Comparison

Kauldron Synthesizer vs PSA1000

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • AI-powered preset generation (SPAWN²)
  • Analog modeling oscillators
  • Extensive modulation matrix
  • Dual XY-pads for control
  • Powerful arpeggiator
  • AUv3 plugin support
  • Over 900 presets
Read full description

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

About

PSA1000

This audio plugin emulates a classic '90s analog guitar preamp, offering rich saturation for various instruments and mix processing. It features independent channel controls, stereo widening, and phase manipulation for modern versatility.

Highlights
  • Analog saturation emulation
  • Independent left/right channel controls
  • Dry/Wet mix knob
  • Mid/Side processing
  • Stereo widening circuit
  • Phase Reverse switch
Features
Read full description

The PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin is a modern recreation of a '90s classic analog guitar preamp which is used in recording studios all around the world! It is used and "abused" for recording and characterizing not only guitars but also electric pianos, organs, synthesizers, electric basses and many other instruments. The original unit has found its place even in the mix stage for processing all type of sounds, as drum rooms, percussions, vocals, kicks, snares and sound fx too! For creating the PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin, Nembrini Audio has carefully modeled the original analog circuits and finely refined it by ear as all its products. Nembrini Audio also adds new features that brings the PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin to modern days: - Independent controls for left and right channels with individual and global links - Dry/Wet mix knob for both channels - Mid/Side operation - Spread circuit to widen the stereo field - Analog Link circuit to simulate the difference between left and right channels as in real analog world - Phase Reverse switch to take advantage of the original phase changes in the real analog unit when used in parallel - In and Out level knobs for maximum versatility Works as a standalone app, AudioUnit v3 effect, or Inter-App Audio effect

Screenshots

Kauldron Synthesizer4 screens
PSA10001 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Kauldron Synthesizer at $9.99 against PSA1000's $19.99. Kauldron Synthesizer also leads on ratings volume (136 vs 10). PSA1000's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Kauldron Synthesizer costs $9.99 and PSA1000 $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PSA1000 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Kauldron Synthesizer has 136 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Kauldron Synthesizer's written reviews are positive against 100% of PSA1000's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Kauldron Synthesizer ships an update every 49 months, PSA1000 every 17 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Kauldron Synthesizer versus PSA1000: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKauldron SynthesizerPSA1000
Price$9.99 — better$19.99
Rating4.6 (136 ratings)5.0 (10 ratings) — better
Positive reviews79.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings136 — better10
Update frequencyEvery 49 monthsEvery 17 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615 — better
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYonac Inc.Nembrini Audio

Customer experience

Kauldron Synthesizer

All ratings136 ratings
Positive88.2%
Neutral6.6%
Negative5.1%
Written reviews74 reviews
Positive79.7%
Neutral9.5%
Negative10.8%

PSA1000

All ratings10 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and 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
Show 10 more
  • 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
Show 6 more
  • Browser download feature
  • Sequencer in Kauldron
  • Effects tool
  • Version history
  • More developer responses/support
  • Dark mode option

PSA1000

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Kauldron Synthesizer

No in-app purchases

None

PSA1000

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Kauldron Synthesizer free?
Kauldron Synthesizer costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is PSA1000 free?
PSA1000 costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Kauldron Synthesizer or PSA1000?
PSA1000 is rated higher. Kauldron Synthesizer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 136 ratings, while PSA1000 averages 5.0 from 10 ratings.
Do Kauldron Synthesizer or PSA1000 have ads?
Neither Kauldron Synthesizer nor PSA1000 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Kauldron Synthesizer or PSA1000?
Kauldron Synthesizer ships an update every 49 months, and PSA1000 every 17 months. Most recently, Kauldron Synthesizer was updated on November 3, 2026 and PSA1000 on November 3, 2026.

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