# CalmusNotation vs SAND

CalmusNotation and SAND both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 79% of SAND's written reviews are positive against 0% of CalmusNotation's. SAND also leads on ratings volume (86 vs 5) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). CalmusNotation's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. CalmusNotation asks for nothing beyond the download.

SAND holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SAND has 86 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of CalmusNotation's written reviews are positive against 79% of SAND's.

CalmusNotation ships an update every 4 months, SAND every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CalmusNotation | SAND |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmusnotation/id993026661/reviews) | **[4.6 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **86** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **79.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 294 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Erki-tonlist sf](https://appshunter.io/developer/929321904) | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) |

## What reviewers say

### CalmusNotation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmusnotation/id993026661)

Create and visualize musical compositions using AI-powered graphical notation. This app leverages advanced AI, inspired by NASA's Lisp programming, to generate original music based on user input and can display music from other compatible apps for live performance.

**Highlights:** AI-powered music composition, Graphical notation display, Real-time performance visualization, Lisp-based AI engine, User input-driven music creation, Integration with CalmusComposer and CalmusPlay

**In-app purchases:** none


### SAND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684)

This app is a grid-based music sequencer that allows users to create compositions using AUv3 plugins and external MIDI devices. It offers extensive tools for arranging clips, editing notes, automating parameters, and routing MIDI.

**Highlights:** Grid-based MIDI sequencing, AUv3 plugin hosting, External MIDI device support, Advanced clip editing, Track and effect management, Song mode for arrangement, MIDI routing and mapping

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14-day trial | Free | one-time |
| 14 Days Trial | Free | one-time |
| Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| Audio Tracks | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great UI and features
- 💡 Potential for music creation
- 🚀 Fast and creative workflow
- 👍 Easy to use, no instructions needed
- 💡 Most usable studio on small screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Record function always starts
- 🐛 Sand not opening in overview
- 🐛 Integration with other apps seems off
- 🐛 Record does not pick up data
- 🐛 Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Reported bugs**

- Record function always starts when entering Midi Instrument or FX
- Sand not opening in overview
- Integration with other apps seems off
- Record does not pick up data
- Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Requested features**

- Sand always open in overview
- Long press in sequence track window
- Random/chance abilities in clips (Polyend Play style)
- Semi-generative function or scale-based patterns/sequences
- Save AUv3 presets


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CalmusNotation free?

CalmusNotation is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SAND free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CalmusNotation or SAND?

SAND is rated higher. CalmusNotation averages 4.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while SAND averages 4.6 from 86 ratings.

### Do CalmusNotation or SAND have ads?

Neither CalmusNotation nor SAND shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CalmusNotation or SAND?

CalmusNotation ships an update every 4 months, and SAND every 2 months. Most recently, CalmusNotation was updated on October 8, 2026 and SAND on October 14, 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.*