PocketTone - Retro Synth

PocketTone - Retro Synth

A pocket synth in your hand

1 ratings
1 review
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • June 10, 2026
  • September 17, 2026

Features

PocketTone - Retro Synth screenshot #1 for iPhone
PocketTone - Retro Synth screenshot #2 for iPhone
PocketTone - Retro Synth screenshot #3 for iPhone
PocketTone - Retro Synth screenshot #4 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

This app recreates the experience of a hand-drawn, retro pocket synthesizer. It features a vintage LCD display, slide switches, and chunky buttons, allowing users to play various retro voices, program custom sounds, and jam along to built-in rhythms. Users can also record and share their musical creations.

✓Five retro voices (Piano, Flute, Violin, Fantasy, Guitar)
✓Program custom synth voices
✓Ten built-in rhythms
✓Sound shaping controls (octave, volume, balance)
✓Tape-style Delay and lo-fi Crush effects
✓Record and share audio
✓Melody memory (Auto-Play, One-Key play)
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What's New in PocketTone

1.1.0

September 17, 2026

The ADSR voice is now programmed the way the original does it. Flip POWER to CAL and TONE to ADSR, press MC, type an eight-digit code on the keys, press M+, then flip POWER back to ON. The first digit picks one of ten waveforms — Piano, Fantasy, Violin, Flute, two Guitars, English horn and three Electro-Sounds — then attack, decay, sustain level, sustain time, release, vibrato and tremolo, 0 to 9 each. The LCD shows your code and its envelope. Try 23099130 for a violin, or 61079130 for an English horn. The sliders are gone; the code you store is kept between launches.

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Subscriptions & In-App Purchases

$3.99

PocketTone Pro

All sounds, rhythms, recording & effects

User reviews

ADSR mode is terrible.

This is obviously meant to emulate a Casio VL-1. However, the ADSR function does not function in the way that the Casio does. The waveform, attack, decay, sustain, and release are not programmable with the calculator keys…it is graphical. On an iPad this might be possible to accomplish, using a finger on an iPhone to slide the level around on a chart makes it nearly impossible to get exactly what you want.

The standard sounds are very close but the lack of VL-1 standard ADSR control parameters using numerals ruins the App. I paid to open up this capability, it doesn’t work as expected. At least I only spent $3.99.
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Response from developer

You were right — the VL-1 sets its ADSR sound with an 8-digit code, and sliders on a phone were the wrong answer. 1.1.0 fixes that: POWER to CAL, TONE to ADSR, MC, type the 8 digits, M+, back to ON. Waveform, attack, decay, sustain level, sustain time, release, vibrato, tremolo — one digit each, just like the manual. The LCD shows your code. Try 61079130 for the English horn. Thanks for pushing on this.

Developer apps

FAQ

What retro voices does PocketTone offer?

PocketTone offers five distinct retro voices: Piano, Flute, Violin, Fantasy, and Guitar. These are designed to evoke the sound of classic pocket musical toys.

Can I create my own unique sounds with PocketTone?

Yes, you can program your own custom voices using an eight-digit code to adjust waveform, envelope, vibrato, and tremolo. This allows for deep sound design within the retro aesthetic.

Does PocketTone have ads?

PocketTone does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use, with an optional one-time purchase to unlock all features.

What are the sound effects available in PocketTone?

PocketTone includes tape-style Delay and a lo-fi Crush effect to further shape your sound. These effects add a vintage character to your music.

How can I share my music made with PocketTone?

You can record your performances within PocketTone and then share the resulting audio with anyone. This feature is unlocked with the Pro purchase.

What is the PocketTone Pro upgrade?

PocketTone Pro is a single, one-time purchase that unlocks all features, including all voices, rhythms, recording and sharing capabilities, melody memory, and effects. It is yours forever with no subscription.

What devices is PocketTone available on?

PocketTone is available for iPhone and iPad devices. It is designed to bring a pocket synth experience to your mobile devices.

How often is PocketTone updated?

The latest version of PocketTone is 1.1.0, which was last updated on September 17, 2026. Updates typically include new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.