TinyRiff vs CronSequitur

TinyRiff is a performance pad app for triggering chords, backing patterns, and layered sampler performances from a single pad—ideal for practice, songwriting, and live performance. (The app has been renamed from TinyTone to TinyRiff as of version 1.5) Use TinyRIff as a MIDI pad for GarageBand, synthesizers, electric pianos, samplers, and other MIDI gear. With the built-in “TinyTone” sound engine, you can also play instantly without any external devices or MIDI connections. TinyTone can also be used as a chord input pad within Mac DAW environments. Chords can be entered not only from external MIDI input, but also directly on the app screen. Up to four key transpose settings (key shift / octave shift) can be stored within a single pad set, allowing you to switch chord arrangements for intros, verses, choruses, outros, and other musical sections from the same pad layout. TinyRIff can also load sound data created with the separate “TinyTone” app, allowing you to use original sounds directly inside TinyRIff. With TinyRIff Yearly (annual subscription), you can save, share, and import up to 100 pad layout sets. The free version supports saving up to 5 sets. [Added in version 1.5] New “Riff-Pattern” and “Step Sequencer” modes have been added. • Riff Pattern: Freely assign notes across 16 steps, including upper, middle, and lower notes within a chord. TIE input is also supported. • Step Sequencer: Create 16-step patterns with support for ties and rests. • Each mode includes 4 slots that can be switched during performance. • Supports real-time performance together with slider control and transpose. • Created patterns can be imported and exported together with pad presets, and shared via AirDrop. Improved MIDI connectivity with GarageBand and AUM. • To use GarageBand or AUM, select "VIRTUAL MIDI" as the MIDI output. • "VIRTUAL MIDI" sends MIDI data to all connected host apps. When using GarageBand and AUM simultaneously, disable TinyRiff MIDI input on the host you do not want to control.

CronSequitur is a step sequencer with a grid layout that feels like real hardware, not a menu system with deeply nested functions you may never find. Some features require an in-app purchase: Standard (a one-time purchase) or Pro (a one-time purchase or an annual subscription). If you already own Standard, the one-time Pro purchase is offered to you as an upgrade. Every paid feature is listed below under the purchase it requires. Everything else described here is included without a purchase. Every step can carry more than a note. Program changes and control changes sit right alongside the note, not buried in a separate menu. A 2 to 64 step grid and full time-signature control mean odd meters and unusual pattern lengths aren't an afterthought, they're just supported. INCLUDED WITHOUT A PURCHASE • The step sequencer and step editor, with program changes and control changes on any step, 2 to 64 steps per pattern and full time-signature control • Sending MIDI to your external gear • The built-in synth • Unlimited presets • The metronome's audio click, beat indicator and count-in, and tap tempo • Exporting, importing and backing up your presets and songs in CronSequitur's own file format • Building and editing songs from your patterns, with sections, repeats and tempo changes • Full playback of the demo songs in the Library's Factory section • A preview of the first section of each song in My Songs, which holds the songs you build and your copies of demo songs (duplicating a demo song, or editing and saving it, makes a copy; the original stays in Factory). Full playback of these songs requires Pro (Song Playback, below). • Daylight mode, a high-contrast display for direct sun REQUIRES THE STANDARD IN-APP PURCHASE (ONE-TIME) • Virtual MIDI Output: send MIDI to other apps on the same device, no cables • Tags: tag your presets and filter your presets by tag • MIDI File Import & Export: standard MIDI files, to and from any DAW or device • Device Profiles: built-in and custom profiles that show your gear's own controls and labels • Screen Flash: a full-screen flash on each metronome beat • Metronome Haptics: a vibration on each metronome beat (iPhone only) • Tap Tempo Guard: TAP must be armed with one tap before it changes the tempo, so a stray touch mid-set does nothing REQUIRES THE PRO IN-APP PURCHASE (ONE-TIME, OR AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION) Pro includes everything in Standard, plus: • Song Playback: full playback of the songs in My Songs, start to finish, with every section, repeat and tempo change • Section Pads: jump to or loop any song section live • Audio Backing Tracks: import audio files to play along with your songs • Tempo-Locked Playback: backing tracks detect their tempo and stretch to match your song • Band Sync: live synchronization across devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Every device in the session needs Pro. • Section Audio Tracks: give each song section its own backing track Independently made in Maine. Fair pricing, no dark patterns, no surprises, built by a musician who wanted this to exist.