K Machine audio visual engine vs STAELLA
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
K Machine audio visual engine
Create dynamic and vibrant audio-visual animations with this powerful instrument. It combines a sound sample sequencer with a vertex shader sequencer for live-oriented audiovisual composition. Import your own sounds and visuals to craft unique experiences.
- Audio sample sequencer
- Vertex shader sequencer
- Import custom sounds (WAV, AIFF)
- Import custom vertex shaders
- Live video capture
- Second screen projection
- Ableton Link synchronization
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"BEST HOUSE TECH GLITCH D&B APP in years!" "Fantastic app" K Machine is a new kind of audio visual instrument, allowing the creation of sound & touch responsive, dynamic, and vibrant animations. Designed for for musicians, shaders enthusiasts, VJs, and animation lovers in search of a live oriented, open, audiovisual instrument, K Machine combines a powerful audio sample sequencer and an original vertex shader sequencer based on a unique 'automatic transition interpolation' engine. ▶ A multifunctional tool The K Machine can be used in different ways: • As a VJing tool, using an audio input through mic or any other Audiobus compatible App. • As a sound creation tool, with the default empty shader so you won't be distracted by any visual animation. • Or in its full potential for true audiovisual composition. ▶ Import your sounds • K Machine accepts WAV and AIFF formats, 16 bits, 44100 Hz • Import from iTunes File sharing, Audioshare, Audiopaste or "Open in..." from any app with Export functionality. ▶ Import your visuals • The initial version of K Machine comes with more than 30 default vertex shaders, and 4 commented shader examples. • No limitation ! Import your own visuals, with the "Open in.." feature, use any external code editor App with Export functionality to create your own vertex shaders files. • Shaders format is 100% compatible with shaders from vertexshaderart.com • A simple line of code allows the creation of up to 8 parameter controllers for each vertex shader. ▶ A flexible tool • Each loop can have its own BPM. • Each loop can have its own number of beats. • Events can be splitted in 1/3, 1/5 1/7 or 1/11 ! ▶ Capture videos on the fly • Simple click on the 'video capture' button starts live video recording of your ongoing session with zero drop in performance. • Resulting video is automatically recorded in your photo album and can be shared on Facebook, EveryPlay, Youtube... ▶ Project on second screen with invisible UI Connect your device with HDMI or VGA adapter to display only the visual part of the ongoing animation. Perfect for live session ! ▶ Universal app Buy once and use on your IPad and Iphone devices. ▶ Use with other apps • Ableton link Ableton link: synchronise with any Ableton link app. • Audiobus 3.0.3 • Audiobus Remote: control K Machine from another device. • Audioshare: import edit your own samples with Audioshare. • Audiopaste and Audiostore: import sample with Audiopaste and/or browse an amazing sample collection through the Audiostore. ---------------------------------- See a new online video demo for v 2.0 here: https://vimeo.com/215816844 https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Full documentation : http://kolargon.art/KMachineV2Doc/KMachineV2Documentation.html ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: K Machine gives it's full potential with openGL ES 3 capable devices. Please check documentation to make sure your device is compatible. The K Machine won't work for the following devices: iPhone 4s and earlier iPad 3 and earlier iPad Mini 1 iPod Touch 5 and earlier Will work with some limitation on the following devices. iPhone 5 iPhone 5c iPad 4 iPad Air iPad Mini 2 iPad Mini 3 ------------------------------------------- If you like the app, please consider posting a review on the AppStore, this will really help. Ideas, suggestions are very welcome, do not hesitate to leave your contributions in the comments or even better, at www.kolargon.art. Please do contact(mail below) to report any bug of any kind on any platform. It will fix it ASAP. Check/subscribe for more infos, docs and demos: ▶ http://www.kolargon.art ▶ https://www.facebook.com/kolargon ▶ https://twitter.com/Kolargon_ ▶ kolargon.art@gmail.com This app use Superpowered audio sdk.
STAELLA
Create dynamic, real-time music visualizations with customizable effects. Import audio from various sources, record your creations, and share them on social media. Offers advanced control with MIDI integration and keyboard shortcuts.
- Real-time audio-reactive visuals
- Customizable effects and colors
- Import music from playlists, mic, or simulation
- One-touch video recording
- MIDI device integration
- Keyboard shortcuts for control
- Gesture controls
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Real-time music visualization. 30 Visuals × 78 Shapes — every play, a different piece. ■ Design the visuals from a free combination 4 categories with 30 Visuals and 78 Shapes, Knobs, Text, backgrounds, 10 Screen Effects and 10 Wallpaper Blends. Layer them into anything from a club-style spectrum to an ambient nebula. Visuals and Shapes switch on the beat of the song. On HDR displays, glows and gradients render with brightness beyond SDR. ■ Preset sharing Save the look you made as a preset and share it with a code or a link. ■ Two recording modes for different intents Recording keeps every knob move and Visual switch you make. Export locks the UI so a stable, hands-off render finishes on its own. Before exporting, you can also edit the show along the flow of the song, like in a video editor. Both hide the UI, support up to 4K with HDR export, and can auto-record a full song in Playlist mode. ■ Four audio sources Files (music on device; iOS also imports from the iTunes library) Microphone (low-latency input) Simulation (visuals keep moving with no source) AUv3 (visualize plugin audio) ▸ Time-synced lyrics Songs available in a supported lyric database can display lyrics in time with the music. Song title and artist name too. You can also show lyrics you typed yourself. ▸ External display output (AirPlay / HDMI adapters) Connect a TV or projector via iOS Screen Mirroring (AirPlay) or an HDMI adapter. The visuals go full screen while the UI stays on your device. ■ Play with whatever's in your hand Touch and flick iPad + Magic Keyboard shortcuts MIDI controllers (long-press any knob to assign, BLE MIDI supported) Gamepad (D-pad, buttons, sticks) ■ Where to use it · VJ sets at clubs, live shows and streams · Music videos and lyric videos for social · Screen visuals for a room or a party ■ Notes · DRM-protected tracks (e.g. Apple Music) can't be played. · For issues or requests, reach out via in-app feedback or support. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: STAELLA at Free against K Machine audio visual engine's $8.99. STAELLA also leads on ratings volume (1.7K vs 25). K Machine audio visual engine's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
STAELLA is free to download; K Machine audio visual engine costs $8.99 up front. STAELLA sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. K Machine audio visual engine asks for nothing beyond the download.
STAELLA holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: STAELLA has 1.7K ratings behind it against 25, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 45% and 45% positive.
K Machine audio visual engine ships an update every 4 weeks, STAELLA every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | K Machine audio visual engine | STAELLA |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.7 (25 ratings) | 3.9 (1.7K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 45.0% of reviews — better | 44.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 25 | 1.7K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.3 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 175 MB | 256 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Dominique Baillot | monocro |
Customer experience
K Machine audio visual engine
STAELLA
Bugs and requests
K Machine audio visual engine
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
STAELLA
Reported bugs
4 issues- App crashes on launch
- Music playback issues and controls not working
- Inability to import user's own music files
- Exported videos have poor quality and audio sync issues
Requested features
5 requests- Add support for streaming services
- Improve export and download options
- Expand customization and control over visuals
- Implement portrait mode and different aspect ratios
- Add ability to layer and blend multiple visuals
In-app purchases
K Machine audio visual engine
No in-app purchases
STAELLA
- STAELLA Premium3 Days trial$4.997 Days
- STAELLA Premium$49.991 Year
- Toolkit pro$9.99
- STELLA$9.99
- TERRA$9.99
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- MACHINA$9.99
- NEX$9.99
Questions
Is K Machine audio visual engine free?
Is STAELLA free?
Which has better reviews, K Machine audio visual engine or STAELLA?
Do K Machine audio visual engine or STAELLA have ads?
Which is updated more often, K Machine audio visual engine or STAELLA?
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