Comparison

Effectrix vs modstep

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

Head to head
About

Effectrix

This professional multi-effect sequencer for iPad allows users to create unique sound patterns and loop collages by scattering 14 intelligent effects across a sequencer matrix. It offers a playful workflow, refined algorithms, and a wide spectrum of effects for outstanding results.

Highlights
  • Multi-effect sequencer matrix
  • 14 intelligent effects
  • Creative sound pattern generation
  • Loop collage creation
  • Audio Unit v3 integration
  • Full MIDI support
  • Ableton Link synchronization
Read full description

Effectrix is a professional multi-effect sequencer for the iPad. The game-changing tool for creative and effective music production is now available on the App Store: scatter 14 intelligent effects across a sequencer matrix and create unheard-of sound patterns and cheeky loop collages. A playful workflow, refined algorithms and carefully parameterised effects lead to outstanding results - fast! The effects, each exceeding conventional wisdom, cover a wide spectrum from classy standards to scandalising splatter sprees. This iOS port faithfully recreates the desktop engine, today's de-facto standard of finest audio manipulation. INSTANT INSPIRATION - quickly create variations and mutations for productive sound design - 20 fine audio samples installed - 230 factory presets (100 global, ca. 9 per effect) - 14 high-quality effects - redesigned GUI for a smooth iOS workflow DIG DEEP - manipulate each individual effect with up to eight parameters - two modulator tracks per effect - Seamless iOS integration: Audio Unit v3, full MIDI support, Host Automation & MIDI Learn - save your own presets & use them on your desktop version of Effectrix via Preset iCloud Sync - upload your recordings to Dropbox and other supported apps - share your recordings with other apps - sync Effectrix with Ableton Live via Ableton Link PRAISE: Diplo "I never thought I'd use Effectrix on a Beyonce song. Sugar Bytes help to inspire me with limitlessness of sound." Armin van Buuren "A three-band EQ, sometimes the Effectrix... and a whole tube of glue, that's all I needed to put together ASOT." Music Radar "It's hard to wrench yourself from it, and when you do, you'll probably come away with a head full of new ideas." iOS WORKFLOW You name it: Audio Unit v3, Ableton Link, Full MIDI Support (Virtual, Netzwerk, Extern, Bluetooth), MIDI Learn & Host Automation. Integrated Audio Player and Recorder (AudioShare, Music Library, Factory Loops).

About

modstep

Create music with a powerful MIDI sequencer for iPad. Control external hardware, IAA apps, and Audio Units. Features unlimited tracks, real-time editing, and integrated synths/samplers for on-the-go or studio production.

Highlights
  • Session-style MIDI sequencer
  • Unlimited tracks and scenes
  • Real-time editing and modulation
  • Integrated synth and sampler
  • IAA and Audio Unit integration
  • Ableton Link sync
  • MIDI and Audio export
Features
Read full description

Modstep Introducing Modstep, Modulation Monster and the first full-blown MIDI sequencer for the iPad. Modstep allows you to create music and jam with your iPad and your favorite IAA Apps, Audio Units, Mac and PC software and MIDI hardware as well as the internal drum sampler and synth. Use it as the centerpiece of your setup to create and perform music on the go, in the studio and on stage. "If you´re looking for a versatile, adaptable MIDI sequencer for iOS, Modstep comes highly recommended" Sound On Sound “Modstep could change how an iPad fits into your music making” CDM “If you’ve ever dreamed of a touchscreen brain for your studio, this is it.” FACTMag "Modstep is a great step forward for step sequencing.” Audionewsroom FEATURES: -Session-style MIDI sequencer with unlimited tracks & scenes. -Play individual clips or whole scenes, or use the included arrangement features to manage more sophisticated song-structures. -Clips are pattern based which allows quick edits on the fly. Set a variable speed per pattern. -Edit clips with either the Step Sequencer or the Piano Roll -Step Sequencer with active steps and step-shifting. -Piano Roll with variable quantization including triplets, access to modulations, velocities and scales. -Everything can be edited, arranged, modulated or changed in real-time. -Note Repeat from 1-48th to 1/4th. -Global Swing -Unlimited MIDI & Audio tracks - only restricted by the power of your iPad. -Tempo range from 20 to 999bpm. -Sync via Ableton Link. -Stable and low-latency MIDI Clock In & Out with latency adjustment. -Trigger out -integrated global keyboard with scales & drum-pads allow quick recording of individual tracks with a single surface. -Use an external controller or keyboard to control, record or play any given track. -Midi mappable via external MIDI controllers -Internal additive synth with up to 64 harmonics per voice, 3-band eq, delay, reverb, lfo and detune. -Internal sampler with pitch, volume, reverse, fx per slot, 3 band-eq, delay and reverb. -Integrate any IAA compatible app or Audio Unit as an instrument or effect. -unlimited number of effects per track. -Audiobus support. -convenient plugin management via drag and drop. -Integrated mixer with Arm, Mute, Solo per track -Any loaded instrument or external MIDI hardware is completely modulatable via CCs. -Up to 128 CC modulations per track. -Audio and MIDI streaming directly via charger cable to Mac and PC using studiomux technology -Export sample perfect loops of audio per track. Choose which channels to record. The internal quantization will make sure they are sample-perfect and ready for any DAW. -Import / Export of MIDI files. -Import / Export of Audio & MIDI files via AudioShare. -A sophisticated template system allows quick setup of tracks to control external MIDI hardware, apps or plugins. -Includes many preconfigured templates for popular external hardware. -Template editor to create your own templates for IAA Apps, desktop Apps and external MIDI devices -Supports all MIDI interfaces for the iPad -Works on all iPads (iPad 1 restricted to MIDI only) Requirements: iOS 8 or later for audio and MIDI streaming to a Mac or PC, the studiomux server software is required: get the latest for free at studiomux.net Manual: You can find the manual here: http://www.modstep.net/manual

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Effectrix at Free against modstep's $9.99. Effectrix also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.8) and review sentiment (67% vs 46%). modstep's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On ratings volume, ads, monetization model and device support 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

Effectrix is free to download; modstep costs $9.99 up front. Effectrix sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. modstep asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Effectrix holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 97 and 39 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Effectrix's written reviews are positive against 46% of modstep's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Effectrix ships an update every 4 months, modstep every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 7, 2026 and June 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Effectrix versus modstep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEffectrixmodstep
PriceFree — better$9.99
Rating4.7 (97 ratings) — better2.8 (39 ratings)
Positive reviews67.3% of reviews — better45.8% of reviews
Number of ratings97 — better39
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPad
Requires iOS17.67.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB99 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSugar Bytes GmbHChristian Blomert

Customer experience

Effectrix

All ratings97 ratings
Positive91.8%
Neutral3.1%
Negative5.2%
Written reviews52 reviews
Positive67.3%
Neutral5.8%
Negative26.9%

modstep

All ratings39 ratings
Positive41.0%
Neutral5.1%
Negative53.8%
Written reviews155 reviews
Positive45.8%
Neutral14.2%
Negative40.0%

Bugs and requests

Effectrix

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

modstep

Reported bugs

18 issues
  • App crashes when loading external IAA/AU instruments
  • Constant clicking sound with metronome off
  • Projects fail to load or require multiple restart attempts
  • MIDI input routing ignores channel settings
  • Track names change when using 'save as' function
Show 13 more
  • App crashes when adding second synth to project
  • Black screen on startup
  • Crashes when editing notes in pattern editor
  • MIDI note hanging and stuck notes
  • Random crashes during playback or editing
  • Instruments deleted after app crash
  • Inter-app audio broken on newer iOS versions
  • App crashes when deleting tracks
  • Editing while playing causes crashes
  • Clip deletion causes crashes
  • IAA apps lock in slots
  • Screen goes blank during operation
  • Skipped notes and misfired triggers

Requested features

18 requests
  • Undo/redo functionality
  • MIDI import capability
  • Pre-roll for recording
  • Dedicated mixer with send/returns
  • Audio loop recording and playback
Show 13 more
  • State saving for synth presets
  • Bank MSB/LSB support for program changes
  • Precise CC automation entry
  • Song mode for arrangement
  • MIDI CC scene launching
  • Metronome volume and pan control
  • Note selection tool in piano roll
  • Groove templates
  • Better transposition tools
  • Pan control for instruments
  • Reset function for faders and values
  • AU MIDI plugin support
  • Sample upload over IP

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Effectrix

One-time1
  • Effectrix Full Version$24.99
None

modstep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Effectrix free?
Effectrix is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is modstep free?
modstep costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Effectrix or modstep?
Effectrix is rated higher. Effectrix averages 4.7 out of 5 from 97 ratings, while modstep averages 2.8 from 39 ratings.
Do Effectrix or modstep have ads?
Neither Effectrix nor modstep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Effectrix or modstep?
Effectrix ships an update every 4 months, and modstep every 3 weeks. Most recently, Effectrix was updated on August 7, 2026 and modstep on June 10, 2026.

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