Comparison

Knob16 vs Opaline FM

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

Head to head
About

Knob16

Read full description

Knob16 is a MIDI controller for producers and performers who want hands-on control from their iPhone or iPad. 64 Knobs Across 4 Banks 16 knobs per bank, instantly switchable. Configure each knob's CC number, channel, output range, label, and fine-tune multiplier. Bidirectional MIDI Send MIDI CC values and receive feedback. When your DAW or MIDI device sends CC values back, matching knob positions update on screen. MIDI Learn Enable MIDI Learn. Double-tap any knob. Send a CC from your MIDI controller. Done. Play Mode Turn Knob16 into a playable MIDI surface with 16 pads per bank, 29 scales, and semitone transpose. Snapshots and Presets Save and recall knob values with snapshots. Use presets to switch between complete setups. Connect Your Way Connect to compatible MIDI destinations over USB or Network MIDI via Wi-Fi. KNOB16 PRO Unlock advanced control, performance, and connectivity features: • Ableton Live Mode — control the mixer, devices, macros, and transport, with automatic Blue Hand device mapping • Bluetooth MIDI — connect wirelessly to compatible MIDI devices • Grouping Mode — link knobs with adjustable output curves • MPE — per-note pitch bend, slide, and pressure • 14-bit CC — 16,384 steps for high-resolution control • NRPN — access deeper parameters on compatible MIDI gear • 4 snapshots per bank • Unlimited custom presets, import, and duplication • iCloud preset sync across your devices • Custom skins — personalize the knobs and app appearance • All future features designated as Pro Bluetooth MIDI, Grouping Mode, and Live Mode each include three free 24-hour trials. Knob16 Pro is a one-time purchase. No subscription. FREE FOREVER The core of Knob16 stays free: • 64 knobs across 4 banks • Standard 7-bit MIDI CC • Per-knob setup for standard CC • Bidirectional MIDI feedback • MIDI Learn • Play Mode • USB MIDI • Network MIDI over Wi-Fi • 1 snapshot per bank • Two editable built-in presets A compatible DAW, MIDI app, or MIDI device is needed to receive MIDI output. Ableton Live Mode requires the Knob16 Remote Script.

About

Opaline FM

Create and perform music with a virtual keyboard and advanced sound editing tools. Explore various playing modes, connect external MIDI devices, and manage your sound library. Offers deep control over FM synthesis parameters.

Highlights
  • Virtual keyboard for immediate performance
  • Detailed sound editing (algorithm, operators, envelopes, LFO, effects)
  • Poly/Mono and Full/Fingered portamento
  • Single, Dual, and Split playing modes
  • External MIDI keyboard support
  • 32-voice SysEx bank management
  • Built-in reverb, delay, chorus, and tone effects
Read full description

【演奏と音色編集】 iPhone単体で起動し、画面鍵盤からすぐに演奏できます。Play画面では音色選択、ピッチベンド、モジュレーション、ポルタメントなどを操作できます。 Edit画面では、アルゴリズム、各オペレーターのRatio、Detune、Level、エンベロープ、キーボードレベルスケーリング、LFO、エフェクトなどを細かく編集できます。 POLY/MONO、FULL/FINGEREDポルタメントに対応。SINGLEに加え、2つの音色を重ねるDUAL、鍵盤を分割するSPLIT演奏も利用できます。 【外部MIDI対応】 外部MIDIキーボードを接続して演奏できます。Note On/Off、ピッチベンド、モジュレーションホイール、サステインペダル、ポルタメント制御、All Sound Off、All Notes Offに対応しています。 【音色ライブラリ】 32音色SysExバンクの読み込みと保存に対応。音色とエフェクト設定を含むライブラリを管理でき、作成した音色をバンクごとに整理できます。 【主な機能】 ・4オペレーターFM音源 ・8種類のFMアルゴリズム ・オペレーター4のフィードバック ・ピッチエンベロープ、振幅エンベロープ、LFO ・Ratio、Detune、Level設定 ・キーボードレベルスケーリング ・ベロシティ、振幅モジュレーション ・リバーブ、ディレイ、コーラス、Tone ・POLY/MONO演奏 ・FULL/FINGEREDポルタメント ・ピッチベンド範囲:0~12半音 ・SINGLE/DUAL/SPLIT演奏モード ・外部MIDI入力 ・32音色SysExバンク対応

Screenshots

Knob164 screens
Opaline FM3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Opaline FM at 16.0 against Knob16's 18.6. On price, update cadence, 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Knob16 versus Opaline FM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKnob16Opaline FM
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.7 (3 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 daysEvery 6 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJURIJS KOSKINSHideki Konishi

In-app purchases

None

Knob16

No in-app purchases

None

Opaline FM

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Knob16 free?
Knob16 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Opaline FM free?
Opaline FM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Knob16 or Opaline FM have ads?
Neither Knob16 nor Opaline FM shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Knob16 or Opaline FM?
Knob16 ships an update every 6 days, and Opaline FM every 6 days. Most recently, Knob16 was updated on October 25, 2026 and Opaline FM on October 21, 2026.

Other comparisons