Comparison

MIDI MACHINE vs Syntien 2

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

Head to head
About

MIDI MACHINE

Features
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MIDI MACHINE is a fast, playful performance tool built for generating MIDI melodies on the fly. At the heart of MIDI MACHINE are two creative states: SPARK and STRUCTURE. SPARK mode is all about discoveryβ€”rapidly generating fresh melodic ideas and happy accidents. 17 randomized melodic rows drawn from an vast internal library, everything is locked to your chosen key. Each melody is sliced into 10 playable parts, letting you remix and reshape ideas in real time without ever hitting a creative wall. STRUCTURE mode lets you compose and perform with intention and move seamlessly between key pairs to trigger chords. Additionally, genre-based chord-progression suggestions form a real progression from a selected genre, so you can play a coherent sequence. This mode is designed to serve users with and without knowledge of music theory. "Super inspiring tool for sketching melodies quickly, whether you’re in the studio or on the move with a minimal setup. You just start playing around and happy accidents happen."
— early user feedback Core Features * 17 MIDI melody rows per set, automatically harmonized to your chosen key * Each melody split into 10 playable tiles for real-time triggering of your favorite sounds * SPARK mode for instant idea generation and exploration * STRUCTURE mode for fixed chords mapped across key pairs, built in arpeggiator and chord group suggestions * Keep randomizing to generate endless new melodic combinations while keeping your settings * SAVE and recall full sets, including patterns, tempo, and performance modes (SPARK) * Note mode: trigger melodic sequences step-by-step * Chord mode: play full harmonies instantly * Loop ON / OFF: continuously cycle note sequences * Hold OFF: slide across tiles for fluid, continuous runs * Hold ON: trigger full sequences with a single tap * Repeat ON / OFF: retrigger tiles rhythmically (1/4 to 1/64) for pattern creation * Fixed velocity option for consistent dynamics * Edit individual tile MIDI sequences * Reverse entire rows * Octave shift up or down * Double or halve playback speed (Note mode) (STRUCTURE) * Group: Genre-based chord-progression suggestions. Highlights/labels tiles on the grid that form a real progression from the selected genre. * Arp: Turns a held chord into a rolling sequence of individual notes. β€’ Style – 16 note-order patterns (Up, Down, Converge, Pinky Up, Random, etc.). β€’ Rate – Speed of each note: 1/4 to 1/64, relative to BPM. β€’ Groove – Straight (default) or Swing 8/16/32 for a more human rhythmic feel. * Hold OFF: slide across tiles for fluid, continuous runs * Hold ON: trigger full sequences with a single tap * Add automatic Bass Note to each chord * Repeat ON / OFF: retrigger tiles rhythmically (1/4 to 1/64) for pattern creation * Fixed velocity option for consistent dynamics Performance Controls * Global pitch shift in semitones for instant transposition of the entire set * Adjustable BPM with tap tempo and fine control * Flexible visible row count (5–17) for compact or expanded layouts * Scrollable row view with FIRST ROW selection MIDI MACHINE is built for musicians who want a different approach to creating ideasβ€”fast, intuitive, and a little unpredictable. Whether you're sketching melodies or experimenting with generative patterns, it keeps everything playful, unique, and fun."

About

Syntien 2

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Syntien 2 recognizes a variety of input sources, including touch, movement, and sound, and converts them into data for your creative work. Syntien 2 can connect to other devices and software via MIDI, OSC, and BLE. It comes with all the standard controls you'd expect -- buttons, labels, sliders, knobs, etc. -- plus a unique set of tools that go far beyond the basics. β€’ Use an adjustable, resizable Keyboard control to send MIDI note and velocity data, in addition to pitch bend, expression, and more. β€’ The Touch Pad control takes full advantage of your device's multi-touch capabilities. Track multiple touches independently. Use a stylus like an Apple Pencil to send highly-expressive data with pressure and tilt sensitivity. β€’ The IMU control uses data from your device's accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer to transmit your device's acceleration, rotation, or nearby magnetic field strength. β€’ Use the Level Meter to track audio input levels, and use the Pitch Detector control to detect pitch. β€’ Transform and scale outputs directly in Syntien 2 without any complex scripting! β€’ Connect controls to each other using Macros. Use buttons to toggle a Keyboard's sustain pedal, set up a Slider to modulate the frequency of an LFO, and more! β€’ Create your own interfaces and modify the behavior of controls in-app, on any iPhone or iPad, without the need for a separate desktop editor! Place and resize controls exactly how you want them using intuitive drag-and-drop gestures. β€’ Modify controls mid-performance by sending data from your computer to Syntien. Incoming OSC messages are displayed on the screen and color-coded, so you'll know exactly what messages Syntien is receiving and whether or not they're being interpreted. Works with Ableton, Max/MSP, SuperCollider, TouchDesigner, and any MIDI- or OSC-compatible software.

Screenshots

MIDI MACHINE4 screens
Syntien 24 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Syntien 2 at none against MIDI MACHINE's 1. Syntien 2 also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). MIDI MACHINE's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. MIDI MACHINE sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Syntien 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MIDI MACHINE ships an update weekly, Syntien 2 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
MIDI MACHINE versus Syntien 2: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMIDI MACHINESyntien 2
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyWeekly β€” betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS18.615.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size52 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNiklas KoellnerModulii

In-app purchases

1 purchases

MIDI MACHINE

One-time1
  • MIDI MACHINE Pro$4.99
None

Syntien 2

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MIDI MACHINE free?
MIDI MACHINE is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Syntien 2 free?
Syntien 2 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MIDI MACHINE or Syntien 2 have ads?
Neither MIDI MACHINE nor Syntien 2 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MIDI MACHINE or Syntien 2?
MIDI MACHINE ships an update weekly, and Syntien 2 every 3 weeks. Most recently, MIDI MACHINE was updated on September 19, 2026 and Syntien 2 on September 15, 2026.

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