# Photophore Synth — Unique flock instrument > Unique flock synthesis instrument for diverse organic synthesizer sounds. (iPhone/iPad app by Taika Systems LLC.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photophore-synth/id937318617 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Taika Systems LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1182934983) - Category: Music - Price: $0.99 - Rating: 4.50/5 from 28 App Store ratings · 61 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 9.0 · 11 MB - Released: 2014-12-10 - Data updated: 2026-06-08 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photophore-synth/id937318617/reviews.md ## What is Photophore Synth? "The visual interface will draw people in initially, but the wildly diverse sounds you can tease from Photophore will undoubtedly keep you coming back for more." FACT Magazine -- The Ten Best Synths for iPad | factmag.com Photophore is a unique instrument that uses flocks of up to 100 sound generators to create rich, organic synthesizer sounds. By controlling the behavior of the flocks you can make Photophore sound like a choir of synthesizers or, at more extreme settings, a swarm of angry insects. Unlike other digital synthesizers, Photophore creates warmth and character in a completely new way. Instead of modeling analog circuits, it models animal behavior. Photophore’s sound engine is made up of flocks of oscillators that move through a virtual three-dimensional environment. Their motion is controlled by a special behavioral algorithm and physics simulation that keeps the oscillators in tune with each other, but allows for a certain amount of natural drifting and detuning. This creates rich timbres that are perfect for crafting massive bass sounds, complex pads and searing leads. You can interact with the oscillator flocks by controlling their behavior – how much they try to flock together, how much they avoid each other, their speed, and how much turbulence is in their environment. Oscillators will flee from your touch, so you can create extreme pitch modulation and more chaotic effects by simply swiping across the screen. Key Features: • Unique flock synthesis engine • Up to 100 oscillators per patch • Polyphonic operation (up to 6 voices) • Monophonic mode with glide and legato • 12 oscillator waveforms (saw, square, pulse, sine and more) • Low pass/High pass filter with resonance • Dedicated amplitude and filter envelopes • Stereo echo effect • Arpeggiator Connectivity: • Connect any iPad-compatible MIDI keyboard to play notes and perform pitch bends • Use a MIDI controller's modulation wheel to control the flock • AudioBus and Inter-App Audio support for streaming audio to other apps • Control Photophore from other apps via CoreMIDI Tech Requirements: • iOS7 or later required • iPad 2 or later required What Reviewers say: "The sounds in Photophore are big. There is a surprising range, as well. My first impression was that it was going to be very ambient-based, but you can get gritty and dirty here as well. From the beautifully minimal look to the impressive sounds, Photophore is a winner." - iOS Mars | iosmars.com "There is a lot to like about Photophore. The synth engine is clearly ‘different’ from anything else out there but it is presented in away that is both accessible and visually appealing. In terms of both features and sound, Photophore punches well above its price point." - Music App Blog | musicappblog.com ## Key features - Unique flock synthesis engine - Up to 100 oscillators per patch - Polyphonic and monophonic modes - 12 oscillator waveforms - Low pass/High pass filter with resonance - Stereo echo effect - Arpeggiator ## Recent user reviews (10 of 61) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photophore-synth/id937318617/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Drifty AF *2025-07-25, version 1.0.4* This thing drrriiiffffttttssss, I love it ### 2/5 — AUv3 otherwise this is pointless *2024-11-21, version 1.0.4* Inter-app audio is now abandoned as a tech. ### 5/5 — This is a very engaging synth. *2024-11-04, version 1.0.4* A real steal at the price, lots to spend time on and some great sounds. I love everything about it! ### 5/5 — Flock, Flock, Flock … *2022-07-13, version 1.0.4* Pigeons! ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work with Cubasis *2022-03-04, version 1.0.4* Doesn’t show in Cubasis 3 under audiobus or inter-app. Useless. Sent email to support but no response. ### 3/5 — Pas mauvais mais bon *2021-12-09, version 1.0.4* Vendu comme « différent » C’est un synthétiseur classique avec une animation pas folle. ### 3/5 — Sounds great, limited connectivity *2021-01-12, version 1.0.4* Used to be my favorite lead synth but with ios 14.4 it recieves midi on all channels even when selecting a specific channel. So, i can’t really use it ### 5/5 — Хорошее начало ! *2020-07-24, version 1.0.4* Ждём новые пресеты и Синты , ) ### 5/5 — Please add AUv3! *2020-07-05, version 1.0.3* Very good synth, but AUv3 needed very much!!! ### 5/5 — Loving this! *2020-05-11, version 1.0.2* Such great sounds and even though the sound library appears limited, just a few tweaks of the effects knobs and changes to the wavelength opens up so many options. The ambient sounds are lush and the bass lines are deliciously epic. The oscillation makes all the difference for me. It really opens up every sound and transforms each one from basic to eerie and theatrical. The swarm itself does a good job of that and I like it as an added level of sound interaction. I haven’t been playing around with it long but just experimenting and working out the possibilities has been great fun. I think this will take my music production in a hole new direction with more interesting tracks no doubt. ## Frequently asked questions about Photophore Synth ### What is Photophore Synth? Photophore Synth is a unique music instrument app that utilizes a flock synthesis engine. It uses up to 100 sound generators that move and interact like a flock to create rich, organic synthesizer sounds. You can control the flock's behavior to achieve a wide range of timbres, from warm pads to aggressive leads. ### What are the key features of Photophore Synth? Key features include a unique flock synthesis engine, the ability to use up to 100 oscillators per patch, polyphonic (up to 6 voices) and monophonic modes with glide, 12 oscillator waveforms, a resonant low-pass/high-pass filter, dedicated amplitude and filter envelopes, a stereo echo effect, and an arpeggiator. ### How much does Photophore Synth cost? The application is a paid app. Pricing details can be found on the app store page. There are no in-app purchases or ads mentioned. ### What are the technical requirements for Photophore Synth? Photophore Synth requires iOS 7 or later and is compatible with iPad 2 or later. It also supports connectivity with MIDI keyboards and controllers, as well as AudioBus and Inter-App Audio for integration with other music apps. ### What kind of sounds can I create with Photophore Synth? You can create a wide variety of sounds, from choir-like textures to aggressive, insect-like swarms. The flock synthesis engine allows for warm, organic tones perfect for massive bass sounds, complex pads, and searing leads. You can also achieve extreme pitch modulation and chaotic effects by interacting directly with the screen. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.0.4 — 2020-07-22 This version fixes an issue where connecting a MIDI keyboard through the USB camera kit would cause a crash. ### 1.0.3 — 2020-06-30 - Update to meet new App Store requirements (built with iOS 13 SDK) - Fixed bug where some voices were out of tune on newer iPads when using built in speaker - Update to AudioBus 3 SDK - Fixed layout issues on larger screens. ### 1.0.2 — 2015-03-24 Happy Spring everyone! This update includes bug fixes, a big performance improvement and new features including the single most requested feature: more waveshapes! If you're happy with the update, please rate Photophore. Good ratings make a difference, and will help us to keep improving this instrument. Thank you so much for your support! - Performance improvements -- up to 15% reduction in CPU usage!! - 6 new waveshapes! We’ve doubled the waveshape options, giving you a wide variety of new timbres. Enjoy! - Glide: smoothly glide between notes when in monophonic mode! - 12 new presets showcasing the six new wave shapes. - Added glide to two existing presets: Killer Reese and Mr Legato. - Fixed bug where Photophore would go to sleep while Inter App Audio was connected, causing it to disappear in the IAA host. ### 1.0.1 — 2015-02-11 Happy New Year! This update adds a handful of small improvements to MIDI control, preset handling and UI: - MIDI input channel can now be selected - Mod Wheel support added (can be linked to Flock Speed, Turbulence or Filter) - Pitch Bend can now be set to full octave as well as whole-step values - iTunes file sharing added: patches and settings can now be managed and backed up using iTunes - Buttons are easier to tap throughout UI - Tutorial navigation improved, added swipe gestures and easier-to-tap buttons ### 1.0 — 2014-12-10 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Photophore Synth | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [iDensity](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idensity/id464660779) | 4.9 (46) | $9.99 | Music | | [TC-11](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tc-11/id488577050) | 4.8 (68) | $24.99 | Music | | [tardigrain](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tardigrain/id1344470087) | 4.5 (94) | $5.99 | Music | | [FRMS - Granular Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/frms-granular-synthesizer/id1381392223) | 4.8 (279) | $6.49 | Music | | [Magma : sound as matter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magma-sound-as-matter/id6444836522) | 3.7 (3) | $6.99 | Music | --- *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 2026-06-08.*