# Phawuo

> Experimental monophonic virtual-analog synthesizer for bass sounds and effects. (iPhone/iPad app by Alexey Nadzharov.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phawuo/id729549189 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Alexey Nadzharov](https://appshunter.io/developer/729549192)
- Category: Music
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 13 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 11 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-11-02
- Data updated: 2026-07-19
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phawuo/id729549189/reviews.md

## What is Phawuo?

Phawuo is an experimental monophonic virtual-analog synth with "dirty" oscillators. Good for bass sound and effects.

New in version 3:
- OSC support
- AUv3
- Available for macOS (as a separate version); presets can be shared across devices

It features:
- Two special oscillators. Each one has two modes playing more rough (though antialiased waveforms with inharmonicity in higher pitches) or "cheezy" sound. Plays sawtooth / square waveform and is capable of pulse width modulation. 
- distortion and feedback ring modulation for each oscillator
- 24 dB/octave state-variable filter (LP-BP-HP)
- two ADSR envelopes for amplitude and filter
- LFO to modulate the frequency and pulse width of oscillators' waveforms
- Effects section: two channels of delay + frequency shifter with feedback with some flexible routing. Also includes basic reverb
- Precise parameter editing: tap and hold finger on the slider.
- Audiobus support. Now you can stream live audio directly to other Audiobus-compatible apps! See http://audiob.us for more information.
- Inter-App Audio support
- Background audio support: enabled when connected to Audiobus and user switchable otherwise.
- CoreMIDI support - virtual midi input

## Key features

- Monophonic virtual-analog synth
- "Dirty" oscillators with two modes
- Distortion and feedback ring modulation
- 24 dB/octave state-variable filter
- Dual ADSR envelopes
- LFO modulation
- Delay, frequency shifter, and reverb effects
- Audiobus and Inter-App Audio support

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phawuo/id729549189/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Snap Dirty!

*2019-08-23*

So happy to see this back and getting updates again. I’ve always really liked the unique sound and flavor of this synth. Thank you

### 5/5 — Dude—-

*2019-08-22*

Great synth. Suddenly stuck notes on new version!

**Developer response:** Hello,
Yes, this bug is confirmed and planned to be fixed in 3.0.1
The issues may happen with keyboard in standalone app, AU MIDI input doesn't have that problem

### 1/5 — No audio!

*2019-08-22*

On 1st G iPad Pro on iOS 12.3.1. No audio 5 years ago and today STILL no audio. How do you release this update with no sound?

### 5/5 — It has grown on me

*2015-12-23*

This is one of those love hate deals ,that keeps me returning to it because of its aggressive nature. I just wish a more straight forward user memory was integrated into its design .That said ,its a very metallic beast of a synth.peace christo

### 4/5 — Recommended

*2015-03-19*

This is updated review! The app improved so one star has been added.
This little cute synth is really good if you are into the sound experimentation. Very rough and dirty sound. I like it very much.
User interface is simple and colourful. With every update this little app is getting better. There are plenty of synthesizers in Apple Store and many are better than this one but still Phawuo can find its place in your collection of music apps. Especially if you are synth aficionado.

### 5/5 — dirty nasty crackley synth

*2015-02-01*

deep synth but simple to use at least i think so... got great results in a few minutes. excellent for analog crackly wobbly staticky synth sounds.
between this app and rrarow you have an instant noise band

### 4/5 — Noise...

*2014-06-24*

I'm liking this, it's a dirty little fella, making light work of fat, juicy noises. I find the patch pad a bit hard to use, especially as it can mass up the patch you're programming. Other than that I'm happy playing in the dirt

### 5/5 — Another Surprise Find That I'm Thrilled With.

*2014-03-04*

In some ways I almost feel that this beautiful noise maker was custom built for me.  Of course, this not the case.  But, the moment that I first played through the default presets in the application.  Well, needless to say, I was instantly hooked and fell in love with the cerebral brain-bang that it gave me.

I would say that I am not a novice when it comes to synth's and noise generators.  But I am definitely no professional either.  So, usually I do not fully grasp all of the technical details and core concepts of how apps such as this function.  Yet it does not really stifle my joy or hold me back as I experiment and try to learn as I go.

That is what I have done in this app.  I know the terms but do not really comprehend what they mean prescisely.  But, I do know how to create some insane sounds/songs, and I one hundred percent see Phawuo being an essential part of my toolset from here on out.    

I really like the interface in this app and how it is laid out.  I would think that pretty much anybody could navigate around in here quite easily, even without understanding all the technical details.  You really just have the four sections - Presets, Editor, Morph and the Help Section which gives you a very brief explanation of how the editor works and a little tidbit on using the Presets.

I would love the option of having a PDF file or eBook of a User Manual for this app, that I could download and peruse at my liesure.  Only so I can make sure to get full use out of the app.  But, even without having it I do not feel held back really.  

I believe "Phawuo" is a great name for this app.  Not knowing how to pronounce that exactly and having no clue what it means.  Well, it doesn't detract for me in thinking of it as a perfect name to describe the sonic madness that goes on in this brilliant application.  Well, I find it to brilliant, you will have to judge whether or not you reach the same conclusion after using it.  

Oh and, I am very grateful that this app supports Audiobus.  I know it works as an Input in Audiobus, I hope it also can be utlized as an eEffect as well.  I like this app so much that I will probably be purchasing this developer's newest audio oddity, also strangely named as "rrarrow".  My spelling might be off on that one, though.  So, in conclusion I would like to offer my sincere thanks and praise to this developer for creating what I find to be a rather unique and satisfyingly bizarre tool in my iOS audio arsenal, thanks.

### 1/5 — no audio

*2013-11-19*

please update app. no audio on ipad 2 io7

## Frequently asked questions about Phawuo

### What kind of sounds can Phawuo create?

Phawuo is designed for creating "dirty" bass sounds and experimental effects. It features special oscillators with rough or "cheezy" modes, distortion, and feedback ring modulation for unique timbres.

### Does Phawuo support external MIDI input?

Yes, Phawuo supports CoreMIDI, allowing for virtual MIDI input. This enables integration with other MIDI devices and software for expanded control.

### Can I use Phawuo with other music apps?

Absolutely. Phawuo supports Audiobus and Inter-App Audio, allowing you to stream live audio directly to other compatible applications and integrate it into your existing music production workflow.

### What devices is Phawuo compatible with?

Phawuo is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It also has a separate version for macOS, with presets shareable across devices.

### How much does Phawuo cost?

Phawuo is a paid application, priced at $2.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscriptions associated with this app.

### Does Phawuo have ads?

No, Phawuo does not contain advertisements. It is a premium application that offers an ad-free experience.

### How often is Phawuo updated?

The latest version, 3.0.1, was released on August 29, 2019. While the app hasn't seen a recent update, it offers robust features for its price point.

### What is the age rating for Phawuo?

Phawuo has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for a wide range of users, including younger individuals interested in music creation.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.0.1 — 2019-08-29

- improved keyboard
- minor bugfixes

### 3.0 — 2019-08-21

New in version 3:
- OSC support
- AUv3
- Available for macOS (as a separate version); presets can be shared across devices

### 2.1.1 — 2015-01-09

- Updated Audiobus SDK (2.1.5)
- Minor bugfixes and optimizations.

### 2.1 — 2014-07-06

updated to new Audiobus SDK:
* supports Inter-App Audio!
* supports Audiobus State Saving

### 2.0.1 — 2014-06-29

* memory optimization and bugfixes

## Apps similar to Phawuo

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Ripplemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ripplemaker/id1207806723) | 4.8 (93) | $8.99 | Music |
| [Hand Clapper - Claps Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hand-clapper-claps-synth/id1665705598) | 4.7 (13) | $3.99 | Music |
| [iPulsaret](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ipulsaret/id565880268) | 4.8 (31) | $9.99 | Music |
| [Stria](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stria/id625740515) | 5.0 (33) | $9.99 | Music |
| [Sparkle - Cross-Synthesis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkle-cross-synthesis/id818477094) | 5.0 (48) | $8.99 | Music |
| [OUT & PROUD LIVE](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/out-and-proud-live/id1562328760) | 5.0 (8) | Free | Music |

## More apps by Alexey Nadzharov

- [rrarrow](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rrarrow/id814966319)
- [soundfruuze](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundfruuze/id1279045883)
- [lfoch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lfoch/id1665885755)
- [keyboaredo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keyboaredo/id6444124951)
- [sinusedo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sinusedo/id6444181090)

All apps by Alexey Nadzharov: https://appshunter.io/developer/729549192

---

*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 2026-07-19.*