Phasemaker vs Kauldron Synthesizer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Phasemaker
This app is a powerful 6-operator FM synthesizer for iOS, inspired by classic 1980s digital synths. It offers deep sound design capabilities with 42 algorithms and 12 oscillators, producing unique timbres impossible with analog modeling. It integrates seamlessly with mobile DAWs and supports various MIDI and audio routing protocols.
- 6-Operator FM Synthesis
- 42 FM Algorithms
- 12 Oscillators
- Audio Unit (AUv3) compatible
- Standalone mode with CoreMidi
- Custom preset management
- Vintage chorus and reverb effects
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>> Phasemaker requires iPad 4/Mini 2/iPhone 5S/iPod Touch 6 or higher << A full-blown 6-Operator FM Synth on iOS, building on the legacy of the classic synthesizers that defined the digital era of the 1980s. This is an Audio Unit instrument (AUv3), offering tight integration in many leading mobile DAWs, such as Auria, Garageband, Cubasis, Beatmaker 3 and AUM. Frequency Modulation brings rich timbres and dynamic evolving sounds full of personality which are impossible to create with analog modelling. The 6-Operator architecture allows for lively multi-layered sounds with lots of expression and playability. Phasemaker's characteristic FM sound will add classic digital character to your mobile sonic arsenal which no other analog synth can bring. - Universal: runs on iPad (Air recommended), iPhone and iPod Touch - Audio Unit v3 compatible - Audiobus 2.3 compatible - CoreMidi compatible standalone mode (with background audio) - Bluetooth MIDI compatible - Custom preset management; user presets available across AU hosts - Dozens of factory presets - 42 FM Algorithms (including all 32 DX7 layouts) - 12 Oscillators, including the 8 original TX81z waveforms - All 106 parameters can be automated using MIDI CC and AU Parameters - Vintage sounding chorus and reverb effects for classic ambiance - User manual available on www.ruismaker.com
Kauldron Synthesizer
This app combines classic analog synth warmth with AI-powered sound design. It offers intelligent preset generation, extensive modulation options, and a powerful arpeggiator for creating rich synth textures.
- AI-powered preset generation (SPAWN²)
- Analog modeling oscillators
- Extensive modulation matrix
- Dual XY-pads for control
- Powerful arpeggiator
- AUv3 plugin support
- Over 900 presets
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Kauldron is where classic warmth meets Artificial Intelligence. One of our toniest and punchiest synths, Kauldron features a completely new analog modeling technology. The full spectrum of rich synth textures is bolstered by the groundbreaking SPAWN intelligent preset generation system that allows new patches to be created at the touch of a button. Abounding with pure hard-hitting tones, Kauldron requires little to no FX or production gimmicks to sound big. Kauldron is designed with modulation and fine dynamic control in mind. The two fully-featured LFOs and the mod envelope combine with a wide variety of MIDI learnable controls to manipulate multiple parameters. Everything is easily set up in a clearly laid out ‘mod matrix.’ The dual XY-pads can be used for controlling modulation or a wide range of synth parameters. MIDI aftertouch can be routed via the matrix for even greater control over expression and tonality. Kauldron also debuts the next generation of our Artificial Intelligence preset creation system, SPAWN². Completely reimagining the groundbreaking SPAWN algorithms in our hugely popular Magellan, the new SPAWN² gives you unprecedented control over generating presets. In the expert mode, you can accomplish anything from subtle ‘variations on a theme’ to bold new sounds. In the basic mode, where Kauldron does all the thinking, you get preset after usable preset with just a touch. This is not simple randomization: it is the power of A.I. put to benevolent use! Kauldron also includes its AUv3 plugin version so that you can seamlessly run multiple instances in your favorite DAW. Powerful arp with both live & program modes; comprehensive MIDI features with effortless MIDI learn; over 900 presets; recording, sharing, these are just some of the features brewing inside Yonac’s Kauldron. Selected specs include, SYNTH • 3 analog modeling oscillators w/ multiple waveforms & true PWM • FM via Osc 2 • Maximizer module with drift, spread & voice count for huge, stereophonic all-synth sounds • New vAnalog filter design w/ ‘dirt’ overload for even warmer, harmonically complex tones • Dedicated filter ADSR envelope • Filter tracking, contour & more • Pink/white noise generator • Osc. phase reset & sync • Retro & modern glide algorithms • Virtual VCA envelope with 2 attack types • Poly/mono operation • Legato mode for buttery smooth passages • Extensive modulation options via the ‘mod matrix’ • 2 LFOs w/ BPM sync, keytracking, trigger mode & more • Assignable mod envelope • 23 mod targets • 11 mod controllers, including aftertouch, velocity & keytracking • 2 XY-Pads for controlling mod targets or synth parameters • Arpeggiator with live & program modes, 11 algorithms, gate, swing, note value, octaving & more • Stereo mod effect with chorus & flanger modes • BPM-syncable stereo delay • Studio quality reverb w/ 7 room types, damping, time & mix • 900+ presets in a wide variety of styles & sounds SPAWN² • Automatic preset generation via artificial intelligence • Generate infinite new, usable presets at the touch of a button • Expert mode lets specify Variation & Autonomy for each major synth module • 3 unique A.I. algorithms • Auto arp programming in any listed scale PRO FEATURES • AUv3 - use as Audio Unit instrument plugin on iPad & iPhone • Fullscreen AU mode • Extensive MIDI: MIDI learn, aftertouch, MIDI CC map save/share, KB mapping, program changes & more APP • iPhone & iPad Compatibility • Powerful YPAT2 preset management system • Classic or ribbon key controller • Ribbon controller: Poly aftertouch into Kauldron • Ribbon controller: Settable musical key & scale • Classic KB: Velocity w/ sensitivity setting • Tapedeck: Record, loop & share • Metronome • Tap BPM
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Phasemaker at every 3 weeks against Kauldron Synthesizer's every 49 months. Phasemaker also leads on price ($3.99 vs $9.99) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.6). Kauldron Synthesizer's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (80% vs 69%). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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
Phasemaker costs $3.99 and Kauldron Synthesizer $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Kauldron Synthesizer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 33 and 136 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Phasemaker's written reviews are positive against 80% of Kauldron Synthesizer's.
Phasemaker ships an update every 3 weeks, Kauldron Synthesizer every 49 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Phasemaker | Kauldron Synthesizer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 — better | $9.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (33 ratings) | 4.6 (136 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | 79.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 33 | 136 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 49 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 32 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Bram Bos | Yonac Inc. |
Customer experience
Phasemaker
Kauldron Synthesizer
Bugs and requests
Phasemaker
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Kauldron Synthesizer
Reported bugs
15 issues- Oscillators cannot be set to -1 octave
- Shrill noise
- No Bluetooth speaker output
- Fails to reload with Logic projects
- Cannot load into Logic Pro
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- Starts and quits on latest iOS
- AUv3 bug: receives notes regardless of track selection
- AUv3 implementation flaky, random crashes
- AUv3: plays all instances simultaneously
- Bug with Garageband: duplicates patterns
- MIDI learn functions not saved
- Sometimes glitchy
- XY pad movements not recorded as automation
- CPU killer on iPad 4
- No function to share sounds
Requested features
11 requests- Bring synths/effects to macOS
- Mac App version
- More comprehensive FX section (distortion/saturation)
- MIDI-out for arpeggiator
- Drum machine, PAD launcher, DAW
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- Browser download feature
- Sequencer in Kauldron
- Effects tool
- Version history
- More developer responses/support
- Dark mode option
In-app purchases
Phasemaker
No in-app purchases
Kauldron Synthesizer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Phasemaker free?
Is Kauldron Synthesizer free?
Which has better reviews, Phasemaker or Kauldron Synthesizer?
Do Phasemaker or Kauldron Synthesizer have ads?
Which is updated more often, Phasemaker or Kauldron Synthesizer?
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