# TOPLAPapp

> Virtual machine for experimental sound synthesis and sonic puzzle creation. (iPhone/iPad app by Joshua Parmenter.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toplapapp/id323675376 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Joshua Parmenter](https://appshunter.io/developer/1183665020)
- Category: Music, Games, Music, Puzzle
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 22 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 0 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-07-28
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toplapapp/id323675376/reviews.md

## What is TOPLAPapp?

TOPLAPapp is a sonic puzzle based around a virtual machine for sound synthesis. This machine accepts a few valid instructions represented by the letters T, O, P, L, A, and p, and you control it by placing each command letter within a grid, along with setting some associated parameter sliders. The machine rushes through the instruction set to create output sounds, which are usually of a somewhat noisy character, hopefully interestingly so. The historical antecedents include instruction synthesis as pioneered at the Institute of Sonology in the 1970s, and the live coding movement, of modifying a running program as it acts. This app is intended for those interested in more experimental sonic art: don't download unless you are open to stranger computer music sounds ((http://www.toplap.org).

## Key features

- Virtual machine for sound synthesis
- Instruction-based sound generation
- Parameter sliders for sound control
- Grid-based command placement
- Experimental sonic art focus
- Live coding principles

## Recent user reviews (10 of 22)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toplapapp/id323675376/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great combo of flexible free fun

*2026-02-19*

$0 price is right. 100% experimentation with experimental noise.  Obscure control UX promotes exploration well. Bravo.

### 5/5 — Love at first glitch!

*2021-08-28*

This is an improvisers dream/nightmare… And I love it because of that. As someone who has been producing and performing on various synthesizers since the mid-80s… This is one of those “machines“ that defies many norms simultaneously as it capitalizes on new ones. I hope this app and it’s associated website continue to be updated and stay relevant because I think it’s a gift in more ways than not, as well as a musical challenge. All instruments are challenging in different ways, but this one in ways that (for me) are far more appreciated than understood. I like the challenge, and I like the surprise. Many thanks to the developer!

### 5/5 — Please update!!

*2020-12-16*

I just recently discovered this app and love it. I would love a little more explanation on what each letter and box represent to be able to predict the sounds a little better for performing. Maybe even an effects section to further mangle the sound. I know chances are slim that this or RISCy will get updated but you would be doing a great service to the noise genre by giving this a refresh.

### 5/5 — One of my first apps, still the best.

*2014-12-08*

Half a decade after downloading, It's still the one I use to show people what music can be.

### 5/5 — The bleeding edge!

*2014-08-09*

It makes me so happy to see this get an update! This is one of the first music apps I ever downloaded, and while the results are often somewhat harsh, this app is a real 'eye-opener' for some of the truly original and unusual things one can do with music and sound in iOS.

### 5/5 — Excellent Chaos

*2011-02-27*

Best sound tool aside from Tweakybeat. Hopefully this will inspire more sound art apps in the future. Beautiful, disgusting tones. It's like an enormous feedback loop with many unlabeled equalizers, distortion pedals, delays, low/hipass, etc. Fantastic noise device.

### 5/5 — ...

*2010-12-30*

If I knew what the point of this was, it would have gotten less stars

### 5/5 — Genius.

*2010-09-30, version 0*

My ears hurt....that's why I love this app!!!!

### 5/5 — Highly engaging!

*2010-06-13*

Probably not for everyone, but definitely great for me. Great for exploring alternative sound aesthetics and being blind to the actual parameters you are controlling is a great exercise in letting your ears do the work unfettered by cerebral filters. 

Thanks to this app, I now know about the fascinating world of livecoding. Thanks for this great new toy/tool.

### 5/5 — Truly random

*2010-04-27, version 0*

If you want a generator of sonic randomness then this is for you. Could imagine it being used live at an experimental music "happenings". Every performance would be unique.

## Frequently asked questions about TOPLAPapp

### What kind of music does TOPLAPapp create?

TOPLAPapp generates experimental and often noisy electronic music. It's designed for those interested in stranger computer music sounds and sonic art.

### How do I control the sound in TOPLAPapp?

You control the sound by placing command letters (T, O, P, L, A, p) in a grid and adjusting associated parameter sliders to modify the virtual machine's output.

### Is TOPLAPapp suitable for beginners in music production?

TOPLAPapp is intended for those interested in more experimental sonic art. It's recommended to download only if you are open to unconventional computer music sounds.

### What are the historical influences of TOPLAPapp?

The app draws inspiration from instruction synthesis pioneered at the Institute of Sonology in the 1970s and the live coding movement, which involves modifying running programs.

### What devices does TOPLAPapp support?

TOPLAPapp is available for iPhone and iPod devices.

### How often is TOPLAPapp updated?

The latest version, 1.2, was released on August 23, 2017. Updates are not very frequent, with the last update being several years ago.

### What is the age rating for TOPLAPapp?

TOPLAPapp has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### Does TOPLAPapp have ads?

No, TOPLAPapp does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free experience.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2 — 2017-08-23

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

64-bit builds for iOS 11 compatibility

### 1.1 — 2014-08-07

Updated to run under iOS 7 and for different screen sizes

### 1.0 — 2009-07-28

No release notes.

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## More apps by Joshua Parmenter

- [RISCy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/riscy/id423084182)
- [Cryptoclash](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptoclash/id469780999)
- [Phil Kline's Unsilent Night](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phil-klines-unsilent-night/id483509723)
- [Ferry Play](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ferry-play/id967899042)
- [Subway Plays](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subway-plays/id1222342752)

All apps by Joshua Parmenter: https://appshunter.io/developer/1183665020

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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 2026-06-01.*