# spectwhirl — hybrid spectral effect

> Hybrid spectral audio effect for creating unique sound textures and bell-like sounds. (iPhone/iPad app by Alexey Nadzharov.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectwhirl/id6471030896 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Alexey Nadzharov](https://appshunter.io/developer/729549192)
- Category: Music
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 7 MB
- Released: 2023-12-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-09
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectwhirl/id6471030896/reviews.md

## What is spectwhirl?

"bells and whistles, literally"

spectwhirl is a hybrid spectral audio effect.
It can extract and rearrange sinewave components from input signal to make new sound textures and bell-like sounds.

* input sound is converted to sinewave components that are divided into 4 groups: harmonic, inharmonic, 12-edo and other
* each component is fed into a delay line with feedback
* there is a group of frequency shifter and sample-and-hold effects before and after delay lines
* each set of sinewave components can be filtered
* all the parameters can be instantly automated with gesture recording

!!! Please note that this effect consumes much CPU and requires a modern device.



======================
Quick Start:

Top row of controls enables different parts of user interface: scenes editor ("scene"), controls switch ("edit") and "zoom" controls

When "edit" is switch on, you can show or hide various controls (marked as "ctrl") and switch gesture recording automation for some of them (marked with ">")

Main control surface displays sonogram with tracked elements. Colors are set accordingly to the group they are assigned (red-orange-green-blue are for harmonic, inharmonic, 12-edo and others). Each "lane" contains delay time controls.
* Triangle facing left is for the start locator, it determines initial delay time
* Square moves both start and end locators together
* When left locator is first moved you can see the right locator with the same triangle. It shows the end of the selected region, the secondary delay time is determined by the difference between left and right locators
* if you drag over the area of the region in a lane, the four-dotted/one circle indicator will change its appearance; this changes the arpeggio mode of the region. If set to leftmost position (one circle) the components go in-sync; if set to maximum value (shown as diagonal line with circles) - components are played sequentially
* all settings can be stored as "scene" and multiple scenes can be switched sequentially; there is a set of button to move, add and delete scenes. All scenes will be stored as machine state; it can be exported / imported as a single file or as separate file with current scene in the "setup" view

The standalone version always starts with output level set to -70 dB to avoid feedback

## Key features

- Sinewave component extraction and grouping
- Delay lines with feedback
- Frequency shifter and sample-and-hold effects
- Configurable filtering
- Gesture recording for automation
- Scene saving and management

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectwhirl/id6471030896/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Limited Utility

*2024-11-02*

I like the idea of this effect plug-in, but no matter what I do, one instance always eats up ALL my DSP. I can’t get it to work properly, even in FFT mode, and my iPad Pro is only three years old and close to top-of-the-line. I think this needs addressing. (I will be happy to change my rating in the future).

While you’re at it, please update Rrarrow. It doesn’t work with Audiobus or AUM. Thank you.

### 5/5 — Dev fixed

*2024-02-01*

Latest update, the app is now usable on my iPad Air 5

### 3/5 — Disappointed

*2023-12-30*

Operating in AUM, it maxes out the cpu immediately and starts crackling.

**Developer response:** Hello!Sorry for the bad experience. Unfortunately this effect is very CPU heavy. Some options (mono processing and low fps) may help for some practical usage.The upcoming update will feature another synthesis engine with different load balance and some dsp optimizations.

## Frequently asked questions about spectwhirl

### What kind of sounds can spectwhirl create?

spectwhirl can extract sinewave components from input audio to create new sound textures and bell-like sounds. It allows for manipulation of harmonic, inharmonic, and other components through delay, filtering, and frequency shifting.

### Does spectwhirl require a powerful device?

Yes, the app notes that it consumes significant CPU power and requires a modern device for optimal performance. Users should ensure their device meets these requirements.

### Can I save and recall my settings in spectwhirl?

Yes, all parameters and settings can be stored as 'scenes' within spectwhirl. You can manage multiple scenes, switch between them sequentially, and export/import them.

### How does spectwhirl handle automation?

spectwhirl supports instant parameter automation through gesture recording. You can record your movements on the control surface to automate various parameters, adding dynamic expression to your sounds.

### What is the price of spectwhirl?

spectwhirl is a paid application, available for $4.99. This one-time purchase grants access to all its features.

### What devices is spectwhirl compatible with?

spectwhirl is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to run on modern iOS hardware.

### How often is spectwhirl updated?

The latest version, 1.0.1, was released on January 31, 2024. The app was initially released on December 27, 2023, indicating recent development and updates.

### Does spectwhirl have ads?

No, spectwhirl does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an ad-free experience for users.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.0.1 — 2024-01-31

* added FFT synthesis mode for more balanced CPU load and different sound options
* improved file handling and compatibility for iOS17:
  1. this build changes presets file names to .spectwhirlproject and .spectwhirlscene
  2. the "Shared files" folder in app's documents folder is now used to share presets between standalone app and auv3. This folder syncronizes each time standalone is started
* fixed gesture recording in scenes
* "duplicate scene" now changes current scene number to a new one
* fixed timings gesture recording
* some more optimizations

### 1.0.0 — 2023-12-27

No release notes.

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## More apps by Alexey Nadzharov

- [Phawuo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phawuo/id729549189)
- [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

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*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 2026-08-09.*