Battalion vs Darbuka Beats
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Battalion
This advanced music production tool offers a powerful drum machine with extensive synthesis, sampling, and sequencing capabilities. Craft intricate rhythms and evolving patterns with per-step modulation, generative sequencers, and built-in effects for deep sound design.
- 20+ synthesis algorithms
- 5 sampler algorithms
- 8 drum channels with simultaneous sample/synth
- 11 filter and 11 distortion modes
- Per-step modulation and generative sequencers
- Euclidean and permutation pattern engine
- Global performance controls
- Built-in Shatter Delay and Headspace Reverb
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"A deep world to get lost in - This delivers that in spades!" - Jamie Lidell, Hanging Out With Audiophiles Unfiltered Audio is back on iOS with its instant classic Battalion, perhaps the most advanced drum machine available on any platform. Battalion includes over 20 synthesis algorithms and 5 sampler algorithms, each built for advanced sound design via simple controls. All eight drum channels can use both samples and synthesis simultaneously. 11 filter modes and 11 distortion algorithms add further sculpting options to each voice. Additionally, all eight drum channels contain rich modulation available for every parameter, including two LFOs, two envelopes, and more. A global Performance page shows a simplified interface that allows you to manipulate every drum channel simultaneously. Want to hear your drum beat tuned down an octave with a single knob? Done. Need a global boost to distortion or a dramatic filter gesture? Easy. Each drum channel contains two sequencers. The first sequencer is a manual step sequencer with ratcheting, probability, velocity, pitch, micro-timing, and more... per-step! Each parameter lane can run at a different speed and length, making generative, evolving patterns a breeze. The second sequencer combines Euclidean patterns with an Unfiltered-designed permutation engine. Both sequencers run in parallel and receive further shaping via an array of Sequence Modifiers. Want one drum sequence to speed up while another slows down? The SHAPE parameter is here for you. Need that hi-hat to be a bit lazy? SHIFT will nudge it to rush or drag. And if you think drum machines have no soul, wait until you combine per-channel SWING with global HUMANIZE. All of this advanced sound design is glued together with a flexible mixer and Unfiltered Audio's evocative effects. Battalion contains two new Unfiltered Audio effects: Shatter Delay and Headspace Reverb. Shatter Delay combines granular stretching, dynamic ducking, sample crushing, and feedback spectrum sculpting into a melange of echo bliss. Dubby, dark, dotted echoes? Chaotic glitch storms? It's all here. Headspace Reverb evolves Silo's ten classic reverb algorithms with additional filtering options. You will always find the perfect reverb for your drum mix. Battalion includes over 150 presets to get you started. These cover a wide variety of genres and tempos, from glitch and IDM by esteemed sound designer DataBroth, to futuristic hip-hop from Willie Green (head of our favorite Backwoodz Studioz). From smoky and loose to shiny and mechanical, Battalion is ready to be your go-to solution for every rhythmic task.
Darbuka Beats
This app provides authentic Middle Eastern and Oriental rhythms for musicians, producers, and dancers. It features a wide variety of traditional loops, dynamic performance tools, and custom loop import. Seamlessly integrate with DAWs and external controllers for live shows and studio production.
- Over 30 authentic Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Oriental rhythms
- Dynamic performance tools for live feel
- AUv3 and Ableton Link support
- Import custom WAV loops with iCloud backup
- Set lists for live performances
- MIDI Learn integration
- Built-in recording and sharing
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Darbuka Beats: Play Authentic Middle Eastern Rhythms at Your Fingertips Unleash the spirit of the Middle East with Darbuka Beats, the ultimate drum machine app for belly dancers, musicians, and producers! Dive into a vibrant world of authentic Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Oriental rhythms, expertly crafted for both practice and performance. Features: • Authentic Loops: Explore over 30 traditional and modern rhythms, including Maksoum, Saidi, Baladi, Ciftetelli, Ayoub, Rumba, Malfuf, Dabkeh, Samai, and many more. • Dynamic Performance Tools: Play intros, variations, fills, endings, and layer percussion elements for a live, humanized feel. • AUv3 Support: Seamlessly integrate with your favorite AUv3-compatible DAWs for a streamlined production workflow. • Custom Loop Import with iCloud Backup: Add your personal touch by importing your own WAV loops—and keep them safe with iCloud backup of your custom content. • Set Lists for Live Shows: Organize your songs and rhythms for flawless live performances. • MIDI Learn Integration: Map and control virtually every feature using your external MIDI controller. • Tap or Lock Tempo: Stay perfectly in sync with easy tempo tapping or locking. • Smooth Transitions: Fade in, fade out, insert breaks, and end rhythms cleanly for seamless transitions. • Ableton Link Support: Sync effortlessly with other apps and devices for collaborative sessions. • Record and Share: Capture your performances or studio sessions with built-in output recording. Rhythms Included: Fox, Maksoum, Zaffa, Ayoub, Ciftetelli, Gypsy, Wahda, Katakufti, Saidi, Balon, Malfuf, Dossary, Laff, Sama’i, Shrh, Waltz 3/4, Choby Dabkeh, Sirya, Adani, Haja3, Jerk, Rumba, Slow, Sodasi, Techno, Shaban, Chobi, Gorgina, Baladi, Rai, Masmudi, Swing Oriental, Tableh, Arabi, Setati, Tagil, Bandari, Iraqi, Samri, and more — including unique 3/4 Rai rhythms! Whether you're dancing, performing live, or producing music in the studio, Darbuka Beats gives you the authentic grooves you need to move and inspire. Download now and feel the rhythm of tradition — and innovation!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Darbuka Beats at Free against Battalion's $39.99. Darbuka Beats also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 5 months). Battalion's advantage is review sentiment (85% vs 40%) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On rating, ratings volume, ads 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
Darbuka Beats is free to download; Battalion costs $39.99 up front. Darbuka Beats sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Battalion asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Battalion against 4.7 for Darbuka Beats. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 33 and 47 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 85% of Battalion's written reviews are positive against 40% of Darbuka Beats's.
Battalion ships an update every 5 months, Darbuka Beats every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Battalion | Darbuka Beats |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.6 (33 ratings) | 4.7 (47 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 84.6% of reviews — better | 40.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 33 | 47 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 6 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1.2 GB | 308 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Unfiltered Audio | Sonic Market LLC |
Customer experience
Battalion
Darbuka Beats
In-app purchases
Battalion
No in-app purchases
Darbuka Beats
- Darbuka Beats Factory Rhythms$1.99
- Darbuka Beats Factory Rhythms$3.99









