# Caustic

> Mobile music creation tool with virtual synthesizers, samplers, and effects. (iPhone/iPad app by Rejean Poirier.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caustic/id775735447 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Rejean Poirier](https://appshunter.io/developer/775735450)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: $9.99
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 176 App Store ratings · 218 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 52 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-12-14
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caustic/id775735447/reviews.md

## What is Caustic?

Caustic 3 is a music creation tool inspired by rack-mount synthesizer/sampler rigs. 
Everything is real-time and optimized for mobile devices.

Create your rack by adding up to 14 machines from a choice of:

* Subsynth - Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer
* PCMSynth - Multi-sample wave synthesizer 
* BassLine - 303-like monosynth
* BeatBox - 8-channel sampling drum machine
* PadSynth - Harmonic table pad synthesizer
* 8BitSynth - 8bit equation solver synthesizer
* Modular - Fully configurable and routable synthesizer
* Organ - Tonewheel organ with rotary speaker
* Vocoder - 8-band harmonic vocoder
* FMSynth - DX-style 3-operator fm synthesizer
* KSSynth - Karplus-Strong string modeling synthesizer
* SawSynth - Supersaw-type synthesizer

The app also includes:

* Effects rack supporting 2 effects per machine (20 effect types).
* Mixer desk with EQ, panning and global Delay/Reverb effects.
* Master section with effect slots, parametric EQ and limiter.
* Song sequencer

AudioBus support for Input and Output slots.
AudioCopy Paste + AudioShare support for import and export.

Supports automation recording on most controls and includes powerful editors for modifying automation curves.

Users can record their own WAV files for use in the PCMSynth, BeatBox, and Vocoder or import files through iTunes file sharing, ACP, AudioShare, or the built-in FTP server.
Supports all uncompressed WAV files (8-16-24-32bit, any sampling rate).
The PCMSynth can also load SoundFont files (.sf2), SFZ and FL/Xewton instruments (.instr, .ZIP)

"Open In.." import support for all preset types, .WAV, .SF2 and .MID.
(MIDI (.mid) files can be imported as raw sequencer note data.)

Supports CoreMIDI and virtual MIDI for note, velocity and CC data. (be sure to set "Enable background audio" in advanced options to use virtual MIDI)

See the in-app help section for dozens of informative tutorial videos and full online manual.

There is also a FREE (full version) PC/Mac version available for download on the product website.

Come visit www.singlecellsoftware.com to download more presets, request features, share your tracks and hear what others are creating with Caustic 3.

Works on iPhone/iPod but iPad is recommended.

## Key features

- Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer
- Multi-sample wave synthesizer
- Sampling drum machine
- Effects rack with 20 effect types
- Mixer desk with EQ and effects
- Song sequencer
- AudioBus and AudioCopy/Paste support

## What do users think of Caustic?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Powerful and feature-rich
- 👍 Intuitive workflow
- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 💸 Great value for money

**Cons**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🔇 No Bluetooth audio support
- 📁 Difficulty accessing/exporting files
- 🔧 Needs more updates and bug fixes

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes on newer iPhones
- Interface scaling problems on larger screens
- Unresponsive controls in certain scenarios

**Most requested features**

- Bluetooth audio support
- Improved file management and export options
- More synth/instrument options
- Expanded effects and mixing capabilities

## Recent user reviews (10 of 218)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caustic/id775735447/reviews.md

### 4/5 — A complete workflow

*2026-04-05, version 3.2.0*

I wish the core of those who wish to use this app could give bug fixes. 
Well, the screen does not align for iPad Pro devices.  

As from the bottom up has more screen but it conflicts with use ability a bit. 

Now, on iPad Air it is in reverse the room from the top does not conflict with app. But u know screen size is missing but all the app still shows up good. 

I hope I did help. Peace R.E.J. Singlecellsoftware!!!

### 1/5 — This is not a app

*2026-04-04, version 3.2.0*

I need my $10 back Mf

### 1/5 — Does Not Work On iPhone XS Max

*2026-03-26, version 3.2.0*

Update Caustic NOW. Bad screen orient. And bad touches.

### 5/5 — I still love it

*2026-02-27, version 3.2.0*

This app has all you need to start composing tracks or just put down rhythms for saving ideas. Special for younger musicians that want to start in the world of computer music and loop making.

### 5/5 — Perfect if it appeared in files app

*2026-01-21, version 3.2.0*

If the dev could make caustic visible in the files app users like me would pay 30 bucks a pop without blinking. Still working on 0S 18

### 1/5 — Mal

*2026-01-04, version 3.2.0*

No sirve

### 1/5 — Payed 10$ for a black page

*2025-12-23, version 3.2.0*

it’s not working and need update for fixing the bugs

### 1/5 — Dead dev or sold out

*2025-12-05, version 3.2.0*

Do not buy. The dev has vanished off the face of the earth and has stopped supporting this otherwise great app but is starting to break down.

### 1/5 — Unusable

*2025-12-02, version 3.2.0*

I love this app but unfortunately it simple does not work properly. The screen scales incorrectly and is practically unusable in this state

### 1/5 — No good

*2025-11-25, version 3.2.0*

I can’t even get into my own beats. The system is not working. And I paid 10.00. Come on

## Frequently asked questions about Caustic

### What is Caustic 3?

Caustic 3 is a mobile music creation tool that emulates rack-mount synthesizer and sampler rigs. It allows users to build their own virtual studio by adding up to 14 different machines, including various synthesizers and a drum machine. The app is designed for real-time audio production and is optimized for mobile devices.

### What kind of synthesizers and machines are available?

Caustic 3 offers a wide variety of machines, including a Subsynth (virtual analog), PCMSynth (multi-sample), BassLine (303-like), BeatBox (8-channel sampler), PadSynth, 8BitSynth, Modular, Organ, Vocoder, FMSynth, KSSynth, and SawSynth. Users can combine up to 14 of these machines to create their unique sound.

### Does Caustic 3 support external audio input/output?

Yes, Caustic 3 supports AudioBus for both input and output slots, allowing integration with other audio applications. It also supports AudioCopy Paste and AudioShare for easy import and export of audio files.

### Can I import my own sounds into Caustic 3?

Absolutely. You can record your own WAV files directly within the app for use in the PCMSynth, BeatBox, and Vocoder. Additionally, files can be imported through iTunes file sharing, ACP, AudioShare, or the built-in FTP server. The PCMSynth also supports SoundFont (.sf2), SFZ, and FL/Xewton instrument files.

### Is there a free version of Caustic 3?

While Caustic 3 itself is a paid application, there is a free, full-featured PC/Mac version available for download on the product website. This allows users to explore the capabilities of the software on their desktop before potentially purchasing the mobile version.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.2.0 — 2017-02-01

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

New machine: SawSynth (Polyphonic supersaw-type synth)

New "melody helper" to lock keyboards to scales
Support for more time signatures (3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4) from the song page and in pattern editors
Tool to create new PCMSynth instruments by merging your rack.
Keyable BPM

New effects:
 - Octaver
 - Vibrato
 - Tremolo
 - AutoPan
 
Machine improvements:
 PCMSynth: Stereo sample support
 Modular: Added stereo out to machine input component
 Bassline: Custom waveform support
 8BitSynth: Random equation generator

Sequencer:
 Patterns show preview of notes
 Quick jump table replaces machine list
 Create machine by double tapping empty slot
 Automation editor workflow visual crosshairs
 
Wave editor enhancements:
 - Stereo support
 - Effect support
 - Timestretch/pitchshift
 - BPM detection
 - Insert silence
 - Time ruler w/snap
  
Added mixer + transport MIDI mappings
Added support for using MIDI notes as CC triggers

Effect bypass is now keyable
 
Improved typing keyboard with uppercase/lowercase support

New loop and stem export options

More keyboard key width options for large screens

### 3.1.2 — 2014-10-07

Hotfix for song export issue in iOS8

### 3.1.1 — 2014-09-18

- Updated to Audiobus 2
- Fix startup crash issues on certain devices
- Fixed bug in multi-file ZIP import for PCMSynth
- Fixed bug in SFZ import when exceeding the max number of samples
- Fixed crash bug when previewing WAV from beatbox kits
- Fixed rare crash bug when changing octaves on the synths
- Fixed a few sample editor crash bugs
- Fixed some edge-cases bugs with note recording
- Fixed a few incorrect color issues when loading skins
- Fixed SF2 "open In" handler

### 3.1.0 — 2014-05-18

- AudioBus support (in+out)
- Background audio + virtual MIDI
- New synth: KSSynth
- 2 new Modular components
- Undo/Redo in pianoroll editors
- MIDI Pitch bend + CC mappings
- Metronome count-in
- Velocity pads for BeatBox
- Skinning support

### 3.0.1 — 2014-01-23

Fix for audio coming out of phone receiver instead of speaker on iPhone
Fix for Caustic's audio cutting out when returning from other apps
Fix for stuck MIDI notes
Support for more .instr file formats
Fix for missing .MID import
Fix for loading ZIP instrument format
SoundFont import tweaks
Added advanced option to fill screen in landscape on iPad 
Fix for rare crash bug when deleting patterns

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## More apps by Rejean Poirier

- [Caustic Editor for Volca Sample](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caustic-editor-for-volca-sample/id949331370)

All apps by Rejean Poirier: https://appshunter.io/developer/775735450

## Related topics

[caustic 3](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/caustic-3) · [caustic](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/caustic)

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*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 2026-09-01.*