Comparison

Knob16 vs DAW Shortcuts

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

DAW Shortcuts

Access and learn keyboard shortcuts for six major digital audio workstations. Search by action or key, translate shortcuts between DAWs, and train your muscle memory with spaced-repetition drills. Offers both free and a one-time purchase Pro version.

Highlights
  • Searchable shortcut database
  • Cross-DAW shortcut translation
  • Spaced-repetition training drills
  • Offline functionality
  • Multi-language search support
  • Browse by category or DAW
Features
Read full description

Stop hunting through PDF cheat sheets. KeyMap puts every keyboard shortcut for six major DAWs in one fast, searchable place — Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Studio One, and Cubase. SEARCH • Thousands of shortcuts, indexed by name, action, and key. Type "split", "bounce", or a term in your own language and get the answer instantly — search works in English, Korean, Japanese, German, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Chinese. • Every keystroke bound to a command, not just the main one. Record in Pro Tools shows ⌘Space, F12, and numpad 3. • Browse by category, or by DAW. TRANSLATE ACROSS DAWS • Know a shortcut in one DAW and need it in another? KeyMap maps the same action across all six. Moving from Logic to Pro Tools, or just curious how Ableton does it — the equivalent is one tap away. TRAIN YOUR MUSCLE MEMORY • Spaced-repetition drills built for shortcuts. Flashcard mode asks you to recall first, then self-check; multiple-choice mode tests you against real, plausible wrong keys. • Practice sets by category, a daily streak, and a scheduler that brings back what you keep missing. FIND BY KEY • Press a key combination — or tap the on-screen keypad — and see every shortcut in your DAW that uses it. • On Mac, a small window sits beside your DAW and opens with a global hotkey (default ⌃⌥Space). Works with any input language. FREE & PRO • Free: full access to one DAW of your choice, plus daily training. • Pro: all six DAWs, cross-DAW translation, and unlimited training — one purchase, yours forever. No subscription. Works fully offline. No account required.

Screenshots

Knob164 screens
DAW Shortcuts4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Knob16 at none against DAW Shortcuts's 1. Knob16 also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. DAW Shortcuts sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Knob16 asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Knob16 ships an update every 6 days, DAW Shortcuts fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Knob16 versus DAW Shortcuts: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKnob16DAW Shortcuts
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS18.618.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJURIJS KOSKINSHYO SEOP LEE

In-app purchases

None

Knob16

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

DAW Shortcuts

One-time1
  • Pro — all 6 DAWs, forever$0.49

Questions

Is Knob16 free?
Knob16 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DAW Shortcuts free?
DAW Shortcuts is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Knob16 or DAW Shortcuts have ads?
Neither Knob16 nor DAW Shortcuts shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Knob16 or DAW Shortcuts?
Knob16 ships an update every 6 days, and DAW Shortcuts fortnightly. Most recently, Knob16 was updated on October 14, 2026 and DAW Shortcuts on October 25, 2026.

Other comparisons