Comparison

GridStep vs EchoSketch

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

Head to head
About

GridStep

A professional MIDI step sequencer offering a focused grid-based workflow for clear, controlled, and predictable music creation. It functions as a standalone app and an AUv3 plugin, ideal for both live performance and composition.

Highlights
  • Grid-based MIDI step sequencing
  • Explicit edit modes for notes, velocity, slides, and mutes
  • Trigger-based step advance
  • Controlled pattern generation
  • AUv3 MIDI effect plugin
  • Standalone app functionality
Read full description

GridStep is a professional MIDI step sequencer designed for clarity, control, and predictable results. It works as a standalone app as well as an AUv3 plugin. GridStep provides a focused grid-based workflow with explicit edit modes, per-step inspection, and one-shot generation tools. Every interaction is intentional, allowing patterns to evolve without ambiguity. Core Features Explicit Edit Modes - Dedicated modes for Notes, Velocity, Slides, and Mutes - Clear, consistent interactions across the grid Precision Grid Editing - Step-based grid with visible playhead and pattern length - Per-step inspector for detailed control - Efficient editing without leaving the main view Trigger-Based Step Advance - Advance the sequence using incoming MIDI triggers instead of the host clock - Enables irregular rhythms, external control, and non-linear playback - Fully compatible with standard clocked playback Controlled Generation - Pattern generation for notes, velocity, slides, and mutes - Apply generation globally, per lane, or per selection - Designed to support musical intent Performance-Focused Design - Deterministic, repeatable sequencing behaviour - Stage-safe interface optimized for quick adjustments - Predictable timing within AUv3 hosts AUv3 MIDI Effect - Works in AUv3 hosts such as AUM, Drambo, Logic, and Cubasis - MIDI-only design compatible with any synth or sampler Built for both live performance and composition, GridStep emphasizes stability, readability, and repeatable behaviour.

About

EchoSketch

Shape delay and reverb effects in real-time with a playable X/Y performance surface. Explore four distinct delay types and multiple reverb options, with extensive parameter control for unique sound morphing. Works as a standalone app or an Audio Unit plugin.

Highlights
  • X/Y performance surface for real-time sound shaping
  • Four distinct delay types: digital, analog, reverse, ping-pong
  • Spring, plate, and hall convolution reverb
  • Modulation and tone control for echoes
  • HOLD, LIFT, FREEZE, and MOTION performance gestures
  • Standalone app and AUv3 plugin compatibility
Features
Read full description

EchoSketch turns delay and reverb into a live, playable instrument. Shape your sound in real time using a responsive X/Y performance surface designed for intuitive touch expression. At its core are four great-sounding delays: digital, analog, ping-pong, and reverse. The range for each parameter and the XY axes direction can be set independently, allowing you to easily morph between sounds. It works as an Audio Unit plugin or standalone — iOS or Mac. Comprehensive Delays • Digital (patterned after a legendary '80s rack delay), Analog (warm, with tape-style pitch glide), Reverse, and Left/Right Ping-Pong • Delay times can sync to tempo or be set in milliseconds • Feedback features delay-dependent tone shaping — bright for short delays and darker for long ones Convolution Reverb • Stereo or mono Spring, Plate, and Hall • Reverb path is separate from the delay (same as vintage tape echo units), so repeats don’t get washed out Modulation and Filter • Analog-style modulation for chorused, warbly pitch echoes • Tone control — darken or brighten delays, with a center detent for flat Designed for Hands-On Performance • HOLD / LIFT — leave the XY cursor in place, or touch the pad for momentary delay sounds • FREEZE — set the current feedback into an infinite loop and play over it • MOTION — record a gesture on the XY pad and loop it Presets and More • Presets are transferable between hosts • Two looks — light "Trail" and dark "Glow" • Works standalone with live audio or as an AUv3 plugin • Universal — iPad/iPhone also gets you the Mac version — one purchase • Mac: after installing, open EchoSketch once to use it as a plugin in your DAW • Works in AUM, AudioBus, GarageBand, Logic, and other AUv3 hosts

Screenshots

GridStep4 screens
EchoSketch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: EchoSketch at every 2 days against GridStep's every 8 days. GridStep's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $7.99). On rating, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

GridStep costs $3.99 and EchoSketch $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for GridStep against 5.0 for EchoSketch. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GridStep ships an update every 8 days, EchoSketch every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
GridStep versus EchoSketch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGridStepEchoSketch
Price$3.99 — better$7.99
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Number of ratings3 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 8 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.617 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJoe TopjianAvi Bortnick

Customer experience

GridStep

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

EchoSketch

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

GridStep

No in-app purchases

None

EchoSketch

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GridStep free?
GridStep costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is EchoSketch free?
EchoSketch costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GridStep or EchoSketch?
GridStep and EchoSketch are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do GridStep or EchoSketch have ads?
Neither GridStep nor EchoSketch shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GridStep or EchoSketch?
GridStep ships an update every 8 days, and EchoSketch every 2 days. Most recently, GridStep was updated on September 25, 2026 and EchoSketch on September 29, 2026.

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