KORG iM1 vs Patch Base
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
KORG iM1
This app faithfully reproduces the legendary M1 synthesizer, offering its iconic sounds and expanded features for modern music creation. It provides a vast library of presets and intuitive performance tools, making it accessible to both experienced musicians and beginners.
- Faithful reproduction of original M1 sound
- Expanded filter resonance and 18 effects
- Gigantic library of 3,300 sounds
- Intuitive KAOSS pad for performance
- Smart Sound Browser for quick sound selection
- Compatible with KORG Gadget
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A complete reproduction - and more - of the legendary M1 that defined an era. Mobile Digital Synthesizer for the iPad. ● Selected by Apple as "App Store Best of 2015" ● Ranked #1 on the App Store on Top Paid Music category in more than 20 countries! (15/5/27) Since it went on sale in 1988 the legendary M1 music workstation rapidly achieved record-breaking sales, becoming a mainstay of the music scene from the late 1980s and beyond. The common element of electronic instruments that have left their name in history is that they had a unique sound that was difficult if not impossible to replicate. Sounds such as the “M1 Piano” is instantly recognizable and have appeared on countless hit records over many years, and yet these are sounds that could only be produced by the M1. And that’s what you can now have on your iPad! ● A faithful reproduction of the original M1 Sound The PCM data provides the library of the original M1. For the hardware, we analyzed the circuit diagram of the original design, and completely replicated it in software down to the last detailed parameters. Engineers with an exhaustive knowledge of the M1 made careful adjustments in order to obtain the sound of the original unit, something that cannot be obtained simply by sampling the original sounds. ● A continued evolution of the M1 Not content with simply reproducing the original, iM1 provides further evolutionary developments. Synth parts now have the Filter Resonance that was requested at the time of the original. The effect parts, originally consisting of only two effects, have been powered-up to 18 effects. The user interface has also been refreshed with additions such as a KAOSS pad. iM1 is the ultimate version of the KORG M1. ● A gigantic library encompassing 3,300 sounds and 34 cards* In addition to all 19 of the ROM cards originally released for the M1, iM1 also covers the sounds of the M1EX which expanded the internal PCM of the M1, as well as the sounds of the T-series which appeared as an evolution of the M1. There’s also “BEST OF M1”, a selection of 100 great M1 programs. The new “Smart Sound Browser” makes it quick to find the desired sound. You can also view the sounds ranked by how often they are selected by iM1 users around the world. *with all the expansion card installed via in-app purchase ● KAOSS pad lets anybody perform iM1 features a KAOSS pad from the popular KAOSSILATOR, allowing you to perform intuitively just by touching the screen. By using the dual KAOSS pads to play phrases or adjust the sound, even people who are not accustomed to keyboard instruments or knowledgeable about synthesizers can enjoy performing the iM1. There’s also a conventional keyboard, as well as the “Smart Keyboard”, which lets you specify a scale setting and play phrases with a single finger. ● Use with KORG Gadget for song production iM1 can be used together with Gadget, the music production DAW app that won the App Store Best App of 2014 award in Japan. If both apps are installed, you can use iM1 as a sound module within Gadget, taking advantage of the program sounds in iM1 for music production. iM1 also supports Audiobus and Inter-App Audio, so it can also be used for GarageBand etc. ● Connect a MIDI keyboard and use as a sound module In addition to enjoying iM1 on its own, you can connect a USB MIDI keyboard* via a Lightning adaptor and play the iM1 as an external sound module. You can easily take along an even more powerful workstation sound module as part of your iPad-based compact mobile system. *microKEY, nanoKEY etc. ● Interchangeable with the KORG Legacy Collection and the original M1 Sounds that you create in iM1 can be sent from your iPad via iTunes to a Mac/PC. If you have the Legacy Collection M1, you can use those sounds in a DAW. More info at korg.com
Patch Base
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.
- Visualize synth patches
- Real-time parameter editing
- Manage patch banks
- Create random patches
- On-screen keyboard for sound testing
- Extensive synthesizer support
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Patch Base is a collection of patch editors and librarians for new and vintage synthesizers, enabling easy visualization, editing, and organization of patches. * See what patches on your synth look like * Edit the parameters of your synth in real time, while you play * Manage your patch banks directly from the app * Save patches in Patch Base, and back them up using iCloud * Access your patch files on your computer via iCloud Drive * Create random patches, and "init" patches as starting points for new sounds * Play your synth for sound testing using the on-screen keyboard Patch Base currently has editors for the following synthesizers, with more to come: * Access Virus C, Virus TI, Virus TI Snow * Akai Miniak * Alesis Micron * Behringer Deepmind 12 * Casio CZ-1, CZ-101, CZ-1000, CZ-3000, CZ-5000 * Clavia Nord Lead 2, Nord Lead 2X * DSI Mopho, Mopho Keyboard, Evolver, Evolver Keyboard, Tetra * E-mu Proteus/1, Proteus/2 * Ensoniq ESQ-1, SQ-80, and ESQ-M * Korg Volca FM, Volca FM2, Minilogue, microKORG, MS2000, MS2000R, MS2000B, MS2000BR, DW-8000, EX-8000, Prophecy * Novation Circuit, Bass Station II * Oberheim Matrix-1000, Matrix-6, Matrix-6r * Roland JD-Xi, JV-1080, JV-2080, JV-1010, XP-80, XP-60, XP-50, XP-30, D-50, D-550, D-05, D-110, D-10, D-20, D-5, JV-880, JV-80, XV-5080, XV-3080, XV-5050, XV-2020, Alpha Juno-1, Alpha Juno-2, MKS-50, JD-800, JD-990, JX-8P, JP-8080 * Waldorf Blofeld, Micro Q * Yamaha DX7, DX7II, TX7, TX802, TX816, TX81Z, DX100, FB-01, FS1R, TG33, DX200, TG77, SY77, DX21, DX11, Reface DX The app is free for download and to try out, ensuring that the app works with your hardware setup. For full access to all editor features, each editor is available as an individual In-App Purchase, or via an All Access subscription. ** Unlock Every Editor with All Access ** Patch Base now offers the All Access subscription, giving you access to every editor that Patch Base offers for a single subscription price. You can subscribe on a monthly or annual basis. Subscription payment is charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of subscription purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. Your iTunes account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can turn off auto-renewal and manage your subscription at any time from your iTunes Account Settings after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://coffeeshopped.com/patch-base-privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://coffeeshopped.com/patch-base-terms-conditions
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Patch Base at Free against KORG iM1's $29.99. Patch Base also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months). KORG iM1's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.4) and review sentiment (82% vs 53%). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and iOS requirement 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
Patch Base is free to download; KORG iM1 costs $29.99 up front. KORG iM1 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Patch Base sells 31 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
KORG iM1 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: KORG iM1 has 1K ratings behind it against 85, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of KORG iM1's written reviews are positive against 53% of Patch Base's.
KORG iM1 ships an update every 7 months, Patch Base every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.
| Parameter | KORG iM1 | Patch Base |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (1K ratings) — better | 3.4 (85 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 81.5% of reviews — better | 52.9% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1K — better | 85 |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #198 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 200 MB | 69 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | KORG INC. | Coffeeshopped LLC |
Customer experience
KORG iM1
Patch Base
User reviews
KORG iM1
From 1K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Authentic M1 sound reproduction
- 💰 Great value for money
- 🎹 Faithful recreation of the original hardware
- 🎨 Powerful sound customization options
- 🔗 Works well with MIDI controllers
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional crashes or stability issues
- 🔇 Low output volume compared to other apps
- 🤔 Confusing UI for patch editing and saving
- 🔴 Missing AUv3 support for integration with DAWs
Patch Base
From 85 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 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
Room to improve
- 💰 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
Bugs and requests
KORG iM1
Reported bugs
3 issues- Disappearing or missing purchased sound cards
- Bluetooth MIDI connectivity issues
- Compatibility problems with certain iOS versions or devices
Requested features
4 requests- Add AUv3 support for better DAW integration
- Improve preset management and saving capabilities
- Increase master volume control options
- Expand sound library with more cards/expansions
Patch Base
Reported bugs
12 issues- 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
Show 7 moreShow fewer
- Patches randomly deleted after app restart
- MIDI port assignment not persisting
- Unable to send patches to synths
- App hangs during patch transitions
- Unmute function unavailable while editing
- iCloud file synchronization not working
- XV-5080 editor stuck on loading screen
Requested features
13 requests- MFB Dominion 1 editor
- Arturia Microfreak randomizer
- Novation Circuit Tracks support
- Korg Wavestate editor
- Roland MKS-70 and MKS-80 controllers
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- Access Virus Ti2 character section and banks
- Custom randomization options
- Yamaha EX5/r and Motif XF editors
- Prophet 6 support
- Korg Minilogue enhancements
- Undo button functionality
- Pass-through MIDI option
- Dropbox and Google Drive cloud support
In-app purchases
KORG iM1
- M1 Cards Pack$4.99
- T1 Cards Pack$4.99
Patch Base
- Patch Base: Monthly7 Days trial$5.991 Month
- All Access: Annual7 Days trial$59.991 Year
- Casio CZ-101$29.99
- Oberheim Matrix-6r$29.99
- Yamaha DX7$29.99
Show 26 moreShow fewer
- Yamaha TX7$29.99
- Ensoniq ESQ-1$29.99
- Korg Volca FM$29.99
- Korg microKorg$29.99
- Roland JD-Xi$29.99
- Korg Minilogue$29.99
- Roland JV-1080$29.99
- Waldorf Blofeld$29.99
- Roland D-50$29.99
- Roland D-05$29.99
- Roland D-110$29.99
- Novation Bass Station II$29.99
- Yamaha DX100$29.99
- Access Virus TI Snow$29.99
- Yamaha TG33$29.99
- Roland JV-1010$29.99
- Yamaha SY77$29.99
- Roland XV-5050$29.99
- Yamaha TX81Z$29.99
- Oberheim Matrix-1000$29.99
- Korg Volca FM2$29.99
- Oberheim Matrix-6$29.99
- Yamaha DX7II$29.99
- Roland JV-880$29.99
- Yamaha Reface DX$29.99
- All Access$99.99









