hosts as MIDI FX generator to create MIDI sequences in a fast and easy way MIXER/COMPACT VIEW Adjust nodes level in a compact and optimised view UNIVERSAL Run EG Nodes on iPad or iPhone and share your project with other musicians. ADDITIONAL FEATURES STANDALONE VERSION - 8 recallable scenes to save nodes configurations - History Undo/Redo - Project MIDI scale transposition - Save and recall your favorite nodes - Duplicate and rename nodes - Import and export MIDI into Piano Roll nodes - Individual clip length, speed and steps number - Individual swing for each Sequencer or Rhythm node - AU3 Parameters automation - Multiple MIDI input sources assignable - Record from MIDI input or builtin keyboard into Piano Roll clips - Record AU instruments MIDI Out into Piano Roll clips - Import/Export presets - Record and export your performance - Ableton link sync support - MIDI in & out with midi channel filter for each node - Flexible internal MIDI routing to send MIDI from one node to other ones - MIDI learn to control app with external controllers and MIDI surfaces AU3 MIDI PROCESSOR VERSION - MIDI processor Audio Unit to be hosted into other DAWS - includes all the sequencing features of the standalone app - send MIDI notes out to your host - control AU3 parameters of other AU3 instruments or effects hosted with the app and automate them

About

MIDI Drum

Create and perform drum patterns with an 8-track sequencer. Connect to external instruments and apps via Bluetooth or USB MIDI. Share your creations and explore a library of user-made songs.

Highlights
  • 8-track drum sequencer
  • User-friendly interface
  • Live performance mode
  • General MIDI sound source
  • Bluetooth LE and USB MIDI support
  • Song library for sharing
  • Export Standard MIDI Files (paid add-on)
Features
Read full description

Key Features: - 8-track drum sequencer - Simple, user-friendly interface - Display and edit 4 to 48 steps across 4 cycles on a single screen - Live performance with up to 6 toggleable blocks - Built-in sound source compliant with General MIDI - Compatible with electronic instruments via MIDI connection (e.g., Casiotone, PortaTone, InstaChord) - Connection options: Bluetooth LE MIDI or USB MIDI - Extend sound sources by connecting with other apps such as bs-16i - Can be operated via external MIDI devices, keyboards, and page-turning switches - Song library for sharing self-created data and downloading from other users - Export Standard MIDI Files (SMF) – available as a paid add-on *Loading data created by other users is free. *In-app purchases apply across all devices. Official Website (Japanese): https://instachord.com/product/midi-drum/ User Manual (English): https://kantan-music.notion.site/MIDI-Drum-Manual-5976bdeba4f04900851f0e3c9ae247d6 Song Library: https://instachord.com/community/drum-data/ Developer: bismark [https://www.bismark.jp/

Screenshots

EG Nodes4 screens
MIDI Drum4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MIDI Drum at Free against EG Nodes's $19.99. EG Nodes's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 3.7) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

MIDI Drum is free to download; EG Nodes costs $19.99 up front. EG Nodes sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and MIDI Drum sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

EG Nodes holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: EG Nodes has 93 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

EG Nodes ships an update weekly, MIDI Drum every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and August 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
EG Nodes versus MIDI Drum: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEG NodesMIDI Drum
Price$19.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (93 ratings) — better3.7 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews
Number of ratings93 — better3
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperElliott GarageInstaChord Corp.

Customer experience

EG Nodes

All ratings93 ratings
Positive94.6%
Neutral2.2%
Negative3.2%
Written reviews52 reviews
Positive92.3%
Neutral3.8%
Negative3.8%

MIDI Drum

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

Bugs and requests

EG Nodes

Reported bugs

14 issues
  • Sampler won’t play correctly
  • Sampler features don’t work consistently
  • Scenes getting armed and recordings going into them despite disabling them
  • Crashes with some apps
  • Crashing results in losing work
Show 9 more
  • Accidentally refreshed instead of saving
  • Can’t sequence all AU parameters
  • Chord module seems weird
  • Rhythm module labeling is hard to understand
  • Pads option for iPhone could be better
  • Sustain pedal input issue (resolved)
  • Pan bug (resolved)
  • Teething problems being sorted
  • Some bugs reported (quickly fixed)

Requested features

12 requests
  • Easy way to report bugs without login/account
  • Keep save/refresh options on screen
  • Audio recording or looping module
  • Audio clip module, like a looper
  • 16 steps per page for sequencers
Show 7 more
  • Sequence all AU parameters
  • Follow chord mode to control other nodes
  • Pads option for iPhone in portrait mode
  • Tie notes together/ sustain notes
  • Automate bending notes, lead guitarist style
  • More specific randomization, such as bass pattern generation
  • Multi Track export

MIDI Drum

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

EG Nodes

One-time3
  • Small tip$1.99
  • Medium tip$3.99
  • Large tip$14.99
2 purchases

MIDI Drum

One-time2
  • Save in proprietary format$4.99
  • Export as SMF$4.99

Questions

Is EG Nodes free?
EG Nodes costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is MIDI Drum free?
MIDI Drum is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, EG Nodes or MIDI Drum?
EG Nodes is rated higher. EG Nodes averages 4.8 out of 5 from 93 ratings, while MIDI Drum averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.
Do EG Nodes or MIDI Drum have ads?
Neither EG Nodes nor MIDI Drum shows ads.
Which is updated more often, EG Nodes or MIDI Drum?
EG Nodes ships an update weekly, and MIDI Drum every 3 weeks. Most recently, EG Nodes was updated on September 21, 2026 and MIDI Drum on August 19, 2026.

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