ARP ODYSSEi vs Hilda Synthesizer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ARP ODYSSEi
Experience the iconic ARP analog synthesizer sound on your mobile device. This app faithfully reproduces the classic hardware with enhanced features like polyphony and built-in effects. Explore new sonic possibilities with its advanced arpeggiator and optional design revisions.
- Faithful circuit modeling of ARP ODYSSEY
- Polyphony and chord playing
- Programmable step sequencer arpeggiator
- Built-in effects
- Optional design revisions (Rev1, Rev2, Rev3)
- Integration with KORG Gadget
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The legendary ARP sound, exquisitely reproduced in software. ARP ODYSSEi - A mobile analog synthesizer for iOS. The ARP Odyssey of 1972 has earned an unshakable position as a classic analog synthesizer. In 2015, KORG produced the ARP ODYSSEY, a complete reproduction of the original. The ARP genes that shook the worldwide music scene are being passed on, and its history continues. The next platform for the ARP ODYSSEY is iOS. We want the unforgettable ARP sound to be easily available on a device that as many as possible of today's players can obtain; this resulted in the "ARP ODYSSEi" app for iPad / iPhone. Based on the revived ARP ODYSSEY, we used KORG's proprietary CMT circuit modeling technology to reproduce the analog feeling and sound of the original as closely as possible. We've also given it numerous enhancements that are possible only with software, such as long-awaited polyphony and built-in effects. The real analog ARP ODYSSEY, and now the uniquely evolved ARP ODYSSEi, brings the universal fascination and inimitable sound to every device. * Due to differences in CPU speed of iPads / iPhones, iPad 3rd gen/2/iPad mini/iPhone 4s are not supported, only iPad Air/iPhone 5s or later is recommended. [ Features ] - Faithfully models the circuit of the ARP ODYSSEY: The circuitry has been reproduced using KORG's proprietary CMT (Component Modeling Technology), developed over the years starting with the KORG Legacy Collection. - New functions to create all-new ARP sounds: Added a voice assign mode that allows you to play chords, an arpeggiator that can be programmed in detail like a step sequencer, and effects that can transform the sound in diverse ways. - Get all three of the sought-after revisions: In addition to the standard design of the Rev3 with its black panel and orange silk-screening, you can optionally obtain the white-paneled Rev1 and the black-paneled gold silk-screened Rev2 designs, together with fifty new preset sounds that take advantage of the distinctive filters of those models. - Produce music together with KORG Gadget: ARP ODYSSEi can be used in conjunction with the "KORG Gadget" music production DAW app that has won numerous awards around the world. If both apps are installed, it can be used as the "Lexington" gadget inside the KORG Gadget app. More info at korg.com
Hilda Synthesizer
This app offers a complex oscillator monosynth with a blend of west-coast and east-coast synthesis techniques. It features a wave folder, lowpass gate, 12-mode filter, and VCA circuit, all meticulously circuit-modelled for authentic analog or digital sound. It functions as a playable synth, MIDI sequencer, and audio effect.
- Complex Oscillator Monosynth
- Wave folder and lowpass gate
- 12-mode filter
- Circuit-modelled analog sound
- Built-in 16-step MIDI Sequencer
- Audio effect for external audio
- AUv3 compatibility
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Hilda is a Complex Oscillator Monosynth, inspired by the most interesting aspects of both west-coast and east-coast synthesis techniques. You'll find a wave folder, lowpass gate, and audio-rate modulations, but also a 12-mode filter and traditional VCA circuit. All parts of the instrument are carefully circuit-modelled to sound as analog (or digital, where applicable) as possible. It's like a best-of-all-worlds semi modular synth, but without the patch cables. The unique mix of different synthesis components adds up to a unique sounding electronic instrument, which can be used as a playable synthesizer, a MIDI sequencer and an audio effect for external audio - or any combination of those three. - Full Audio Unit compatibility (AUv3 instrument, audio effect and MIDI processor modes supported) - Universal design (iPhone and iPad; iPad Air 2 or higher recommended) - Built-in analog style 16 Step MIDI Sequencer with custom scales - 12 mode filter, based on the Oberheim Xpander design - Drone mode lets you [partially] bypass the VCA/LPG and just go with the flow - DIY Lo-Fi digital delay circuit emulation - Live pads with effects that can be triggered via the UI (or via exposed AU Parameters) - All synth settings exposed a AU Parameters (for automation and MIDI learning in your host of choice) - MIDI Processor plugin mode disables synth to save CPU - Carefully handcrafted by yours truly, to capture the essence of my love for tinkering and experimenting with sound :-) Find the user manual on ruismaker.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Hilda Synthesizer at $12.99 against ARP ODYSSEi's $29.99. Hilda Synthesizer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 8 months). ARP ODYSSEi's advantage is iOS requirement (9.3 vs 12). On ads 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
ARP ODYSSEi costs $29.99 and Hilda Synthesizer $12.99 up front. ARP ODYSSEi sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Hilda Synthesizer asks for nothing beyond the download.
ARP ODYSSEi ships an update every 8 months, Hilda Synthesizer every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.
| Parameter | ARP ODYSSEi | Hilda Synthesizer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $12.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.6 (336 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 64.9% of reviews | 90.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 336 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.3 — better | 12 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 222 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | KORG INC. | Bram Bos |
Customer experience
ARP ODYSSEi
Hilda Synthesizer
Bugs and requests
ARP ODYSSEi
Reported bugs
3 issues- Crashes when trying to import user presets
- Disappearing sound issues
- Arpeggiator not working correctly within Gadget
Requested features
5 requests- Add AUv3 support for better DAW integration
- Implement MIDI learn and program change functionality
- Improve tuning and pitch tracking, especially in Gadget
- Optimize performance and reduce CPU usage
- Provide larger UI controls and better support for larger iPad screens
Hilda Synthesizer
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
ARP ODYSSEi
- Odyssey Rev1$4.99
- Odyssey Rev2$4.99
Hilda Synthesizer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ARP ODYSSEi free?
Is Hilda Synthesizer free?
Do ARP ODYSSEi or Hilda Synthesizer have ads?
Which is updated more often, ARP ODYSSEi or Hilda Synthesizer?
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