Midiflow vs SWAM Viola Section
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Midiflow
This app enables seamless MIDI data transfer between different applications on your device. It allows for app synchronization, routing MIDI from sequencers to synths, and assigning keyboard zones. Users can save and recall configurations, and monitor MIDI activity.
- App-to-app MIDI routing
- MIDI clock synchronization
- Channel filtering and remapping
- Note and velocity manipulation
- Custom virtual MIDI ports
- Preset saving and recall
- Controller filtering and remapping (in-app purchase)
Read full descriptionHide full description
Midiflow allows you to send MIDI from app to app in a similar way to what you already do with audio. That way, you can sync apps with each other or send MIDI parts from a sequencer app to different synth apps. You can also route the MIDI from your keyboard to apps and assign different key zones to them. Different settings can be stored as a preset, recalled later and inserted into another preset. Furthermore, all MIDI transfer can be monitored in order to find problems or just to learn what MIDI is doing (normally) behind the scenes. Important news: There is a full documentation on the Midiflow website now! HOW DOES IT WORK? Midiflow allows you to create multiple routings. Each routing receives MIDI data on its source and sends it to its destination. The selectable sources and destinations include your CoreMIDI compatible MIDI interface and other apps if they provide a virtual MIDI port. You can also create custom ports that can be used by other apps to receive data from Midiflow or send data to it. A routing also has a modifier which allows you to filter data or modify it. That way, you can transpose notes, limit them to a key range, change the MIDI channel of the incoming data, etc. (see the feature list below). LIST OF FEATURES + MIDI clock – specify tempo and your apps will be in sync + Channel filtering and remapping + Velocity filtering – a routing is only active for notes in a given velocity range + Note shift – shift all notes by a given number of half-tone steps + Note remapping – shift each note individually + Velocity remapping – apply a velocity curve, transform to fixed velocity, or specify the map value by value. In the latter case, you can also export the mapping to the clipboard, edit it in another app like Apple Numbers, and paste it back in Midiflow + Filtering out Clock or dividing the tempo into subdivisions + Filtering out SysEx + Connect to other iPads/iPhones via Bluetooth MIDI (iOS8 or higher) + Save a configuration as a preset, which can be recalled later or inserted into another preset + Custom virtual MIDI ports, which can be selected in other apps as a source or destination + Control aspects of Midiflow via MIDI. For example, select presets or control the clock with any MIDI command + Launch your synth apps from Midiflow (works with an increasing number of apps) + Sharing your configurations ADDITIONAL FEATURES (available as an In-app purchase) + Filtering and remapping of controllers – transform (a) the controller type, e.g. from CC1 to pitch-bend or note value to CC1, and (b) transform the value in several ways: as a linear remapping from an input range to an output range, as a curve, or as a value by value list. In the latter case, you can also export the mapping to the clipboard, edit it in another app like Apple Numbers, and paste it back in Midiflow. This allows you to create very sophisticated remappings. + Controller conditions – adjust your routings depending on other MIDI messages. This allows you to create sophisticated behavior within your setup by switching routings on and off. DOES MIDIFLOW WORK WITH MY SYNTH APPS? Midiflow works with every app that has a correct MIDI implementation. In the best case, it has an own virtual MIDI port and can be configured so that it receives MIDI only on that port. Unfortunately, some apps don't have that, but can at least be restricted to one MIDI channel. In that case, you can send to that channel on the global MIDI port "Network Session 1". If you can't select a channel either, then the app won't work with Midiflow. There is a tutorial video on www.midiflow.com that explains this in more detail.
SWAM Viola Section
Read full descriptionHide full description
SWAM Viola Section for iOS: The Next-Level String Section Experience SWAM Viola Section for iOS brings the power of Physical Modeling technology to your mobile device, allowing you to create realistic, expressive, and fully customizable viola section performances on the go. Whether you’re a composer, producer, or live performer, this revolutionary app delivers unmatched realism, efficiency, and flexibility in a lightweight and intuitive package. Unlike traditional sample libraries, SWAM Viola Section doesn’t rely on pre-recorded articulations. Instead, it generates the sound in real time, reacting dynamically to your playing style, whether you're working in classical, cinematic, jazz, or modern electronic music. Why Choose SWAM Viola Section for iOS? Unparalleled Realism – Each viola section is fully controllable in terms of expression, vibrato, bow pressure, bow position, tremolo, and more. No need to switch between different articulations—just play and shape the sound in real time. Enhanced Efficiency – No more endless searching for the right articulation or sample. With SWAM Viola Section, you have immediate access to every possible playing technique at your fingertips. Faster Workflow – Control velocity, expression, and phrasing seamlessly while switching effortlessly between staccato, legato, spiccato, or pizzicato just by playing. Smart Room Simulator “Ambiente” – The built-in room simulator ensures that all viola sections in your mix interact naturally, allowing for a centralized UI to position every section in a shared acoustic space without tweaking each plugin separately. Top Features at a Glance Individual Section Control – Adjust the expressivity of each viola section independently, fine-tuning vibrato, bowing techniques, dynamics, and more. Standalone & AUv3 Plugin – Use SWAM Viola Section as a standalone app for real-time performances or integrate it as an AUv3 plugin in your favorite DAW. Customizable Sound & Playability – Personalize the tone, resonance, and bowing articulation to match any genre or style. MIDI & MPE Compatibility – Play expressively with MIDI controllers, MPE devices, wind controllers, or even directly from your iOS device’s touchscreen. Seamless Integration with DAWs – Perfect for mobile music production, SWAM Viola Section works effortlessly in Logic Pro for iPad, Cubasis, AUM, GarageBand, Camelot Pro and more. Lightweight & Powerful – Thanks to state-of-the-art Physical Modeling technology, you get a realistic and highly responsive string section without the need for massive sample libraries. Who is SWAM Viola Section for iOS Designed For? Film & Game Composers – Achieve lifelike, expressive viola section performances directly from your iPad or iPhone. Music Producers – Use real-time expressivity to shape your sound instantly, without limitations. Live Performers – Integrate SWAM Viola Section into your live setup for dynamic, high-quality string section performances on the go. Orchestrators & Arrangers – Create and refine rich, full orchestral arrangements with deep control over every section’s expressivity. Important Notes For the best experience, we recommend using a device with an Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, M3, or later) for optimal responsiveness and real-time performance. Like the solo SWAM Strings instruments, SWAM Viola Section is monophonic, as it accurately replicates real bowed string instruments, allowing only double stops where realistic fingerings permit. To fully explore the expressive power of SWAM Viola Section, a MIDI controller capable of continuous expression (such as an MPE device, breath controller, or expression pedal) is recommended. Take your string section to the next level with SWAM Viola Section for iOS and redefine the way you create, perform, and produce music—anytime, anywhere.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Midiflow at $7.99 against SWAM Viola Section's $44.99. Midiflow also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). SWAM Viola Section's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On update cadence, ads 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
Midiflow costs $7.99 and SWAM Viola Section $44.99 up front. Midiflow sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. SWAM Viola Section asks for nothing beyond the download.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Midiflow | SWAM Viola Section |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 — better | $44.99 |
| Rating | 4.0 (39 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 58.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 39 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 188 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Johannes Doerr | Audio Modeling |
Bugs and requests
Midiflow
Reported bugs
45 issues- Frequent crashes while editing CC map
- Mapped CCs dropped during performance
- App does not open on iOS 10
- Layout issues on iPhone 11 (no 'Done' button)
- App stops working, opens for 2 seconds then closes
Show 40 moreShow fewer
- Bug in Velocity remapping: 'Reset curve' makes screen blank
- Note Off messages have vel value = 0
- App simply doesn't start after paid updates
- No 'Done' or 'Back' button visible in menus
- App crashes when editing a song and saving
- Edits lost after crash
- Backup song lost after crash
- App crashes when trying to remap
- App crashes on first note when Roli Seaboard is connected
- App closes when searching for nearby devices
- App closes when selecting 'find nearby devices' or 'advertise device'
- App doesn't work with iOS 14
- App doesn't work with iOS 15
- App doesn't work with iOS 16
- App crashes on iPad 5 after update
- App closes immediately after starting
- No back or cancel button, stuck in menus
- CC control mapping issues (e.g., CC7 dropped)
- Bluetooth connectivity crashes the app
- Program Change to MIDI note remapping not working
- App doesn't search for nearby devices
- App force closes when remapping
- GUI problems with returning to main page
- App crashes on first note
- App doesn't load after paid updates
- No return button
- Layout issues on iPhone
- Filter out Note Off messages functionality missing
- Frequent crashes while editing
- Mapped CCs dropped during performance
- Note off velocities are ignored
- App doesn't open
- App closes immediately
- App doesn't work with SampleTank in background
- Remapping doesn't work properly
- MIDI messages blocked or morphed
- Remapping adds code instead of replacing
- Fixed MIDI channels in Korg iPolysix
- Does not work with Arturia iMini/iProphet
- App shutdown on iPad 2
Requested features
6 requests- AUv3 plugin version
- Mass sharing of songs
- Dark mode
- Ability to map multiple notes from one key press
- Individual transpose for split zones
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- More MIDI features controllable by external hardware
SWAM Viola Section
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Midiflow
- Send Controller On Load$1.99
- Controller Conditions$2.99
- Controller Remapping$3.99
SWAM Viola Section
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Midiflow free?
Is SWAM Viola Section free?
Do Midiflow or SWAM Viola Section have ads?
Which is updated more often, Midiflow or SWAM Viola Section?
Other comparisons















