Comparison

Battalion vs Darbuka Beats

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Read full description

"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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Battalion4 screens
Darbuka Beats4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Battalion versus Darbuka Beats: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBattalionDarbuka Beats
Price$39.99Free — better
Rating4.6 (33 ratings)4.7 (47 ratings) — better
Positive reviews84.6% of reviews — better40.0% of reviews
Number of ratings3347 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size1.2 GB308 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperUnfiltered AudioSonic Market LLC

Customer experience

Battalion

All ratings33 ratings
Positive93.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.1%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive84.6%
Neutral7.7%
Negative7.7%

Darbuka Beats

All ratings42 ratings
Positive90.5%
Neutral4.8%
Negative4.8%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral40.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

None

Battalion

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Darbuka Beats

One-time2
  • Darbuka Beats Factory Rhythms$1.99
  • Darbuka Beats Factory Rhythms$3.99

Questions

Is Battalion free?
Battalion costs $39.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Darbuka Beats free?
Darbuka Beats is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Battalion or Darbuka Beats?
Darbuka Beats is rated higher. Battalion averages 4.6 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while Darbuka Beats averages 4.7 from 47 ratings.
Do Battalion or Darbuka Beats have ads?
Neither Battalion nor Darbuka Beats shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Battalion or Darbuka Beats?
Battalion ships an update every 5 months, and Darbuka Beats every 6 days. Most recently, Battalion was updated on October 22, 2026 and Darbuka Beats on October 18, 2026.

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