# CityRat — Four modes. Plenty of bite.

> Four distinct distortion effects for music production and live performance. (iPhone/iPad app by Joshua Rideout.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cityrat/id6814695132 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Joshua Rideout](https://appshunter.io/developer/1862462443)
- Category: Music
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 73 MB
- Released: 2026-10-02
- Data updated: 2026-11-06
- Monetization: paid

## What is CityRat?

Some sounds are too good to behave.

CityRat puts four distinct distortion voices in a compact, playable pedal.

FOUR WAYS TO BITE
A — VOLT: our original measured input-overload sound.
B — OG: a classic distortion voice shaped from hardware measurements.
C — HARD: direct digital hard clipping.
D — TURBO: a more open, forceful distortion voice shaped from hardware measurements.

SHAPE THE DAMAGE
The large knob controls distortion. FILTER rolls off more treble as you turn it up. VOLUME sets the output level. Fixed calibration balances the modes and distortion range, helping you change character without repeatedly adjusting the volume. There is no automatic level rider or output limiter.

Press MODE to cycle through the four sounds. The segmented display scrolls the name, then shows A, B, C or D. Click or tap the large knob to bypass. The creature disappears in bypass; its eye and the city sky react to the sound when engaged.

• Four-times oversampling
• Mono and stereo processing
• AUv3 effect for compatible music hosts, plus a standalone app
• Host automation and MIDI gain/bypass control
• MUTED/LIVE input control
• Redesigned in-app control guide

The standalone app starts muted so you can connect your instrument and headphones before going live. Use an audio interface for guitar or another external instrument. In an AUv3 host, the host manages routing.

No account, subscription or activation required. One purchase for Mac, iPad and iPhone.

## Key features

- Four distinct distortion voices
- Adjustable distortion, filter, and volume
- AUv3 effect for music hosts
- Standalone app functionality
- MIDI gain/bypass control
- Mono and stereo processing

## Is CityRat safe?

Not enough ratings yet to assess CityRat.

## Is CityRat legit?

CityRat appears legitimate, with a few gaps. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for CityRat is 65 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.


## Frequently asked questions about CityRat

### What are the four distortion modes in CityRat?

CityRat offers four distinct distortion voices: VOLT (original measured input-overload), OG (classic hardware-shaped distortion), HARD (direct digital hard clipping), and TURBO (open, forceful hardware-shaped distortion).

### Can I use CityRat with my guitar?

Yes, you can use CityRat with your guitar by connecting it through an audio interface. The standalone app starts muted for safe setup before going live.

### Does CityRat require a subscription?

No, CityRat does not require an account, subscription, or activation. It is a one-time purchase for Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

### What devices is CityRat compatible with?

CityRat is compatible with Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices. It also supports iPod.

### How often is CityRat updated?

The latest version is 1.0.2, updated on October 30, 2026. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, the app has received updates since its release.

### Does CityRat have ads?

No, CityRat does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application with no ads.

### What is the age rating for CityRat?

CityRat has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### Can CityRat be used in a music production host?

Yes, CityRat functions as an AUv3 effect, allowing it to be used within compatible music hosts for advanced audio processing.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.0.2 — 2026-10-30

Renamed the app to CityRat and mode B to OG. Improved the illuminated eye, city background and control guide at different window sizes.

### 1.0.1 — 2026-10-22

- Four distortion modes: VOLT, RAT, HARD and TURBO.
- Independent FILTER and VOLUME trimmers.
- Balanced output levels across modes and distortion settings using fixed calibration.
- Scrolling mode names on the new segmented display.
- Consistent FILTER direction: turn up for a darker sound.
- Refreshed reactive artwork and trash-themed help guide.
- New app previews and screenshots.

### 1.0.0 — 2026-10-21

No release notes.

## More apps by Joshua Rideout

- [ReadLeft](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readleft/id6757007497)
- [VividCut](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vividcut/id6759135844)
- [Serphonica](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/serphonica/id6759585139)
- [Ember - Overdrive Distortion](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ember-overdrive-distortion/id6788960282)
- [Coil - Spring Reverb](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coil-spring-reverb/id6801904963)
- [Slab - Plate Reverb](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slab-plate-reverb/id6804340099)

All apps by Joshua Rideout: https://appshunter.io/developer/1862462443

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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 2026-11-06.*