MIDI MACHINE vs BeatGlow
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MIDI MACHINE
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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 discovery—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. • Style – 16 note-order patterns (Up, Down, Converge, Pinky Up, Random, etc.). • Rate – Speed of each note: 1/4 to 1/64, relative to BPM. • 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 ideas—fast, intuitive, and a little unpredictable. Whether you're sketching melodies or experimenting with generative patterns, it keeps everything playful, unique, and fun."
BeatGlow
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BeatGlow is a drum machine that glows in the dark. Tap out a beat on a 7-track, 32-step grid and hear it instantly. Every kick, snare, hi-hat, clap and FX hit is synthesized on the fly — there are no samples to download, and nothing is baked in. That means you can reach into any drum and reshape it: raise the pitch, stretch or choke the decay, brighten or darken the tone. The waveform changes, not a filter on top of it. MAKE A BEAT • 7 tracks x 32 steps — kick, snare, hi-hat, clap, plus three FX voices • Tap a pad to place a hit; long-press to accent it for real dynamics • Tempo from 60 to 180 BPM, with tap tempo if you'd rather feel it out • MPC-style swing, from dead straight to a heavy triplet shuffle • Per-track volume and mute in the mixer SHAPE THE SOUND • Pitch, decay and tone dials for every track, with instant preview • Because the sounds are generated, not sampled, edits are unlimited • One tap returns any drum to its original voice BUILD A SONG • Chain patterns into an arrangement, each section repeating as you like • Reorder sections by dragging; playback runs the whole song gaplessly • Keep as many patterns as you want, named and organized SHARE IT • Export audio as a WAV file • Export a vertical video with an animated visualizer, ready for social • Send a single pattern or your entire library to another BeatGlow user — they open the file and it imports NEED A STARTING POINT? Describe a style — "laid-back boom bap", "minimal techno", "halftime trap" — and BeatGlow will generate a pattern for you to take apart and rebuild. No account, no API key, no setup. NO NONSENSE No accounts. No sign-in. No ads. No tracking. No subscription. Your beats are saved on your device as you work, and they stay there.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BeatGlow at none against MIDI MACHINE's 1. On price, update cadence, 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
Both are free to download. MIDI MACHINE sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BeatGlow asks for nothing beyond the download.
MIDI MACHINE ships an update weekly, BeatGlow every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MIDI MACHINE | BeatGlow |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 9 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 52 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Niklas Koellner | Sub Rosa Industries |
In-app purchases
MIDI MACHINE
- MIDI MACHINE Pro$4.99
BeatGlow
No in-app purchases





