Launch Buttons vs Knobbler
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Launch Buttons
This app acts as a MIDI controller for music production software, allowing users to perform tracks without needing physical hardware. It offers a grid of buttons, scene and transport controls, and can be expanded with additional features through an in-app purchase.
- MIDI controller for music production
- 8x8 button grid
- Scene and transport controls
- Step sequencer (with script)
- Scale mode (with script)
- Apple Watch extension
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THIS APP DOES NOT PLAY AUDIO BECAUSE IT'S A MIDI CONTROLLER FOR ABLETON LIVE Launch Buttons is a MIDI controller that lets you perform your tracks wherever you go. You don't need to carry your expensive gear; your phone/tablet is just about enough. Works with virtually any DAW after a very simple set up. Ableton + Launchpad 95 script is recommended. This free version gives you access to all 64 buttons on the 8x8 grid, 8 scene launch buttons, 8 buttons to navigate and 7 buttons for transport controls. The Launchpad95 script gives you a step sequencer, scale mode, and many more functions. The Apple Watch extension lets you access about one fifth of the Buttons. This means that you can use the app to control a 3x3 clip launchers, 3 scene launchers, and 4 arrow keys to navigate through your clips. It also can display some of the buttons used for step sequencing, good enough for a little stunt in a live set I'd say. It includes the the "old" colors (red-orange-yellow-green) - if you want to upgrade, Launch Buttons Plus provides you with - full color support (RGB) - 16 more functions buttons (in addition to the 16 you already have) - 16 freely assignable knobs Have fun :)
Knobbler
Transform your iPhone or iPad into a powerful, auto-labeling control surface for Ableton Live. Seamlessly navigate tracks, control parameters, and build custom interfaces that save with your Live sets. Keep your focus on creativity without leaving the music-making flow.
- Auto-labeling and auto-coloring control surface
- Multitouch parameter control
- Customizable interface saved with Live sets
- Real-time parameter updates with units
- Fast track, group, and device navigation
- Channel strip mixer controls
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Knobbler turns your iPhone or iPad into an auto-labeling, auto-coloring, multitouch control surface for Ableton Live. 30 day fully-functioning trial of all features. The Mixer, Clips, Session, and Nav pages are available during the trial and after a one-time purchase of Knobbler or a subscription. Ableton Live 12 Suite or Ableton Live 12 Standard with the Max for Live add-on is required. Simply add the free Knobbler4 device to your Live Set and use the Knobbler app to use your iPhone or iPad to control devices and parameters. ** Control every parameter and build a customized interface, including sliders and X-Y pads that is saved with your Live sets. ** Navigate your tracks, groups, racks and devices faster and easier than ever. ** Full screen Cilps and Mixer views keep you connected to your music. ** Session View gives you a combined clips and mixer view for full control. ** Full access to capture and recall rack variations. ** Navigate cue points and locators in your set. ** Engage Spring mode for momentary effects. Visit https://plugins.steinkamp.us/m4l-Knobbler4 to download the Ableton Live device to use with this app. Map parameters in your Ableton Live set to unmapped sliders on the tablet with a single touch. No need to enter and exit a mapping mode. Access every parameter in the currently selected device, directly on the phone or tablet. Parameter mapping configuration is saved with your Live Set, so you can switch between songs with minimal friction. Track, device, and parameter names are kept synchronized with your Live Set as you change them, even track colors! Parameter sliders and values are updated in real time, with the same units (e.g. dB, ms, %) displayed as what you see in Live. Double tap a slider on the tablet to reset the parameter to its default value. Swipe in the Navigation controls on the right side to dive into your tracks, groups, racks, and devices faster than ever before. Swipe in from the left to show a channel strip with familiar mixer controls, including color-coded sends. Works on phones and tablets, even in multi-window view on the latest IOS 26. Knobbler is there to keep you out of the computer and in the creative moment, unlocking more of your music making potential. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Knobbler at 88% against Launch Buttons's 38%. Knobbler also leads on rating (4.8 vs 2.2) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). Launch Buttons's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. Knobbler sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Launch Buttons asks for nothing beyond the download.
Knobbler holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of Launch Buttons's written reviews are positive against 88% of Knobbler's.
Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, Knobbler every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Launch Buttons | Knobbler |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.2 (41 ratings) | 4.8 (16 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | 87.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | 16 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 7.0 — better | 16.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 55 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG | ZACHARY STEINKAMP |
Customer experience
Launch Buttons
Knobbler
Bugs and requests
Launch Buttons
Reported bugs
10 issues- App doesn't work for many users
- Cannot connect to Ableton Live
- Buttons don't respond
- Pads don't light up
- Transport controls perform wrong functions
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- MIDI messages not recognized by Ableton
- App crashes or freezes
- Watch app doesn't sync properly
- Menu overlay bug
- Occasional lack of sound/light
Requested features
10 requests- Make the app fully functional without payment
- Improve connection stability
- Iron out minor glitches
- Add status indicator or labeled buttons
- Provide visual feedback when buttons are pressed
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- Allow users to put their own music on it
- Add USB support
- Improve watch app synchronization
- Fix the menu bug where exit button is unpressable
- Make the free version more functional
Knobbler
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Launch Buttons
No in-app purchases
Knobbler
- Knobbler Monthly$0.991 Month
- Knobbler Annual$9.991 Year
- Knobbler Lifetime$19.99








