# DR-OM > Virtual synthesizer simulating a rare, hackable 70s science lab function generator. (iPhone/iPad app by Fluxama.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dr-om/id555409573 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Fluxama](https://appshunter.io/developer/513770097) - Category: Music - Price: $1.99 - Rating: 4.20/5 from 44 App Store ratings · 61 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 38 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2012-09-04 - Data updated: 2026-08-12 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dr-om/id555409573/reviews.md ## What is DR? DR-OM is a virtual synthesizer that simulates the hackable yard sale treasure of the same name. Dozens of DR-OM units have been adapted from a rare, limited science lab function generator that started turning up in flea markets in the 70s. DIY synth enthusiasts discovered the device was easily hackable, and closely-guarded photocopies of modding schematics have been handed around the community for years. The directions show how to rewire the generator into a nice little synth with two mixable Low Frequency Oscillators and a Voltage-Controlled Filter. This app is a complete and playable simulation of three different versions of DR-OM boxen that were discovered at a yard sale near Quonset Point along with a folder of photocopied schematics. Each DR-OM unit has its own characteristic sound because of degrading components or bad wiring by the owner. The Speed dial is the most finicky part of the assembly; depending on the box, the dial can cause tuning drifts, random events and gnarly effects. In the seventies, the noise generator was nicknamed "Doctor Om" for the meditation-friendly tones it generates. Others believe the name is an acronym for Drone Ready Oscillator Module or Dual Recirculating Oscillator Module, but no one knows for certain where the name comes from originally. Notes for iPad users: 1. You'll probably want to use more than 2 fingers with DR-OM, so try turning off Multitasking Gestures in the General Settings on your iPad. 2. Please check to make sure your side switch is "off" or in your General Settings disable the "Mute" function for the side switch. If your side switch is "on" and set to "Mute," your volume controls will be disabled and DR-OM will not be able to make sound. This is a universal app for iPhone 4+ and the iPad. It is produced by the Fluxama Group, purveyors of fine simulated synths like Noisemusick. Sound and video samples may be found on the support web site. ## Key features - Virtual synthesizer simulation - Three distinct DR-OM unit variations - Mixable Low Frequency Oscillators - Voltage-Controlled Filter - Speed dial with tuning drifts and effects - Hackable device inspiration ## Recent user reviews (10 of 61) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dr-om/id555409573/reviews.md ### 3/5 — Works on older devices, not iPad Pro M5 *2026-06-18* I’ve always liked the drone sounds DR-OM produces. I recently purchased a new iPad Pro M5 and transferred all of my apps over from my iPad Pro M1. Sadly, the display is broken. It still makes great sounds, but you can’t access the whole GUI on newer iPads (STILL WORKS GREAT on iPhone 16 Pro Max). =( Also… the developer website is gone. ### 3/5 — Works on older devices, not iPad Pro M5 *2026-01-25* I’ve always liked the drone sounds DR-OM produces. I recently purchased a new iPad Pro M5 and transferred all of my apps over from my iPad Pro M1. Sadly, the display is broken. It still makes great sounds, but you can’t access the whole GUI. =( Also… the developer website is gone. ### 1/5 — Needs an update *2023-04-14, version 2.1* Great app. However, these days I only get half the controls on my iPad screen. The rest are off to the side and inaccessible. I would be happy if this could be fixed. Still the same. Lousy customer support. Abandonware? ### 1/5 — An old favorite doesn’t work on my iPad any longer *2023-01-29* I love DR*OM. It is no longer centered on my iPad’s screen, so it .. Just doesn’t work now. Sad. ### 1/5 — Once great … *2022-08-17, version 2.1* … sadly unsupported now. ### 1/5 — Leider das Gleiche wie bei noisemusick… *2022-01-30, version 2.1* Das plugin ist nur zum teil auf dem Bildschirm sichtbar, reagiert nicht auf Bildschirmdrehung… Daher kann ich es nicht beurteilen. ### 2/5 — User interface skewed and unusuable *2021-04-25* UI needs updating. When opening the app on my iPad pro in stand alone and in AUM the controls do not center on the screen. Some of the knobs are off the screen and not able to be reached. A friend with a more recent iPad pro has the same problem. ### 3/5 — Great but ... *2021-04-23, version 2.1* ... doesn’t paginate correctly on an iPad. Please fix!!! ### 5/5 — The rotation and orientation is off again *2020-11-24, version 2.1* Is there a way to fix this so the dr is centered it is off on phone and pad. Really love this app please fix it 😇 11-20-2020 ### 5/5 — If only I could get these sounds to go some-- squeeeeee! *2020-05-22* Hey dev(s). You out there? See, just one more thing and DR-OM would be extra perfect. Not AU. I’m fine without that. Just.. presets? Even if you wrote current settings to a plist file that reloaded the app in the state it was last closed in, I would find that enormously useful. I tried using a sharpie on masking tape, but the tape doesn’t stay stuck to the screen nearly as well as those old die-cast metal cases. That, and I do occasionally use an app that is not DR-OM. ...never hurts to ask, right? Prior review: Oh my god they added Audiobus!!! I'm never leaving my room again. You now get all the stars. Prior prior review: I downloaded DR-OM ages ago and every time I open it I lose about four hours of my life. Drones, sweeping drones, pulsing drones, self-oscillating drones on top of drones.. what's not to like? No Audiobus. No record function. No inter app audio. The workaround--record the iDevice's sound output with something else and then play the resulting samples through something else--is a pain especially when I am trying to create new sounds quickly for fun. Which is of course the best way to get any real work done. No updates since 2013, though: sorta gives me the feeling that this is as good as it is going to get. If you want to make cool noises, these are some of the coolest if like me you prefer to hang around the low end of audibility. Maybe if we pester the dev(s?) they will update this thing. ## Frequently asked questions about DR ### What is DR-OM? DR-OM is a virtual synthesizer app that meticulously simulates a rare and hackable science lab function generator from the 1970s. It offers users the ability to explore and create unique sounds inspired by these vintage devices, including their characteristic sonic quirks and experimental capabilities. ### What are the key features of DR-OM? The app features playable simulations of three different DR-OM units, each with its own distinct sound profile due to component variations. It includes two mixable Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) and a Voltage-Controlled Filter (VCF). The Speed dial is a notable feature, capable of introducing tuning drifts, random events, and gnarly effects. ### How much does DR-OM cost? DR-OM is a paid application. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements within the app, offering a straightforward purchase for access to its full functionality. ### What devices is DR-OM compatible with? DR-OM is a universal app designed for both iPhone (4 and newer) and iPad. For iPad users, it's recommended to disable Multitasking Gestures and ensure the side switch is not set to mute to guarantee proper audio output. ### What are some common use cases for DR-OM? DR-OM is ideal for electronic music producers and sound designers looking for unique, experimental, and vintage-inspired sounds. It can be used for creating drones, ambient textures, sound effects, and for exploring the unpredictable nature of analog synthesis through its simulated component variations and finicky controls. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.1 — 2017-11-01 This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included. Fixed autorotation and a problem with placement of the Audiobus menu. ### 2.0 — 2017-10-24 Updated for 64-bit support and Audiobus 3. ### 1.2.1 — 2013-05-26 Fixed a bug that caused DR-OM to use more resources than necessary when running in the background. Also made some aesthetic improvements in the iPhone 5 interface. ### 1.2 — 2013-05-16 Added Audiobus support! Send output from DR-OM to other Audiobus-compatible effect filters, recorders, or output devices. ### 1.0 — 2012-09-03 No release notes. ## Apps similar to DR | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [tardigrain](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tardigrain/id1344470087) | 4.5 (97) | $5.99 | Music | | [Hip Hop Drummer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hip-hop-drummer/id6448124078) | 4.8 (154) | $17.99 | Music | | [Big Swarma](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/big-swarma/id6747882165) | 5.0 (6) | $9.99 | Music | | [DroneLab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dronelab/id1546174597) | 4.4 (20) | $0.99 | Music | | [JULY - Analog Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/july-analog-synth/id6748565545) | 4.7 (15) | $19.99 | Music | | [Frenzy MIDI Sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/frenzy-midi-sequencer/id6478104544) | 4.7 (9) | Free | Music | ## More apps by Fluxama - [Noisemusick](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noisemusick/id513770094) - [Fluxly](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluxly/id1376844813) - [Redacted Tower](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/redacted-tower/id1463453940) - [Cryptozoologic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptozoologic/id1483355417) All apps by Fluxama: https://appshunter.io/developer/513770097 ## Related topics [dromen](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dromen) · [sojourn wallace](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sojourn-wallace) --- *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 2026-08-12.*