Comparison

MidiStep vs FAC Polyflo

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

Head to head
About

MidiStep

Create complex rhythms and generative music with a powerful step sequencer. Control randomization for notes, chords, velocity, and more to generate unique, ever-changing musical patterns. Automate synth parameters with independent modulation lanes.

Highlights
  • User-controlled randomization for musical parameters
  • Polyphonic chord playback per step
  • Variable step sequence lengths
  • Multiple linked patterns
  • 8 independent modulation lanes
  • Real-time modification of randomization
Features
Read full description

MidiStep is a powerful and inspirational polyphonic step sequencer, and a dream for lovers of complex rhythms and generative music creation tools. The program uses sophisticated, user-controlled randomization to generate notes with a variety of parameters, including note values, note length, chords, patterns, velocity, gate, dividers, repeats, swing, and many more. You have complete control over what, when, and how much is randomized on a step-by-step basis. You can easily create patterns that have little to no variation, patterns that maintain a recognizable pattern but have some degree of variations to the notes, velocity, etc., all the way to patterns with extreme randomness with every pass – the degree of randomization is completely under your control for every parameter and for every step of a pattern. Features include per-step polyphonic chord playback, variable step sequence lengths for all parameters such as pitch, octave, velocity, note duration, beat divisions etc, and the capability to create multiple patterns which can be linked together in various ways. MidiStep also features 8 additional modulation lanes with independent play speeds. These can be used to automate parameters within your favourite synths. MidiStep uses sophisticated randomization settings for note values, note lengths, velocity, gate, dividers, repeats, swing, pitch bend and modulation. In addition, by setting different cycle lengths, step skips, step repeats, jumps, rewinds, cursor positions, pattern jumps, octave shifts, and many other parameters, you can create an infinite number of non-repeating sequences. The degree and types of randomizations for each of these parameters is up to you! Aleatoric music, also known as chance music, allows you to create patterns and entire compositions with user-controlled randomisation. The word 'aleatory' is derived from the Latin word 'alea' meaning dice. MidiStep allows you to turn on/off randomisation on a stepwise basis for almost all parameters, set the percent probability that the randomisation will occur, set min/max values, set exactly which parameters will be randomized, etc. The exact realization of the music will vary with each pass of the sequence, resulting in unique and captivating aleatoric renditions. All randomization controls can be modified in real-time. Features include: •Each of the 16 sequences can have unlimited types and degrees of randomness that you control. •8 independent sequencer lanes: Notes, Chords, Octaves, Velocity, Gate, Divider, Repeat, Delay. •8 independent Modulation sequencer lanes. •16 Patterns and 4 types of pattern switching, independent for each pattern. •Up to 16 steps per pattern, 16 patterns, and 16 cycles per pattern for a maximum sequence length of 4096 notes. •Independent sequencer length (1–16 steps) for each of the 16 lanes. •A Master step cursor independent of all other lanes. •Independent randomization parameters for each of the 16 lanes, with probability, min/max values, default values, skips, repeats, etc. •Unlimited variety of sequences, from slight variation to wildly different sequences on every pass. •126 scales and 126 chords – in every key, along with a scale and chord editor for you to create your own. •Chord complexity for 2–8 note chords, with notes specified or randomly generated. •Chord Articulation options – Block chords, Strum up/down, Arp up/down – with accent, length, speed, and random note order parameters. •Master lane and Chord lane previews. •Pattern Creator - automatic melody, chord, bass and drum backing. •Auto-scroll chord lane. •7-octave range for notes and chords (from C1–C8), with static and random octave offsets. •11 note lengths – from 1/32 note to 4 full measures, plus ties across notes, rests, repeated notes, and delays. •Two types of Swing with adjustable offset. •Humanize settings for note velocity and note timing. •Transposition of sequences using a keyboard – mono for single notes, and poly for chords.

About

FAC Polyflo

This AUv3 plugin allows you to modulate and sequence MIDI instruments and modular hardware. It outputs both MIDI and analog CV simultaneously, supporting hybrid digital and analog setups. Convert various signals into control voltages for deep and flexible modulation.

Highlights
  • AUv3 plugin for modulation and sequencing
  • Outputs MIDI and analog CV simultaneously
  • Converts signals to control voltages
  • Two LFO generators with syncing
  • Integrated envelope follower
  • Six FLO(W) processors for signal shaping
  • Universal Purchase for iOS, macOS, Vision Pro
Features
Read full description

• AUv3 plugin to modulate and sequence MIDI instruments and modular hardware • Outputs MIDI and analog CV simultaneously for integrated hybrid setups • Fully functional in software-only environments with full MIDI support • Converts LFOs, MIDI notes, pitch, and control changes into control voltages • Includes two LFO generators with random spline, cross-modulation and syncing • Integrated envelope follower to track audio input or sidechain signal • Six FLO(W) processors for combining and shaping signals with math and logic • Each FLO supports 18 inputs with individual polarity, divider and multiplier • Multi-out support, built-in waveform viewer, Audio FX, and MIDI FX • Advanced Responsive Design, portrait and landscape views • Universal Purchase: AUv3 for iOS (iPad/iPhone), macOS and Vision Pro FAC Polyflo is an AUv3 plugin for modulating and sequencing MIDI instruments and modular gear via control voltage. It outputs MIDI and analog CV simultaneously, making it well-suited for hybrid setups that combine digital and analog equipment. The plugin includes two LFO generators offering 10 waveforms, including classic shapes and random spline, with support for cross-modulation and syncing. It also features an envelope follower that tracks audio FX input or an external sidechain. The generated signals, together with the host clock and MIDI input, are fed into six independent FLO(W) processors. These processors combine, shape, and route inputs using math operations, conditional logic, and comparators. Each FLO includes individual polarity, division, and multiplication controls, providing deep and flexible modulation that balances chaotic creativity with precise timing. Each FLO processor output is connected to its own output bus, enabling easy integration with hardware via DC-coupled audio interfaces like the Expert Sleepers ES-9. For simpler setups, FLO outputs can be routed to the stereo output. FAC Polyflo can also convert MIDI notes, pitch, and control changes into control voltages, making it a powerful MIDI-to-CV solution. If you prefer to work exclusively with software, the plugin runs smoothly in software-only environments with full MIDI support, making it equally suited for purely digital workflows. FAC Polyflo works as both an Audio Unit FX and MIDI FX, featuring a clean, touch-optimized interface with precise control and waveform visualization. It’s available as an AUv3 for iOS (iPad/iPhone), macOS, and Vision Pro, and requires a compatible AUv3 host app to run. This is an AUv3 Effect and requires a compatible host to work The documentation is available at fredantoncorvest.com/FAC_Polyflo.html

Screenshots

MidiStep4 screens
FAC Polyflo3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MidiStep at none against FAC Polyflo's 3. MidiStep also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). FAC Polyflo's advantage is price ($9.99 vs $14.99) and review sentiment (100% vs 81%). On rating, ratings volume, ads and monetization model 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

MidiStep costs $14.99 and FAC Polyflo $9.99 up front. FAC Polyflo sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. MidiStep asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for MidiStep against 4.9 for FAC Polyflo. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 25 and 11 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of MidiStep's written reviews are positive against 100% of FAC Polyflo's.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
MidiStep versus FAC Polyflo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMidiStepFAC Polyflo
Price$14.99$9.99 — better
Rating4.8 (25 ratings)4.9 (11 ratings) — better
Positive reviews81.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings25 — better11
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer4Pockets.comFrederic Corvest

Customer experience

MidiStep

All ratings25 ratings
Positive96.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative4.0%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive81.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative18.8%

FAC Polyflo

All ratings11 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

MidiStep

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

FAC Polyflo

One-time3
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Medium Tip$4.99
  • Large Tip$14.99

Questions

Is MidiStep free?
MidiStep costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is FAC Polyflo free?
FAC Polyflo costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MidiStep or FAC Polyflo?
FAC Polyflo is rated higher. MidiStep averages 4.8 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while FAC Polyflo averages 4.9 from 11 ratings.
Do MidiStep or FAC Polyflo have ads?
Neither MidiStep nor FAC Polyflo shows ads.

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