# 16 Drones — Ambient Drone Synth AUv3 > Ambient drone synthesizer for evolving textures and in-key performance. (iPhone/iPad app by Ruben Terron Rodriguez.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/16-drones/id6761003327 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Ruben Terron Rodriguez](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876605725) - Category: Music, Entertainment - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.70/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 18.0 · 8 MB - Released: 2026-04-06 - Data updated: 2026-08-01 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/16-drones/id6761003327/reviews.md ## What is 16 Drones? 16 Drones is an ambient drone synthesizer built for evolving textures, harmonic soundscapes, and expressive in-key performance. Shape layered drones with a custom wavetable engine, per-voice controls, per-voice custom drone envelopes, and an additional subtractive layer. Then perform on top with a dedicated Play voice that stays in the same scale. Designed to be deep but immediate, 16 Drones gives you rich timbral control, musical scale exploration, expressive performance options, flexible MIDI workflow, and both standalone and AUv3 operation. Features: 16 drone voices for layered evolving textures Custom wavetable synthesis with per-voice control Per-voice custom drone envelopes for motion and character An additional subtractive layer for extra depth and weight A dedicated Play voice for expressive in-key performance Rich musical and exotic scales Standalone app and AUv3 instrument support MIDI input support for performance and control MIDI Learn for fast hardware mapping Aftertouch expression support, including polyphonic aftertouch Factory presets for fast inspiration ## Key features - 16 drone voices for layered textures - Custom wavetable synthesis - Per-voice drone envelopes - Subtractive synthesis layer - Expressive in-key performance voice - Support for musical scales - Standalone and AUv3 operation - MIDI input and learn ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | 16 Drones Pro | $11.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/16-drones/id6761003327/reviews.md ### 5/5 — The dev is really great ! *2026-05-27* Such a great app if you’re into frequency stuff and/or ambient soundtracks - infinitely tweakable! ### 1/5 — Too many restrictions on the free version *2026-04-23* If you are going to a make a demo version of the app it should be fully featured save for preventing preset saving and even AUV3 use which are acceptable trial restrictions. But this game of siphoning off features here and there makes it unattractive and prevents the user from knowing the plugin’s usefullness. I was going to try it out to see if I might want to buy it, but when I discovered I could not even connect my midi controller without the pro version I gave up. You would do well to offer this as a paid app from the start or make a more limited fully functional free version (say with 8 lanes instead of 16) rather than playing this feature withholding game. **Developer response:** Thanks for taking the time to leave detailed feedback — I completely understand your perspective. In version 2.0, MIDI input is now enabled, so users can try the app with external MIDI controllers before deciding whether the Pro features fit their workflow. The Pro features help support the continued development of the app and future updates. Apps like this are often created by independent developers rather than large companies, so finding the right balance between a useful free version and sustainable development can sometimes be challenging. I truly appreciate the feedback, and comments like yours help improve future versions of the app. ## Frequently asked questions about 16 Drones ### What kind of music can I create with 16 Drones? 16 Drones is designed for creating ambient textures, evolving soundscapes, and harmonic drones. Its features are geared towards generating rich, atmospheric sounds suitable for electronic music, film scores, or experimental audio. ### Does 16 Drones support external MIDI controllers? Yes, 16 Drones fully supports MIDI input for performance and control. It also includes MIDI Learn functionality for fast hardware mapping, allowing you to easily assign controls to your preferred MIDI devices. ### Can I use 16 Drones with other music apps? Absolutely. 16 Drones operates as both a standalone application and an AUv3 instrument, meaning it can be integrated into compatible iOS DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) for more complex productions. ### How does the 'Play voice' feature work in 16 Drones? The dedicated Play voice in 16 Drones is designed for expressive performance. It stays within the same musical scale you've selected, allowing you to improvise melodies and harmonies without hitting dissonant notes. ### What is the update frequency for 16 Drones? The app was last updated on 2026-06-04, indicating active development. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, the recent update suggests ongoing support and potential improvements. ### Is 16 Drones suitable for beginners? While 16 Drones offers deep timbral control, it also aims to be immediate. The inclusion of factory presets and a dedicated performance voice can help beginners explore its capabilities quickly. ### What devices are compatible with 16 Drones? 16 Drones is compatible with both iPhone and iPad devices, running on iOS. It has an age rating of 4+, making it accessible for a wide range of users. ### Does 16 Drones have ads? No, 16 Drones does not contain advertisements. Its monetization model is free with in-app purchases, meaning you can download and use the core features without interruption from ads. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.2 — 2026-07-01 Scala import and clearer microtonal tuning feedback. Scala Import - Import Scala .scl tuning files directly from the Tuning tab. - Imported Scala tunings appear as User Scala options in the Tuning selector. Microtonal Feedback - Fine Tune now shows clear cents values while editing. - Unquantize shows its cents range for easier calibration. ### 3.1 — 2026-06-04 What’s New 3.1 Under the hood AUv3 refinements and MIDI control improvements. Improvements: - Improved AUv3 instance handling so multiple 16 Drones instances can run more independently inside hosts like AUM. - Added per-drone Fine Tune destinations to AUv3 MIDI Controls for more detailed tuning control from the host. - Refined Sub activation and level handling for smoother initial control, especially when raising Sub Level from zero. Fixes: Fixed visual feedback for AUv3 MIDI-controlled Drone controls. ### 3.0 — 2026-05-26 What’s New in 3.0 New Features: - Added global Tuning System with 7 modes: 12-EDO, Just Intonation, Harmonic Series, 24-EDO, 19-EDO, Pythagorean, and Bohlen-Pierce. - New Tuning tab available in both Drone and Play voice views. - Tuning selection is saved per preset, so the same scale can have different harmonic character instantly. Improvements: - AUv3 fullscreen scaling improvements for better use of available space in hosts. Fixes: - Stability and UI/UX refinements. ### 2.0 — 2026-05-07 What’s New in Version 2.0 New: - New Gen tab with independent Drone and Play generators. - New Generative tools can now drive AUv3 instruments and external hardware via MIDI Out. - New Drone generative controls: Rate, Ramp, Style, Poly, and Probability. - New Play generative controls: Ratchet, Expression, Octave bands, and Probability. - New Custom Scale Editor from the Scale menu (Tools), with multi-scale save workflow. - 16 new factory presets in the Generative category. Fixes - UI/UX polish and bug fixes. ### 1.2 — 2026-04-20 What’s New (v1.2) New Features: - Added Drone Glide controls in Drone Mode (Synth Voice > General). - Added Pan as a new Drift destination, plus new destination combos. Fixes: - Fixed Drone volume and mixer behavior. - Fixed Silent Mode audio behavior on iPhone and iPad. - Fixed Preset Manager single Export. - Improved synth engine behavior and stability. - Restored visual feedback for Sub LFO destinations. - General bug fixes and UI/UX improvements. ## More apps by Ruben Terron Rodriguez - [Tonal for Songwriters](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tonal-for-songwriters/id6759060816) - [Omni: Pocket Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/omni-pocket-synth/id6767987170) All apps by Ruben Terron Rodriguez: https://appshunter.io/developer/1876605725 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-01.*