Comparison

LK vs Cubasis LE 3

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

Head to head
About

LK

This application acts as a remote control for Ableton Live and MIDI devices, enhancing electronic music production and live performance. It offers deep integration with Ableton Live and extensive MIDI capabilities for controlling software and hardware. The app is modular, with features available as separate in-app purchases.

Highlights
  • Ableton Live integration
  • MIDI device control
  • Clip launching and sequencing
  • Device parameter control
  • Virtual MIDI and AUv3 support
  • Modular in-app purchases
Features
Read full description

LK is a flexible remote control application for Ableton Live and MIDI devices, providing a wide range of features and functionality to enhance the production and live performance of electronic music. LK offers tight integration with Ableton Live using our free UBRIDGE desktop application, providing access and control of Ableton Live projects, with both wired and wireless connection options. LK has extensive MIDI capabilities too, allowing for communication and control of any MIDI compliant software or hardware, even apps running on the same device thanks to virtual MIDI support and AUv3 integration too. LK is split into six unique modules, each available as a separate in-app purchase, offering great value that you can tailor to your specific needs. LK is also capable of connecting with USB MIDI interfaces which allows you to interact with external gear. To connect LK to your host computer you will need to download and install a free software utility called UBRIDGE on your computer. It is available for Windows and macOS and it can be downloaded from Imaginando website. See our setup guide for further details in LK’s product page. MATRIX MODULE - Live Mode - In Live mode, you can control almost every aspect of Ableton Live directly from LK. The app mirrors your session view, allowing you to launch clips, add tracks and scenes, arm, solo, and mute tracks, and adjust track monitoring, volume, pan, and cue settings on the master track. You can create and edit clips with the powerful built-in clip composer, featuring tools like scales, swing, humanize, horizontal and vertical mirroring, time-shifting notes, pitch swapping, transposing, and even chord and melody generation within a defined range. LK also enables device control within each track, offering a range of generic layouts for quick access and instant parameter adjustments, so you can modify settings without needing to interact directly with your computer. - MIDI Mode - In MIDI mode, LK enhances workflow with a flexible, independent sequencing environment for streamlined composition and arrangement. Users can create and manage MIDI clips per track, arrange scenes, and send MIDI to other software or hardware. When loaded as an AUv3 in hosts like AUM, LK sequences and coordinates various instruments, perfect for complex setups and live performances. Essential editing tools like signatures, scales and transformative tools simplify MIDI editing, while automation and generative tools enable dynamic compositions. Follow actions and probability settings further smooth transitions, making performance arrangements seamless and spontaneous—all within a single, powerful interface. PADS MODULE - Get the MPC feel on your touchscreen with PADS, featuring an arpeggiator and a chorder. When working in Ableton Live mode it automatically maps drum rack pad names to each pad on the app - never miss a pad again. Use it in MIDI mode to quickly play other synth apps. CONTROLLER MODULE - Extensive control of 128 parameters with CONTROLLER. Use assignable and customisable knobs, faders, buttons and pads to control MIDI hardware, desktop and mobile DAWs - now with the power of AUv3 integration too. X/Y MODULE - Three dimensional parameter tweaking with X/Y PAD. This module can work with CC or NOTE events. In CC mode, a CC can be assigned per axis. In NOTE mode, X is pitch, Y is velocity and Z is Note ON/ Note OFF. CHORDER MODULE - Play chords like never before with the CHORDER module. Use this chord generator to build chords and lay them out according to your needs. KEYBOARD MODULE - KEYBOARD features 3-axis expression capabilities with scale and range controls. It also allows the possibility of mapping any Live or MIDI CC parameters to be controlled by the X and Y position within each of the keys, providing additional expression to the performance. It also has an MPE mode so you can use it with your favorite MPE compatible synths.

About

Cubasis LE 3

This mobile music creation system offers a streamlined interface for recording, editing, and mixing audio and MIDI tracks on your iPhone or iPad. It includes virtual instruments, effects, and the ability to connect external gear for professional-quality productions. The app can be extended with in-app purchases.

Highlights
  • Multitouch sequencer
  • Virtual keyboard and instruments
  • Audio and MIDI editing
  • Full-screen mixer
  • Pro-grade effects
  • External gear integration
Features
Read full description

*** Please note that a supported hardware device is required to unlock the feature set of Cubasis LE (unless unlocked Cubasis LE runs in demo mode). Please visit https://new.steinberg.net/cubasis/le/#83335 for more details. *** Cubasis LE is the compact version of Steinberg’s mobile multitouch sequencer, providing the same look and feel of its bigger brother Cubasis. Specially designed for quick and easy operation, Cubasis LE makes recording, editing and mixing a breeze, no matter where you are, right there on your iPhone or iPad. • Cubasis LE 3 for iPhone and iPad Capture your musical ideas when inspiration strikes. Cubasis offers excellent usability, ease of use and lightning fast operation for you to perform, record and mix your music quickly and efficiently – no matter if you're using an iPhone or iPad. • Keyboard and MicroSonic virtual instrument Create perfect tracks, beats and melodies from scratch on the integrated keyboard and load great-sounding MicroSonic instruments, based on the acclaimed HALion Sonic workstation and Allen Morgan drum kits. • Hook up your external gear Use your external devices to record your guitar, vocals and more in professional quality. Connect your keyboard hardware including MIDI over Bluetooth LE support. • Audio and MIDI editor Relish the ease of use and intuitive workflows when creating or mastering your audio and MIDI tracks in the editors. Straightforward usability and handy tools ensure you get tasks done at the speed of light. • Full-screen mixer and pro-grade effects Create perfect sounding mixes thanks to a full-blown mixer, which easily extends to full-screen, and make tracks instantly sound great with pro-grade effects that come with ready-to-use effect presets. • In-app purchases for Cubasis LE Easily extend Cubasis LE with great in-app purchases. Get all the features of Cubasis 3 in Cubasis LE, extend the app with excellent pro-grade plug-ins from Waves, add the world's most iconic drum machines and much more. • Free Cubasis LE 2 in-app purchase transfer Have you already purchased instruments or effects plug-ins via Cubasis LE 2 in-app purchases? Once you've installed Cubasis LE 3, simply transfer your previous plug-in in-app purchases from Cubasis LE 2 – free of charge. NEW IN CUBASIS LE 3 • Universal app support: Run Cubasis on the iPhone and iPad • Cubasis for iPhone: Create great music in the palm of your hand • Full-screen mixer: Easily extend the size of the mixer and more • Free Cubasis LE 2 IAP transfer: Freely transfer previous plug-in in-app purchases to Cubasis LE 3 • 960 PPQN MIDI resolution: Precise audio and MIDI event editing at the highest level • FX rearrangement: Quickly rearrange plug-ins and change their pre/post fader position • New effects presets: Make tracks sound great with these ready-to-use presets • Undo with history list: Quickly jump back to earlier versions of your song • Redesigned instruments and effects: Modern styling with more precise operation • Audio, and MIDI editors revisited: File editing is much more effective • Revised MediaBay: Your all-new control center for file and project management • UI scale presets for iPhone and iPad: Quickly change the size and arrangement of Cubasis • Overdub and looper recording modes: Choose the best mode for your recordings HIGHLIGHTS • Up to 4 audio and 4 MIDI tracks • 2 assignable physical inputs and stereo output • 32-bit floating point audio engine • Audio I/O resolution of 16-bit/44.1 + 48 kHz • MicroSonic with 25 instrument sounds based on HALion Sonic and Allen Morgan drum kits • Mixer with 5 effect processors • Super-versatile RoomWorks SE reverb effect with intuitive graphical display • Virtual keyboard with note repeat control • Sample Editor and MIDI Editor • Unlock all the features of the full Cubasis version via in-app purchase Technical support http://www.steinberg.net/cubasisforum If you like Cubasis, please support us by rating this app in the App Store! Thank you!

Screenshots

LK4 screens
Cubasis LE 34 screens

Verdict

The call

LK and Cubasis LE 3 both sit at 4.3 stars, but that hides the real split: 64% of LK's written reviews are positive against 43% of Cubasis LE 3's. LK also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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

Both are free to download. LK sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and Cubasis LE 3 sells 14 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for LK against 4.5 for Cubasis LE 3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 708 and 747 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of LK's written reviews are positive against 43% of Cubasis LE 3's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LK ships an update fortnightly, Cubasis LE 3 every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
LK versus Cubasis LE 3: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLKCubasis LE 3
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (708 ratings)4.5 (747 ratings) — better
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews — better43.4% of reviews
Number of ratings708747 — better
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.7
Further details — not scored
Size123 MB1.2 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperImaginando LdaSteinberg Media Technologies GmbH

Customer experience

LK

All ratings708 ratings
Positive82.6%
Neutral4.8%
Negative12.6%
Written reviews392 reviews
Positive64.3%
Neutral7.4%
Negative28.3%

Cubasis LE 3

All ratings728 ratings
Positive86.3%
Neutral2.7%
Negative11.0%
Written reviews265 reviews
Positive43.4%
Neutral12.8%
Negative43.8%

User reviews

LK

From 708 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Works perfectly
  • 🎹 Great for Ableton Live
  • 🎨 Powerful features
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
  • 💯 Excellent app

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
  • 🔌 Connection issues and unreliable wireless
  • 💰 Expensive with separate module purchases
  • 🤔 Confusing setup and documentation
  • 🔋 High battery drain

Cubasis LE 3

From 747 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Powerful DAW on iPad
  • 👍 User-friendly interface
  • 💡 Great for mobile music creation
  • 🚀 Stable and reliable performance

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 🔒 Restrictive demo mode
  • 💰 Expensive for a mobile app

Bugs and requests

LK

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Clip renaming tool not working
  • Occasional MIDI note sticking
  • UI disappearing and requiring restart
  • Wireless connection randomly dropping
  • Exclusive track arming mode issues

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add MIDI CC mapping and automation
  • Implement vertical view for session mode
  • Allow saving and loading of custom settings
  • Improve MIDI note and velocity handling
  • Add MIDI transformers and generators
Show 1 more
  • Provide a discounted bundle for all modules

Cubasis LE 3

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Issues with connecting external audio interfaces
  • Incompatibility with certain iOS versions
  • Problems with importing and exporting projects

Requested features

4 requests
  • Tempo track and time signature support
  • Improved MIDI and audio editing capabilities
  • More built-in effects and instruments
  • Seamless integration with desktop Cubase

In-app purchases

8 purchases

LK

One-time8
  • Unlock Chorder$4.99
  • Unlock MIDI Pads$4.99
  • Unlock MIDI Controller$4.99
Show 5 more
  • Unlock X/Y Pad$4.99
  • Unlock Keyboard$4.99
  • Unlock Step Sequencer$7.99
  • Unlock Matrix$9.99
  • All Modules Bundle$39.90
14 purchases

Cubasis LE 3

One-time14
  • Micrologue ARP Arpeggiator$4.99
  • Waves Tune Real-Time$4.99
  • Classic Machines$6.99
Show 11 more
  • FX Pack 1: Reverbs & Delays$6.99
  • FX Pack 2: Vintage FX$6.99
  • Waves AudioTrack$7.99
  • Waves L1 Ultramaximizer$7.99
  • Waves Q10 Equalizer$7.99
  • Neo FM$13.99
  • FM Classics$13.99
  • Waves Plug-in Bundle$19.99
  • HALion Sonic Selection$19.99
  • Cubasis 3 Full Feature Set$29.99
  • Cubasis 3 Full Feature Set$49.99

Questions

Is LK free?
LK is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cubasis LE 3 free?
Cubasis LE 3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, LK or Cubasis LE 3?
Cubasis LE 3 is rated higher. LK averages 4.3 out of 5 from 708 ratings, while Cubasis LE 3 averages 4.5 from 747 ratings.
Do LK or Cubasis LE 3 have ads?
Neither LK nor Cubasis LE 3 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LK or Cubasis LE 3?
LK ships an update fortnightly, and Cubasis LE 3 every 6 weeks. Most recently, LK was updated on October 21, 2026 and Cubasis LE 3 on October 29, 2026.

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