BeatMaker 3 review

BeatMaker 3 is aimed at producers who think in pads, the way hardware samplers work. It costs $24.99 once on the US App Store and runs on iPad only. INTUA describes 128 banks of 128 pads, each one a full instrument with layering and modulation, and a sampling engine for recording, chopping and resampling live. ZPlane's élastique stretch and pitch shift lets loops follow the tempo. Sequencing uses a timeline pattern and song editor, while Scene Mode loops and arranges clips for remixing and live performance. The mixer gives every track and pad its own channel with unlimited effects and up to 8 sends, and USB audio interfaces enable multi-channel recording and routing. AUv3 and IAA support bring in other synth and effect apps, and Ableton Link keeps it in sync with other software. Separated stems export for work in a desktop studio. The most recent App Store update listed is version 3.0.17 from December 2025, so updates are less frequent than for others here.

Who it is for

pad-based producers who chop samples

Price

$24.99 one-time on the US App Store, iPad only.

BeatMaker 3 The music production studio $24.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• 128 banks of 128 pads, each a full instrument
• Sampling engine with live stretch and pitch shift by ZPlane élastique
• Pattern and song editor plus Scene Mode for clip launching
• Mixer with unlimited effects and up to 8 sends per channel
• Full AUv3 and IAA support and USB audio interface routing

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Deep pad and sampling workflow in one $24.99 purchase
• Strength: Ableton Link sync
• Strength: Exports separated stems for desktop studios
• Weakness: iPad only
• Weakness: Last App Store update was version 3.0.17 in December 2025
• Weakness: Dense interface takes time to learn

Key facts

• Price: $24.99 one-time
• Pads: 128 banks of 128
• Sends: Up to 8 per channel
• Devices: iPad

Where it ranks

BeatMaker 3 is No. 8 in our Best Music Production Apps for iPad verdict.