Hexler
For professional musicians, audio engineers, and multimedia artists requiring bespoke control interfaces for live performance and studio production.
TouchOSC
Snapshot
Who is Hexler?
Providing professional-grade modular control surfaces for multimedia artists to build custom hardware and software interfaces.
Target audience
Portfolio
Free 1Last updated
TouchOSC
v1.5.0
4mo ago
Publisher DNA
What defines Hexler?
Publisher DNA
Primary focus
Professional multimedia and music control tools
Scale
indie
Target audience
Professional musicians, audio engineers, and multimedia artists requiring bespoke control interfaces for live performance and studio production.
Origin
Founded in 2007, Hexler launched their flagship TouchOSC shortly after the App Store's debut in 2008.
Signature Patterns
- •Deep integration of professional protocols including MIDI and OSC
- •Premium monetization strategy via one-time paid downloads
- •Cross-platform utility with integrated editors for custom layout creation
- •Long-term product lifecycle management, maintaining legacy versions alongside next-gen releases
Portfolio momentum
Maintained a consistent development cycle with 5 updates across the portfolio in the last 6 months, focusing on the modernization of their flagship platform.
Company profile
medium confidence- Founded
- 2007
Portfolio
What does Hexler ship?
Apps
4 apps analysed
Analysis in progress
Multi-protocol support for MIDI, OSC, and Art-Net
- Real-time monitoring of MIDI and OSC messages provides immediate diagnostic clarity for complex synthesizer setups
- Unresponsive touch interface makes precise preference adjustments and navigation difficult during standard usage sessions
Robust support for both OSC and MIDI protocols
- Versatility and Power
- Connectivity and Sync Issues
Single-market publisher, every app ships only to United States.
Based on 2 of 4 apps with localized market data, more coverage rolling in as scans complete · last scanned .
Americas (1)
- United States2 / 2
Core markets (2/2 apps)
User Sentiment
How do users feel about their apps?
2
Positive apps
0
Neutral / mixed
0
Negative apps
74/100
Avg sentiment score
Rivals
Who does Hexler compete with?
The rivals identified
Nemeses(2)
Both applications target professional musicians and studio engineers requiring custom interfaces for MIDI and OSC hardware control, creating direct competition for users seeking studio automation.
While functionally distinct, this app competes for the same 'utility-focused' musician demographic that requires reliable, low-latency audio processing tools.
Contenders(10)
Both applications target users requiring OSC message transmission for audio-visual software and multimedia installations. They compete for the same user base seeking mobile-to-desktop control interfaces.
Both applications target professional users requiring OSC message transmission for live performance and hardware control, creating direct competition for the same technical audience.
Both applications target music producers requiring tactile control over production software, with FL Studio Remote serving as a free, specialized companion for FL Studio users versus the platform-agnostic, professional toolset of TouchOSC.
Offers modular, tactile control specifically designed for Ableton Live and MIDI-compliant hardware.
Both applications target professional musicians and audio engineers requiring custom MIDI and OSC control surfaces for studio and live performance environments.
Both applications target musicians requiring MIDI control interfaces for DAWs and hardware, competing for the same user base seeking mobile-to-desktop control solutions.
Both applications target users requiring MIDI hardware control for audio equipment, with Ui MIDI mixer focusing on specific Soundcraft hardware integration while TouchOSC provides a general-purpose control surface.
Both applications target musicians and audio engineers requiring MIDI control for DAWs and hardware, though they differ in complexity and connectivity methods.
Both apps target musicians requiring MIDI control, but they differ in input method: Sidecar maps physical QWERTY keyboards, while TouchOSC provides custom GUI layouts.
Both applications target musicians and producers requiring MIDI control, with TouchOSC providing custom interface design and Midi Amuser focusing on hardware routing.
Same space(22)
Offers a canvas-based digital MIDI controller for arranging custom controls for MIDI-compatible software.
Offers basic TV navigation and media casting functionality for home entertainment systems.
Functions as a virtual cable hub for chaining disparate music apps and AUv3 units.
Delivers high-fidelity sound synthesis for producers who require studio-grade results without a full DAW.
Enables wireless control of professional audio and video software like Pro Tools and Media Composer.
This app shares the same technical audience of MIDI-focused creators who require precise control over signal modulation.
Provides a modular sound laboratory for beat-making and live performance as a standalone app or plugin.
Targets the same hardware-integrated musician demographic, specifically those using MIDI synchronization for performance.
Acts as a technical utility for monitoring and troubleshooting MIDI data streams and connectivity.
Serves as a native, hardware-specific remote for Logic Pro and GarageBand users.
Facilitates wireless connection between Korg Bluetooth MIDI controllers and iOS devices.
Targets power users with a deep, professional-grade synthesis engine for mobile audio production.
Acts as a central hub for complex signal chains and MIDI routing within an iOS environment.
Both apps serve the professional musician's workflow, though they focus on different stages of the performance lifecycle.
Routes virtual MIDI ports to Bluetooth or USB for low-latency communication between apps.
Replicates a Eurorack-style modular synthesis environment for sound design and MIDI processing.
Transforms mobile devices into custom MIDI controllers using USB, WLAN, or Bluetooth connectivity.
Provides a utility for playing and managing standard MIDI files on mobile and desktop devices.
Provides a complete, portable music production environment that functions as an alternative to desktop DAWs.
Focuses on synthetic drum production through multi-engine sound design and advanced pattern sequencing.
Provides a portable, hardware-free MIDI input solution for triggering notes and manipulating parameters.
Provides remote control for PC and Mac DJ software over a Wi-Fi network.
New entrants(4)
A new tool for Ableton users that competes for the same 'control and monitoring' screen real estate during live performances.
Designed as a remote controller for Ableton Live to assist solo live-instrument recording.
Serves as a wireless remote for lighting programmers using grandMA3 consoles and onPC software.
A new entrant targeting the technical maintenance needs of professional DJs, overlapping with Protokol's utility-first positioning.
The Analyst's Read
The bottom line on Hexler
Bottom line
Hexler is a highly specialized studio that has successfully defended its position as the professional standard for mobile control surfaces for over 15 years. Their commitment to technical depth and disciplined one-time purchase models makes them a stable, high-trust incumbent in the creative tools category.
Frequently asked questions
How many apps does Hexler publish?
What kind of apps does Hexler make?
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In how many countries are Hexler's apps available?
What fed this analysis
- Apps analyzed:
- 2
- With full intel:
- 1
- With overview:
- 2
- Website scraped:
- yes
- Social presence:
- yes