Comparison

SynthBridge MIDI Synth vs MIDI Shimmer

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

Head to head
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

About

MIDI Shimmer

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MIDI Shimmer turns your iPhone or iPad into a professional synthesizer with a true shimmer reverb engine. Connect any MIDI keyboard wirelessly via Bluetooth LE or wired via USB-C, and instantly access 28 hand-crafted presets across five categories: Pads, Keys, Strings, Brass & Wind, and Synth. SHIMMER REVERB Shimmer reverb is the ambient effect behind countless iconic pads and soundscapes: every note is pitch-shifted up one octave and fed into a long cathedral reverb, creating a glowing halo of sound that trails above the note you play. MIDI Shimmer runs two independent FX buses in parallel — a natural hall reverb and the shimmer path — both continuously adjustable with dedicated sliders. FEATURES • 28 presets across Pads, Keys, Strings, Brass and Synth — including a Korg D1 E-Piano • True shimmer reverb — parallel octave-shifted cathedral reverb bus • Dual FX Mix panel — Reverb, Shimmer, and Master Volume sliders per preset • Bluetooth LE MIDI — connect wirelessly to adapters like the Yamaha MD-BT01 • USB MIDI — plug in any keyboard via USB-C hub • Real-time chord detection — names every chord you play (maj7, m9, sus4, inversions) • Chord history breadcrumb — scrollable log of your progression • Built-in demo — tap ▶ to hear the synth without a keyboard • Sustain pedal support (MIDI CC 64) • Background audio — sound continues when screen locks • Adaptive portrait and landscape layout for iPhone and iPad • Ultra-low latency via AVAudioEngine • No account, no subscription, no internet required

Screenshots

SynthBridge MIDI Synth4 screens
MIDI Shimmer2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: SynthBridge MIDI Synth at Free against MIDI Shimmer's $1.99. MIDI Shimmer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 11 days). On 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

SynthBridge MIDI Synth is free to download; MIDI Shimmer costs $1.99 up front. SynthBridge MIDI Synth sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. MIDI Shimmer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SynthBridge MIDI Synth ships an update every 11 days, MIDI Shimmer every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SynthBridge MIDI Synth versus MIDI Shimmer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSynthBridge MIDI SynthMIDI Shimmer
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating4.7 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 11 daysEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size76 MB336 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer啟东 徐Heinrich Krupp

In-app purchases

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
None

MIDI Shimmer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SynthBridge MIDI Synth free?
SynthBridge MIDI Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MIDI Shimmer free?
MIDI Shimmer costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do SynthBridge MIDI Synth or MIDI Shimmer have ads?
Neither SynthBridge MIDI Synth nor MIDI Shimmer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SynthBridge MIDI Synth or MIDI Shimmer?
SynthBridge MIDI Synth ships an update every 11 days, and MIDI Shimmer every 5 days. Most recently, SynthBridge MIDI Synth was updated on October 13, 2026 and MIDI Shimmer on October 18, 2026.

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