Comparison

M2DX vs SynthBridge MIDI Synth

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

Head to head
About

M2DX

Create music with a powerful 6-operator FM synthesizer. Explore hand-crafted presets or import classic DX7 banks. Use the on-screen keyboard or connect MIDI controllers for a versatile music-making experience.

Highlights
  • 6-operator, 32-algorithm FM synthesis
  • On-screen keyboard with velocity control
  • DX7-format .syx bank import
  • 6-stage FX chain
  • AUv3 plug-in support
  • Native MIDI 2.0 support
Features
Read full description

M2DX is a 6-operator, 32-algorithm FM synthesizer for iPhone, built from the ground up in pure Swift 6. Open it and play immediately — tap the built-in on-screen keyboard and start making sound with M2DX's own hand-crafted presets. No external hardware or MIDI controller is required. The FM engine is a bit-exact port of the open-source Dexed / msfa DSP, verified sample-for-sample against the reference. It is also compatible with the classic DX7 patch format: bring your own DX7-format .syx banks and play them alongside M2DX's originals. KEY FEATURES - Built-in on-screen keyboard with velocity and octave control — play standalone, no hardware needed - 6-operator, 32-algorithm DX7-style FM synthesis - M2DX's own original FM presets, plus DX7-format .syx bank import (bring your own) - A 6-stage FX chain: EQ, Drive, Chorus, Reverb, Stereo, Maximizer - Low-latency audio with AVAudioSourceNode direct rendering - AUv3 plug-in — use M2DX as an Audio Unit (AUv3) in compatible hosts OPTIONAL MIDI (not required to use the app) - Connect any MIDI controller over Bluetooth or USB if you have one - Native MIDI 2.0 — UMP with 16-bit velocity and 32-bit controllers - MIDI-CI Property Exchange — patch names appear on compatible controllers (for example, KORG KeyStage) - MIDI Learn for hands-on control MIDI 2.0 done natively, classic FM done faithfully. The FM engine is built on Dexed / msfa (Apache License 2.0). M2DX is an independent product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Yamaha Corporation. DX7 and Yamaha are trademarks of Yamaha Corporation. iOS 18 or later.

About

SynthBridge MIDI Synth

Transform your device into a versatile MIDI sound module and virtual piano. Load SoundFont files, connect controllers, and utilize expressive performance tools for practice, production, or live music.

Highlights
  • MIDI controller support (Bluetooth, USB, Network)
  • SoundFont (SF2/SF3) loading and playback
  • Multi-touch piano keyboard and drum pads
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels
  • MIDI file playback and recording
  • Customizable velocity curves
Features
Read full description

Connect your MIDI keyboard, choose a sound, and play. SynthBridge turns your phone or tablet into a portable sound module and practice workspace. You can also start with the on-screen piano and drum pads. Your sounds: use the built-in library or import SF2/SF3 SoundFonts. Layer sounds and adjust their balance, effects and keyboard ranges. Your keyboard: connect compatible USB MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI devices. Control supported parameters with MIDI CC messages. Your practice: play MIDI files, follow the note visualization, and combine a metronome, loops and Style accompaniment. Your ideas: record MIDI performances, keep named drafts, preview takes and export MIDI files. MIDI files can also be converted to WAV or AAC audio. Your setup: save performance scenes and return to your sounds and playing settings. Use portrait or landscape layouts on phones and tablets. Some features and resources require in-app purchases. iOS or iPadOS 15.0 or later. USB and Bluetooth MIDI require compatible devices and accessories. https://synth.64bit.us/privacy.html https://synth.64bit.us/terms.html

Screenshots

M2DX4 screens
SynthBridge MIDI Synth4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SynthBridge MIDI Synth at 100% against M2DX's 25%. SynthBridge MIDI Synth also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.7) and device support (3 vs 1). M2DX's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 11 days) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ratings volume, 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. M2DX sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SynthBridge MIDI Synth sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SynthBridge MIDI Synth holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of M2DX's written reviews are positive against 100% of SynthBridge MIDI Synth's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

M2DX ships an update every 2 days, SynthBridge MIDI Synth every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
M2DX versus SynthBridge MIDI Synth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterM2DXSynthBridge MIDI Synth
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (3 ratings)4.7 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews25.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings33
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterEvery 11 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB76 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHakaru Hirose啟东 徐

Customer experience

M2DX

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral75.0%
Negative0.0%

SynthBridge MIDI Synth

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

M2DX

One-time1
  • M2DX Pro Unlock$9.99
7 purchases

SynthBridge MIDI Synth

Subscriptions2
  • Cloud Monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Cloud Yearly7 Days trial$12.991 Year
One-time5
  • Supporter Tip$0.99
  • Remove Ads$1.99
  • Supporter Plus$4.99
Show 2 more
  • SynthBridge Pro$4.99
  • Supporter Patron$9.99

Questions

Is M2DX free?
M2DX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SynthBridge MIDI Synth free?
SynthBridge MIDI Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, M2DX or SynthBridge MIDI Synth?
SynthBridge MIDI Synth is rated higher. M2DX averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while SynthBridge MIDI Synth averages 4.7 from 3 ratings.
Do M2DX or SynthBridge MIDI Synth have ads?
Neither M2DX nor SynthBridge MIDI Synth shows ads.
Which is updated more often, M2DX or SynthBridge MIDI Synth?
M2DX ships an update every 2 days, and SynthBridge MIDI Synth every 11 days. Most recently, M2DX was updated on October 8, 2026 and SynthBridge MIDI Synth on October 13, 2026.

Other comparisons