# Cellular Synthesizer — Cellular automata based sound > Cellular automata-based sound synthesizer with extensive modulation and effects. (iPhone/iPad app by Valery Mironov.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellular-synthesizer/id6455370670 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Valery Mironov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699945726) - Category: Music, Entertainment - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.60/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 8 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 20 MB - Released: 2025-07-14 - Data updated: 2026-09-09 - Monetization: freemium - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellular-synthesizer/id6455370670/reviews.md ## What is Cellular Synthesizer? Universe This app utilizes a cellular automata field known as the 'universe' to generate complex signals that are easily controllable. These signals are employed to modulate parameters of each oscillator, saturation settings, filters, or echo effects. The signal from the 'universe' is linked to groups of 'populated' cells referred to as 'communes.' A 'commune' serves as an abstraction that interprets the state of a group of connected cells as a signal. The state of the 'universe' evolves through generations. Before each generation change, each cell counts the number of 'populated' cells among its eight neighboring cells and checks against the user-defined rules, which determine whether the cell will be populated in the next generation. Different modes allow you to interpret the 'communes' signal differently. For example, in 'choir' mode, if all the cells in the 'commune' are 'populated,' the signal will be at its maximum; if half are 'populated,' the signal will be average, and if none are 'populated,' the signal will be zero, and so on. In 'trigger' mode, if at least one cell in the 'commune' is 'populated,' the signal will be at its maximum, and if no cells are 'populated,' the signal will be zero. Modulations You can modulate the parameters of pitch, panorama, and volume for each oscillator, in addition to thermal voltage, emission coefficient, saturation current, and the ratio of raw and processed signals for the diode clipping effect. Moreover, you can control drive, cutoff frequency, and filter resonance through modulations, along with delay time, delay offset, feedback, and the ratio of raw and processed signals for the echo effect. Oscillators You can select one of the oscillators, choose the waveform with the initial phase, determine whether oscillators are in solo or mute mode, and adjust pitch, panorama, or volume for each of them. Voices Signals from the oscillators are summed up in the voice of each note. You can set the delay before the note starts, adjust note duration, change pitch, and set volume for the sum of all voices. Additionally, you can fine-tune a common envelope. Effects The synthesizer includes a DC saturation effect with the ability to control thermal voltage parameters, emission coefficient, saturation current level, and blend saturated sound with the original. You can also utilize a filter with type, drive, frequency, and resonance parameters. Furthermore, you can incorporate an echo effect with 'dry/wet' and feedback controls, along with delay time and offset adjustments for each channel. Sequencer For the ease of composing melodies and using the synthesizer on stage, utilize a step sequencer with five segments, each containing 16 elements, providing options to add, disable sound, select elements, or clone them. Each element of the sequencer is linked to the keyboard with MPE support, where you can add single notes or chords. Of course, you can control the BPM and tap the metronome to synchronize with other devices. Keyboard This module is designed for playing notes or editing them in selected elements of the sequencer. MIDI-mapper Module that maps Cellular application interface elements to the position of the currently selected target button and assigns them to the most recently modified MIDI controller — a pressed key, button, or moved slider. AUv3 Cellular supports the AUv3 standard, so you can use it with other applications simultaneously. Please note: Some features described above require an active subscription or one-time purchase. For more details, visit our website. Privacy Policy: https://www.valerymironov.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://www.valerymironov.com/terms ## Key features - Cellular automata sound generation - Parameter modulation (pitch, filters, effects) - Multiple signal interpretation modes - Configurable oscillators and voices - DC saturation, filter, and echo effects - Step sequencer with MPE support ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **Subscriptions** | Subscription | Price | Period | | --- | --- | --- | | All Access (1 Month) | $1.99 | per month | | All Access (1 Year) | $9.99 | per year | **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | All Access (Lifetime) | $19.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (8 of 8) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellular-synthesizer/id6455370670/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Avoid at all costs *2026-05-14* PLEASE READ FULL REVIEW, DEVELOPER IS A LYING STALKER !!! The app is not free , nor does it have a free trial. You get a presets player basically as your free trial. I took the bait and said I’d take a months subscription to see if the rest of the app was inspiring or forward thinking or even just gave my head some fun non serious music fidget time … nope. Absolute muck. The developer seems to be a little touchy about people who don’t like his product and leave a review also I would of gave it two stars just to be nice but the developers attitude dropped it to one. Edit: The developer thinks it’s ok to harrass me about this review on my personal Instagram account , this is unacceptable in every way shape and form. Another note: developer is now lying about messaging me on Instagram when you can clearly tell by his reply that he did and is trying to cover his tracks like I didn’t screenshot his weird behaviour knowing he would delete it after I posted the review!! Don’t give this weirdo money **Developer response:** There is a trial period in the app — it’s a 7-day free trial, clearly stated both on the website and inside the app. When you write “terrible” in an Instagram review without any constructive feedback, it’s strange to expect anything other than my recommendation not to use something that doesn’t suit you. Edit: I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Everything I wanted to say to you, I already wrote above and in reply to your comment under my Instagram post. At the same time, for some reason you are sending me insults and threats in private messages. ### 5/5 — There’s so much I love about this app *2026-02-18* Give this app time, and it will get under your skin. I love the interface design and the software engineering behind it. Now I just need my skills as a musician to meet this beautiful app in the best way. Nice work Valery. **Developer response:** Thank you — this truly means a lot to our small team! ### 1/5 — $20?! *2026-02-09* LOL, maybe $4.95. Subscription, dufus. ### 1/5 — What Junk *2025-12-17* Stupid impossible design and microscopic font. The website sample has no audio! LOL LOL what baboons, with apologies to the baboons! And a subscription? Ha ha ga. You’re genetically a waste. ### 5/5 — Good luck friend 👍🏻 *2025-11-12* Publishing your very first app in a market as enormously competitive as Apple’s and trying to keep it afloat is no easy task. Giving one- or two-star ratings with unhelpful criticism does not lead developers in a positive direction. Apps like this, created after countless sleepless nights and weekends spent just to finish them, especially indie ones, deserve at least some kind and encouraging words if not financial support. After all, low average ratings can discourage potential users from downloading and trying the app in the first place. Developing an app does not happen overnight; it is a process that is both enjoyable and stressful from start to finish, carrying a real psychological burden, especially when there is only one developer behind it. With that in mind, I truly hope that future comments, even when critical, will be more understanding and constructive. Much love and respect to all the passionate indie developers out there. **Developer response:** Thank you so much for your support — it truly means a lot. Your kindness and understanding give real strength to keep going and improving. I appreciate it more than words can say. ### 1/5 — Does Absolutely Nothing! *2025-10-29* Download the app but apart from adding circles to a framework it did nothing whatsoever ! No sounds! Just some message about purchasing! **Developer response:** Hello. The window offering paid options appears only if you try to enable “supporters-only” features — all other features are free. The app already has several thousand users. Since its release, I’ve only encountered one issue — on the iPhone Air, right after its launch — but thanks to a user report, I was able to quickly find the cause and fix it. No similar complaints have been received since. If you really have no sound when pressing the keys, please send a short screen recording and your device model to support@valerymironov.com — I’ll look into it. A one-star rating is, of course, a strong statement. But it would be fairer to at least try to figure things out before criticizing a project developed by a single person. ### 4/5 — Cell Synth *2025-07-29* Really cool concept for an app, runs great on older iPad Pro, but most features are locked behind a subscription based model. Instabuy if there were a one-time purchase, but will just be using the trial/demo til then… **Developer response:** Appreciate your comment. A one-time purchase option has been added alongside the subscription. If that works better for you, feel free to update the rating — honest feedback like yours genuinely shapes the app’s direction. ### 3/5 — Really Cool, But….. *2025-07-29* Really different and interesting stuff - free version is super cool, but subscription for additional functionality puts me off investing in the full app. Rating would be 5* if there was a reasonable one-off price. **Developer response:** Based on feedback like yours, I’ve added a one-time purchase option so you can unlock everything at once, not only through subscription. If that solves your main concern, an updated rating would be fair support for the project. ## Frequently asked questions about Cellular Synthesizer ### What is Cellular Synthesizer? Cellular Synthesizer is a music creation application that uses a cellular automata field to generate and modulate sound parameters. It allows users to control oscillators, filters, and effects through evolving cell states. ### How does Cellular Synthesizer generate sound? It utilizes a 'universe' of cells that evolve based on user-defined rules. The state of these cells is interpreted as signals to modulate various synthesizer parameters, creating complex and dynamic audio. ### What kind of effects are available in Cellular Synthesizer? Cellular Synthesizer includes a DC saturation effect with adjustable parameters, a filter with type, drive, and resonance controls, and an echo effect with delay and feedback adjustments. ### Does Cellular Synthesizer have a sequencer? Yes, it features a step sequencer with five segments, each containing 16 elements. This allows for composing melodies and linking elements to a keyboard with MPE support. ### What are the subscription plans for Cellular Synthesizer? Cellular Synthesizer offers 'All Access' subscriptions for 1 month at $1.99 and 1 year at $9.99, both including a 7-day free trial. ### What devices is Cellular Synthesizer compatible with? Cellular Synthesizer is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod, and is rated for ages 4 and up. ### How often is Cellular Synthesizer updated? The latest version, 1.2.0, was released on March 3, 2026, indicating active development and regular updates. ### What is the user rating for Cellular Synthesizer? Cellular Synthesizer has received a high rating of 4.8 stars from 5 ratings, suggesting strong user satisfaction. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.2.0 — 2026-03-03 * Three drawing modes are now combined into a single [BRUSH] button with selectable brush types. * The [AUTORESET] button has been split into [RESET] and [DYNAMIC]. * Previous behavior combinations are preserved and accessible through the new controls. * [ATTACK] and [RELEASE] are now defined as percentages of the generation period rather than seconds. * The envelope range has been expanded (1%–10,000%). * Improved slider response for more precise adjustment. * Existing presets are automatically updated to the new system. * Enhanced internal diagnostics to simplify purchase validation and restoration. * Refined multi-level tab navigation for more predictable behavior. * The Store now opens as an overlay and correctly returns to the previous screen when closed. * Fixed edge cases when switching tabs. * Added two new presets: bass “tokio” and lead “horizon”. * Improved preset saving: longer names are supported, and the default category is selected correctly. * Fixed signal recalculation after loading presets and when changing the “Universe” in a static state. * Changed the maximum sample file length limit for the sampler. * Fixed mono summing when the filter is enabled. * Various UI and modulation display fixes. ### 1.1.0 — 2025-12-28 As a thank-you to everyone who financially supports the project, this release delivers a major New Year expansion of the slider system for controlling the rules of life. The space for discovering new, unusual, and complex signals for parameter modulation has increased by orders of magnitude. Sliders now control bitwise flags, allowing each one to store a set of `new` or `keep` conditions simultaneously instead of a single value. As a small bonus, the update adds a gesture to switch to the next or previous preset by dragging beyond the button that opens the preset window, introduces a new `day_after_day` preset, and fixes minor bugs. ### 1.0.3 — 2025-12-12 The option to start a 7-day free trial is now highlighted more clearly. Each preset now has its own unique melody. Removed the automatic opening of the shop when trying to use locked features. Updated the shop design. The Play button is now available for free. Some features are now available only in the premium version. Improved long-press behavior on sliders. Improved the gesture for switching to external MIDI clock listening mode. Faster preset loading on older devices. Fixed several minor UI issues. ### 1.0.2 — 2025-10-13 Fixing a crash affecting the app on iPhone Air. ### 1.0.1 — 2025-08-27 - Fixed subscription logic - Added one-time purchase option ## Apps similar to Cellular Synthesizer | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Low Poly Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/low-poly-synth/id6756301040) | 4.8 (18) | $0.99 | Music | | [Gradient Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gradient-synth/id6477543878) | 4.4 (54) | Free | Music | | [Battlestation Groovebox](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/battlestation-groovebox/id6754467726) | 4.7 (41) | $7.99 | Music | | [Chime - Turn Noise Into Music](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chime-turn-noise-into-music/id6692633791) | 4.5 (15) | $4.99 | Music | | [Saucillator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saucillator/id6752227604) | 4.9 (33) | Free | Music | | [Fauve : flawed reconstructor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fauve-flawed-reconstructor/id6749634822) | 4.7 (18) | $7.99 | Music | ## More apps by Valery Mironov - [Sentient Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sentient-synthesizer/id6753140309) All apps by Valery Mironov: https://appshunter.io/developer/1699945726 ## Related topics [automata](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/automata) · [cellular](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cellular) --- *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 2026-09-09.*