# PC3K Sound Editor vs Patch Base

The clearest difference is rating: PC3K Sound Editor at 5.0 against Patch Base's 3.4. PC3K Sound Editor also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 31) and review sentiment (67% vs 53%). Patch Base's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (85 vs 2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Patch Base sells 31 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. PC3K Sound Editor asks for nothing beyond the download.

PC3K Sound Editor holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Patch Base has 85 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of PC3K Sound Editor's written reviews are positive against 53% of Patch Base's.

PC3K Sound Editor ships an update every 3 months, Patch Base every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 2, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PC3K Sound Editor | Patch Base |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pc3k-sound-editor/id797862182/reviews)** | [3.4 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patch-base/id1070270299/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **85** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 52.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 40 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SoundTower Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/757478129) | [Coffeeshopped LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/316294867) |

## What reviewers say

### PC3K Sound Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pc3k-sound-editor/id797862182)

This tool allows for the editing and manipulation of sound programs and setups for the Kurzweil PC3K synthesizer. It offers real-time parameter adjustments, layer management, and data transfer capabilities directly from an iPad.

**Highlights:** Program Channel Mixer, Program Common parameter editing, Program Layer manipulation, MIDI Continuous Controller tools, Real-time Setup Mode parameter editing, Import Setup Zones, Transmit and receive data

**In-app purchases:** none


### Patch Base

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patch-base/id1070270299)

This app allows users to visualize, edit, and organize patches for a wide range of hardware synthesizers. It offers real-time parameter editing, patch bank management, and the ability to create random or initial patches. Users can also test sounds with an on-screen keyboard.

**Highlights:** Visualize synth patches, Real-time parameter editing, Manage patch banks, Create random patches, On-screen keyboard for sound testing, Extensive synthesizer support

**In-app purchases (31)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Patch Base: Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| All Access: Annual | $59.99 | per year |
| Casio CZ-101 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-6r | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX7 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TX7 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Ensoniq ESQ-1 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Volca FM | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg microKorg | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JD-Xi | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Minilogue | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-1080 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Waldorf Blofeld | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-50 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-05 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-110 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Novation Bass Station II | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX100 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Access Virus TI Snow | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TG33 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-1010 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha SY77 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland XV-5050 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TX81Z | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-1000 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Volca FM2 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-6 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX7II | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-880 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha Reface DX | $29.99 | one-time |
| All Access | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and logical interface design
- 🎛️ Comprehensive parameter editing for supported synths
- 💾 Excellent patch management and librarian features
- 📱 Works seamlessly across iPad and Mac
- 🔄 iCloud integration for patch backup and sync

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 High pricing model ($30 per synth or subscription)
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- ❌ No free trial without subscription commitment
- 📖 Poor documentation and lack of tutorials
- 🔌 Inconsistent MIDI connectivity and configuration

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iOS 14.2 and other versions
- MIDI buffer full errors with DX7IIFD
- Sysex transfer stalls and timeouts
- Cannot access operators 4-6 on Volca FM
- Algorithm changes crash app

**Requested features**

- MFB Dominion 1 editor
- Arturia Microfreak randomizer
- Novation Circuit Tracks support
- Korg Wavestate editor
- Roland MKS-70 and MKS-80 controllers


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PC3K Sound Editor free?

PC3K Sound Editor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Patch Base free?

Patch Base is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PC3K Sound Editor or Patch Base?

PC3K Sound Editor is rated higher. PC3K Sound Editor averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Patch Base averages 3.4 from 85 ratings.

### Do PC3K Sound Editor or Patch Base have ads?

Neither PC3K Sound Editor nor Patch Base shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PC3K Sound Editor or Patch Base?

PC3K Sound Editor ships an update every 3 months, and Patch Base every 3 weeks. Most recently, PC3K Sound Editor was updated on June 2, 2026 and Patch Base on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*