# e-l-s-a > Retro sampling keyboard with tempo-based looping and built-in effects. (iPhone/iPad app by Erik Sigth.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/e-l-s-a/id833671355 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Erik Sigth](https://appshunter.io/developer/385275335) - Category: Music, Utilities - Price: $5.99 - Rating: 4.90/5 from 31 App Store ratings · 31 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 43 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2014-04-01 - Data updated: 2026-08-30 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/e-l-s-a/id833671355/reviews.md ## What is e? Elsa is a retro style sampling keyboard with tempo based looping. Record, save, load, reverse samples with a multi octave on screen keyboard or plug in your core midi device of choice, soft- or hardware. Elsa comes with three built in effects, a reverb, a resonant filter and a sample rate/bit crusher. Samples are looped in three different modes, one off, forward and/or forward-reverse. The start and end of playback also comes in three modes, one set of start and stop for all, one set per note and/or one set per octave, allowing for many different types of samples. Additionally at playback time, sample length can also be controlled by a set of sample dividers, 1-8. Elsa supports connections with AudioCopy, AudioBus, Inter App Audio and AUv3. Plus all audio parameters can be modulated by MIDI. +++ Sample keyboard +++ Tempo based looping +++ ADSR +++ Bit/sample crush +++ Reverb +++ Resonant filter: low, band or high pass +++ Record, trim, normalise, reverse, zoom +++ Chromatic and scale keyboard +++ 3 loop modes (one off, forward, forward-reverse) +++ 3 start/stop modes (one for all, one per note, one per octave) +++ Playback length dividers (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) +++ Arpeggiator +++ Presets: save/load settings +++ Audio connections: AUv3, Audiobus, Inter App Audio +++ Midi: Core Midi, Bluetooth Midi, AUv3 Midi +++ Ableton Link ## Key features - Retro sampling keyboard - Tempo-based looping - Reverb, bit crusher, resonant filter - Multiple loop and start/stop modes - MIDI control and Core MIDI support - AUv3, Audiobus, Inter App Audio integration ## Recent user reviews (10 of 31) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/e-l-s-a/id833671355/reviews.md ### 5/5 — I have the bundle! Still cool in 2024! *2024-05-09* The controls are somewhat cryptic but once you know what they do (as the on-screen hints indicate) you will find these are very cool apps. ### 5/5 — Mandatory AUV3 Plugin *2023-04-28* This should be in your plugin library. ### 5/5 — Removal of dark mode? 🙈 *2023-04-23* So many cool new features just got added, but sadly, I probably won’t take advantage of them. I have photophobia, meaning, extremely sensitive eyes to light and after having a play with the update the white mode is just too hard on my eyes. ### 5/5 — simple and feels good to use *2023-04-23, version 2.0.0* i love developers that make apps that aren't just like every other synth or sampler. The pack was a good deal thanks :) ### 5/5 — good *2023-02-23* this sampler sounds modern, I found that when I experimented with the onboard effects that I made some unique sounding things, the bit crush effect and arpeggio effect are a couple of effects that are included in this sampler that you might not find in other samplers, it can sound like an instrument and not a sampler, I love what this developer makes and I hope they decide to make music production hardware in the future if not already ### 5/5 — Superb, creative retro sampler *2023-01-25* Elsa is a superb AUv3 compatible tool for recording, manipulating/mangling and playing back all kinds of sounds with fine adjustable tempo-based pitch controls. Virtually all parameters can be midi controlled so you can get very creative using it with automation. It works equally well as a sound design tool or as a musical instrument. Some patient exploration is required to initially work out what does what but well worth the effort. Love it, top marks! ### 3/5 — Good but Needs an Update *2022-04-27, version 1.8.11* Great sounding synthesis however the midi connectivity leaves a lot to be desired. Also in all of the software synths by this dev, the menu items for Audio copy are hidden while the phone itself is in dark mode ### 5/5 — Very very well thought out! *2021-04-08* One of my favorite iPad apps ever! It grew on me, at first I did. It like it as much. All the apps in the bundle are hidden gems! ### 5/5 — Fun, simple, many options, small price, 5 stars! *2020-05-22* What do you want more? All apps by Erik are so cool. A very fun sampler. ### 5/5 — I have the bundle! *2018-11-06, version 1.8.1* The controls are somewhat cryptic but once you know what they do (as the on-screen hints indicate) you will find these are very cool apps. ## Frequently asked questions about e ### What does the e-l-s-a app do? e-l-s-a is a retro-style sampling keyboard that allows you to record, save, load, and manipulate audio samples. It features tempo-based looping, built-in effects like reverb and bitcrusher, and flexible playback controls. ### What are the key features of e-l-s-a? Key features include a multi-octave on-screen keyboard, tempo-based looping with three modes, adjustable sample start/end points, built-in effects (reverb, resonant filter, bit crusher), and support for MIDI input and audio connections like AUv3 and Audiobus. ### How much does e-l-s-a cost? Based on the provided information, e-l-s-a is a paid application. It does not have in-app purchases or ads, indicating a one-time purchase model. ### What devices is e-l-s-a compatible with? e-l-s-a supports connections with AudioCopy, AudioBus, Inter App Audio, and AUv3, suggesting compatibility with iOS devices that support these audio integration technologies. It also supports Core MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI. ### What are some common use cases for e-l-s-a? e-l-s-a can be used for creating retro-inspired electronic music, live looping performances, sound design experiments, and as a versatile sampling instrument within a larger mobile music production setup. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.0.8 — 2026-06-22 +++ Fixing issue with preset menu scrolling to the top on open, in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 ### 2.0.7 — 2025-03-26 +++ Fixing issue loading saved state seen in some DAWs. ### 2.0.6 — 2025-03-16 +++ Fixing issue resulting in no sound seen by some users in GarageBand. ### 2.0.5 — 2025-03-08 +++ Fixing touch issues seen along edges when running as AUv3 in some hosts. +++ Minor bug fixes. ### 2.0.4 — 2023-12-02 +++ Fixing crash issue seen by some users. ## Apps similar to e | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [mKer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mker/id1635296839) | 4.5 (22) | $3.99 | Music | | [Mantis - BBD Echo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mantis-bbd-echo/id1673531514) | 5.0 (8) | $14.99 | Music | | [Binarhythmic Rhythm Generator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/binarhythmic-rhythm-generator/id6447797078) | 5.0 (4) | $5.99 | Music | | [MolliLooper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mollilooper/id1622063262) | 5.0 (13) | $8.99 | Music | | [True Pan](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/true-pan/id6444190718) | 5.0 (7) | $4.99 | Music | | [Tails - Dual Reverb](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tails-dual-reverb/id6444164617) | 4.9 (14) | $9.99 | Music | ## More apps by Erik Sigth - [Sinusoid](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sinusoid/id416624795) - [shapesynth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapesynth/id431097161) - [ström](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strom/id495549899) - [nils](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nils/id579955189) - [voice bot](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/voice-bot/id654025530) All apps by Erik Sigth: https://appshunter.io/developer/385275335 --- *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 2026-08-30.*