Comparison

KQ Tixie vs Setlist MIDI

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

Head to head
About

KQ Tixie

This app is a 4-operator FM synthesizer for iOS devices, recreating the iconic sounds of 1980s hardware. It offers a modern interface with MPE support and AUv3 compatibility, allowing for deep sound editing and layering up to eight sounds.

Highlights
  • 4-operator FM synthesis recreation
  • MPE and AUv3 support
  • Import SysEx data
  • Thousands of patches included
  • Layer up to 8 sounds
  • Real-time performance controls
  • Built-in effects
Features
Read full description

KQ Tixie is a 4-operator FM synthesizer for iPhone and iPad that faithfully recreates the sound and behavior of classic FM instruments from the 1980s. Experience the iconic character of vintage FM synthesis with a modern touch interface, MPE support, and AUv3 compatibility. FM synthesis generates sound mathematically rather than playing back recorded samples. 4-operator FM is not simply a smaller version of 6-operator FM. With fewer operators, sound design becomes more immediate and intuitive, making it easier to reach the sound you want without unnecessary complexity. Despite its streamlined architecture, 4-operator FM is capable of producing powerful basses, sparkling bells, rich electric pianos, cutting leads, and many of the iconic sounds that defined an era. KQ Tixie faithfully recreates the character and workflow that make 4-operator FM unique. It's not about having fewer operators—it's about a more refined design. 4-operator FM is another evolution of FM synthesis. Features - Faithful recreation of classic 4-operator FM synthesizers from the 1980s - Import SysEx data from supported hardware synthesizers and reproduce their sounds accurately - Includes thousands of patches - User-friendly sound editor designed for efficient patch creation and editing - Layer up to 8 sounds simultaneously - Supports MPE (Pitch-bend, Aftertouch, and MIDI CC#74) - Real-time performance controls for expressive sound shaping - Built-in effects inspired by the Yamaha V50 and Korg DS-8 - AUv3 Instrument support - iCloud support - Patches edited in KQ Tixie can be transferred to compatible DX-series synthesizers (excluding the DX7 and DX9), earlier EOS-series synthesizers, FB-01, Reface DX, and SEQTRAK. * - Users can download a VST3 Wrapper for supported Macs. *The Reface DX and SEQTRAK engines cannot reproduce the operator waveforms or feedback behavior. Choose KQ Tixie if you want: - The sound of Yamaha DX100, TX81Z, V50, FB-01. - 4-operator FM synthesis with all eight operator waveforms. - Built-in effects inspired by the Yamaha V50 and Korg DS-8. - Compatibility with SysEx data from supported hardware synthesizers. Compatible synthesizers include - Yamaha FB-01 - Yamaha DX21 / DX27 / DX100 / DX11 / V50 / TX81Z / WT11 - Yamaha EOS YS200 / YS100 / B200 / DS55 / TQ5 - Korg DS-8 / 707 Names of hardware synthesizers and manufacturers mentioned in this description are trademarks of their respective owners. The developer of this app is independent of those companies. This app and its accompanying description include AI-generated text.

About

Setlist MIDI

Features
Read full description

Setlist MIDI is the professional tool for live musicians who need reliable tempo control on stage — from MIDI pedalboards and switchers to synths, drum machines, loopers, and effects. Now you can control any MIDI device via PC or CC messages using only your phone, making your setup simpler, more portable, and more powerful. Organize your full setlist before the show and let the app handle the rest. When you tap a song during performance, MIDI Clock starts instantly at the correct BPM — keeping pedals, time-based effects, sequencers, backing tracks, and your entire MIDI rig perfectly in sync. SETLIST & SONG MANAGEMENT Create setlists with artist, venue, and date. Add songs with individual BPM, time signature, tracks, cues, and key settings. Reorder your set easily with drag and drop — ready for performance. MIDI CLOCK & GEAR INTEGRATION Send MIDI Clock (Start, Stop, Clock) to any MIDI destination — USB, Bluetooth MIDI, DIN (via interface), or virtual ports. Control pedals, effects, switchers, synths, samplers, and any MIDI-compatible device. The app automatically detects available MIDI destinations and reconnects when devices are unplugged and plugged back in. When switching songs with the clock running, BPM updates smoothly without stopping playback. TRACKS, CUES & PERFORMANCE CONTROL Play backing tracks directly from your setlist with sample-accurate sync. Use cues to guide your performance with clear visual or audio markers — perfect for transitions, entries, and structure. Everything stays locked to MIDI Clock. BUILT-IN METRONOME A precise click keeps your timing solid. Accented downbeat, soft subdivisions, and a visual pulse in sync with the audio. Independent volume control. Works with any time signature. KEY TRANSPOSITION (BETA) Instantly transpose songs to match your vocalist or instrument. Adjust keys on the fly without changing your workflow. STAGE-READY DESIGN High-contrast dark interface for low-light environments. Large controls for fast interaction. Monospaced BPM display for easy reading at a distance. AUDIO ROUTING Designed for live performance. Works with Bluetooth audio, wired headphones, and USB audio interfaces. Background audio keeps tracks, clock, and metronome running even when the screen is locked. WHO IS IT FOR Guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers, and music directors who need a central place to control tempo, tracks, and MIDI — whether syncing pedals, loopers, backing tracks, or a full live rig. Fast, stable MIDI Clock control — right in your hand. — Developed by YejBand

Screenshots

KQ Tixie3 screens
Setlist MIDI4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: KQ Tixie at $8.99 against Setlist MIDI's $12.99. KQ Tixie also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases 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

KQ Tixie costs $8.99 and Setlist MIDI $12.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

KQ Tixie ships an update every 3 days, Setlist MIDI every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
KQ Tixie versus Setlist MIDI: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKQ TixieSetlist MIDI
Price$8.99 — better$12.99
Rating5.0 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyouta KiraEder Mariano

In-app purchases

None

KQ Tixie

No in-app purchases

None

Setlist MIDI

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is KQ Tixie free?
KQ Tixie costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Setlist MIDI free?
Setlist MIDI costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do KQ Tixie or Setlist MIDI have ads?
Neither KQ Tixie nor Setlist MIDI shows ads.
Which is updated more often, KQ Tixie or Setlist MIDI?
KQ Tixie ships an update every 3 days, and Setlist MIDI every 2 days. Most recently, KQ Tixie was updated on October 24, 2026 and Setlist MIDI on October 25, 2026.

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