M2DX vs SynthBridge MIDI Synth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | M2DX | SynthBridge MIDI Synth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (3 ratings) | 4.7 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 days — better | Every 11 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 76 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Hakaru Hirose | 啟东 徐 |
Customer experience
M2DX
SynthBridge MIDI Synth
In-app purchases
M2DX
- M2DX Pro Unlock$9.99
SynthBridge MIDI Synth
- Cloud Monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
- Cloud Yearly7 Days trial$12.991 Year
- Supporter Tip$0.99
- Remove Ads$1.99
- Supporter Plus$4.99
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- SynthBridge Pro$4.99
- Supporter Patron$9.99
Questions
Is M2DX free?
Is SynthBridge MIDI Synth free?
Which has better reviews, M2DX or SynthBridge MIDI Synth?
Do M2DX or SynthBridge MIDI Synth have ads?
Which is updated more often, M2DX or SynthBridge MIDI Synth?
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