MIDI MACHINE vs Botsong
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."
Botsong
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Turn a musical idea into a complete song with BotSong, a MIDI and karaoke studio for iPhone, iPad and Mac. PLEASE NOTE The interface is currently in French and is designed for music descriptions written in French. An English localization is coming soon. DESCRIBE YOUR SONG Choose a style, mood, instruments, tempo, key and duration. BotSong creates a fully editable multitrack arrangement. COMPOSE AND ARRANGE • Generate drums, bass, piano, guitars, strings, brass, synths and melodies. • Import one or more inspiration MIDI files. • Organize intros, verses, choruses, bridges and custom sections. • Edit chords, time signatures, tempos, keys and modulations bar by bar. • Edit pitch, timing, length and velocity in the piano roll. WRITE AND SING Add lyrics to each section, align the vocal melody and follow synchronized syllables in full-screen karaoke mode. MIX AND LISTEN Adjust every track, use solo and mute, and preview your song with the built-in General MIDI audio engine. SAVE AND EXPORT Keep complete projects in the BotSong library and exchange portable .botsong files. Export multitrack MIDI, synchronized .kar karaoke, WAV audio and JSON. LOCAL AND PRIVATE Composition, editing and projects remain on your device. No BotSong account, advertising or subscription is required. All creation and editing tools are free. Without a purchase, only MID and KAR exports are limited to 15 seconds. One lifetime in-app purchase unlocks their full duration. Privacy Policy: https://removesilencevideo.com/botsong/privacy.php?lang=en Terms of Use: https://removesilencevideo.com/botsong/terms.php?lang=en End User License Agreement (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Botsong at none against MIDI MACHINE's 1. Botsong also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). On price and ads 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. Botsong asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | MIDI MACHINE | Botsong |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Weekly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 52 MB | 54 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Niklas Koellner | David Paillot |
In-app purchases
MIDI MACHINE
- MIDI MACHINE Pro$4.99
Botsong
No in-app purchases









