Comparison

Battalion vs MusePad

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

MusePad

This app is a versatile MPE controller for music producers, offering customizable rigs with various devices like pads, keyboards, and controllers. It allows for on-the-fly layout switching, MIDI learning with DAWs, and dynamic key/scale adjustments. Save and recall your setups as reusable projects for studio, rehearsal, or live performances.

Highlights
  • 6D MPE controller
  • Multiple device types (pads, keyboard, controllers)
  • Customizable layouts and modes
  • MIDI Learn with DAW integration
  • Dynamic key/scale switching
  • Project-based workflow for saving and sharing setups
  • Bluetooth and Network MIDI connectivity
Features
Read full description

Muse Pad is a 6D MPE controller designed for music producers. Build expressive rigs with multiple device types, switch layouts on the fly, and map any control in seconds—then save everything as reusable projects. Highlights Multiple devices: Pads, Keyboard, Controllers, and more Modes and layouts tailored to playing styles and stages Custom velocity curves per device for consistent feel MIDI Learn with DAW: map sliders, arc knobs, bend wheel, XY pad, camera tracker Dynamic key/scale switching for instant musical context Project‑based workflow: save, recall, and share setups Connectivity Bluetooth MIDI and Network MIDI for wireless stages Works with leading DAWs, synths, and hardware via CoreMIDI Devices & Controls Pads: velocity‑sensitive grooves, drum racks, finger drumming Keyboard: in‑key/chromatic/regular modes, octave, and split layouts Controllers: sliders, arc knobs, bend wheel, XY pad, switches Per‑control ranges, smoothing, inversion, and scaling Projects Save complete device states, mappings, keys/scales, and curves Create variations for studio, rehearsal, and live shows Built for Musicians Refine touch with curves, and automate parameter changes via MIDI Learn Pricing Standard: monthly subscription or one‑time lifetime unlock Manage subscriptions in‑app; restore purchases anytime Privacy & Support https://muse-pad-web.vercel.app/muse-pad No unnecessary data collection; designed for reliable performance Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Battalion4 screens
MusePad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MusePad at Free against Battalion's $39.99. MusePad also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 months) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Battalion's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (33 vs 1). On 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

MusePad is free to download; Battalion costs $39.99 up front. MusePad sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Battalion asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MusePad holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Battalion has 33 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Battalion ships an update every 5 months, MusePad every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Battalion versus MusePad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBattalionMusePad
Price$39.99Free — better
Rating4.6 (33 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews91.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings33 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1.2 GB46 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperUnfiltered AudioShenzhen Comus Electronic Technology Co., Ltd

Customer experience

Battalion

All ratings33 ratings
Positive93.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.1%
Written reviews24 reviews
Positive91.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative8.3%

MusePad

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Battalion

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

MusePad

Subscriptions3
  • Muse Pad MIDI Controller Standard$4.991 Month
  • Muse Pad Course Plan (Monthly)$7.991 Month
  • Muse Pad Course Plan (Yearly)$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • Muse Pad MIDI Controller Standard$14.99

Questions

Is Battalion free?
Battalion costs $39.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MusePad free?
MusePad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Battalion or MusePad?
MusePad is rated higher. Battalion averages 4.6 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while MusePad averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Battalion or MusePad have ads?
Neither Battalion nor MusePad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Battalion or MusePad?
Battalion ships an update every 5 months, and MusePad every 3 days. Most recently, Battalion was updated on September 21, 2026 and MusePad on September 7, 2026.

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