FM Playground vs MIDI Host
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FM Playground
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FM Playground is an educational app designed for learning and experimenting with FM synthesis (Frequency Modulation Synthesis). Developed as part of the "2025 Swift Sound - Creative Coding for Computer Musicians" project at MARTE Lab, Department of Multimedia, Dongguk University, by Yeonho Kim, Taejun Kim, Seoyul Son, and Sookyung Yoon, with guidance from Gwangyu Lee. The app features multiple interactive views where users can manipulate sound in real time using touch gestures and iPhone sensors (gyroscope, compass, etc.). Key Features: - What is FM Synthesis?: Learn the fundamentals of FM synthesis with an interactive view. Adjust sliders to hear real-time modulation effects and explore complex timbres. - Gesture-based control of timbre, frequency, and volume across various interactive views. - Open-source code available for study, experimentation, and expansion.
MIDI Host
This app acts as a professional MIDI patchbay for your mobile devices, allowing you to visually route MIDI signals from controllers to multiple synthesizers. It supports various connection types and offers zero latency for lag-free performance. A dedicated button helps manage "stuck notes" during live shows.
- Multi-device MIDI routing
- Universal USB-C, Bluetooth LE, WIDI support
- Zero latency CoreMIDI engine
- "MIDI Panic" button for stuck notes
- Minimalist interface for live performance
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MIDI Host transforms your iPhone or iPad into a professional MIDI Patchbay. Forget about buying expensive hardware adapters; route the signal from your MIDI controllers to multiple synthesizers at the same time in an intuitive and visual way. KEY FEATURES: • Multi-Device Routing: Connect multiple inputs (IN) to multiple outputs (OUT) simultaneously. • Universal Support: Works flawlessly with powered USB-C hubs, USB MIDI keyboards, Bluetooth LE, and WIDI devices (CME). • Zero Latency: Built on Apple's powerful native CoreMIDI engine for an instant, lag-free data flow. • "MIDI Panic" Button: Save your live performance. A single tap sends CC reset commands to all your devices to stop "stuck notes" instantly. • Interface for Musicians: Brutalist and minimalist design built for the stage. No hidden menus, just clear, large switches. Ideal for mobile producers, portable setups, and live performances. Compatible with brands like Teenage Engineering, Akai, Roland, Korg, Yamaha, and more.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: FM Playground at Free against MIDI Host's $6.99. On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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
FM Playground is free to download; MIDI Host costs $6.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | FM Playground | MIDI Host |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $6.99 |
| Rating | — | 4.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 19 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gwangyu Lee | Benjamin Camarena |
In-app purchases
FM Playground
No in-app purchases
MIDI Host
No in-app purchases









