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ZX Plectrum

ZX Plectrum

Musical toy with AUv3 support

4 ratings
25 reviews
🎬 Entertainment
🎵 Music
$3.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • November 4, 2011
  • May 28, 2025

Features

Developer

Dave Sapien ltd
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ZX Plectrum screenshot #1 for iPhone
ZX Plectrum screenshot #2 for iPhone
ZX Plectrum screenshot #3 for iPhone
ZX Plectrum screenshot #4 for iPhone
ZX Plectrum screenshot #5 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
⭐25
Reviews↘︎
❓7 answered
FAQ↘︎
📦w/o updates
Updates frequency↘︎
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About

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a musical instrument by recreating the iconic loading sounds of the ZX Spectrum. Customize phase and pitch to generate unique audio and visuals, and integrate with AUv3 hosts for advanced music production.

✓ZX Spectrum loading sound recreation
✓Adjustable phase and pitch
✓Visual customization
✓AUv3 plugin support
✓Live performance integration
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What's New in ZX Plectrum

2.1

May 28, 2025

Thank you to everyone who has supported ZX Plectrum over the years. I'm excited to announce our new CRT effect, really feel like its the 80's once again! This update adds better stability and features to the AUv3 plug-in ‧ Mod wheel support added to the AUv3 plug-in ‧ New CRT mode added (toggle on and off in the iOS settings for ZX Plectrum)

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User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Fun, but…

Super fun and nostalgic app! However, I bought it to create chippy sound FX for sampling, but unfortunately, there’s some kind of constant chorus or other phasing effect on it (maybe it’s the crossfading between different noises?). This ruins it for that purpose for me, as I wanted it totally raw. Still fun, though!
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Dave Å.Dave Å.

Possibly best AUv3 ever

Works on Mac too, thank you so much for this bit of nostalgia!
kevleyskikevleyski

Are you serious

Money back play! Not worth 1/2 pence
Zany@homeZany@home

I love this app.

I’ve had this app for years and it makes me smile every time. Thank you Dave, ZX Plectrum is simultaneously both total genius and absolutely bonkers.
rkenigerrkeniger

No sound on iPhone

Sadly.

Looks like it is working but just no sound

Someone else reported this problem on iPhone too
joinerbuilderjoinerbuilder
See 20 more reviews

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FAQ

What devices does ZX Plectrum support?

ZX Plectrum is compatible with both iPhone and iPad devices. It was released on 2011-11-04 and last updated on 2025-05-28.

How much does ZX Plectrum cost?

ZX Plectrum is a paid application, priced at $3.99. It does not feature in-app purchases or advertisements.

What is the age rating for ZX Plectrum?

ZX Plectrum has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The app's latest version is 2.1.

Can ZX Plectrum be used with other music software?

Yes, ZX Plectrum supports AUv3 hosting, allowing it to be used as a plugin within your favorite AUv3 compatible music production applications.

What kind of sounds can I create with ZX Plectrum?

You can recreate the distinctive ZX Spectrum loading sounds and manipulate their phase and pitch to generate a variety of unique and familiar audio textures.

Is ZX Plectrum good for live performances?

The app has been used by bands like Placebo in live events, suggesting it is suitable for live performance due to its unique sound capabilities and integration options.

What is the user sentiment for ZX Plectrum?

While the app has a rating of 3.8 stars from 4 ratings, reviews have described it as 'utterly pointless but also utterly engaging' and 'The Greatest iPad App of ALL TIME' for nostalgia lovers.