Comparison

Kauldron Synthesizer vs MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin

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

MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin

This app generates MIDI note data to simulate guitar strumming and picking. It includes a soundfont player, definable chord pads, and a pattern editor for creating custom strumming and picking sequences. You can also chain patterns into songs and apply various audio effects.

Highlights
  • Simulate guitar strumming and picking
  • Generate MIDI note data
  • Import and use soundfonts (.SF2, .DLS)
  • 16 definable chord pads
  • Pattern editor for creating sequences
  • Song mode to chain patterns
  • 6 and 12 string emulation
  • Built-in audio effects
Features
Read full description

MIDI Strummer is an AUv3 plugin designed to simulate guitar strumming and picking techniques. It can used to generate MIDI note data which can be sent to either an external synth of choice or the internal soundfont engine.  The inbuilt soundfont player allows you to import all your favourite .SF2 and .DLS soundfonts and use them as a sound source. MIDI strummer has a set of 16 definable chord pads that can hold a series of chords, which in turn can be triggered remotely via MIDI messages or by tapping the pads. Use the pattern editor to create a series of picking or strumming patterns that can be tranposed to the selected chord pad.  Song mode allows you to chain these chord patterns together to form songs combining both picking and strumming patterns within the same song. Enable 6/12 string on a particular part to emphesize a pert by adding depth. Strummer also features a number of audio effects that can be used to enhance the audio from the soundfont player. These include overdrive, distortion, tremolo, chorus, phaser, graphic EQ, digital delay and reverb. Key Features: • 6 and 12 string emulations. • Simulate strum up/down with variable speeds. • Create patterns up to 64 steps in length. • Load up to 6 pattern variations. • Ramdomize and rotate options. • Songs can be up to 255 steps in length. • Built in ARP function. • Import your own soundfonts. • 8 different effect types (reverb, delay, phaser, chorus, overdrive, distortion, tremelo and EQ). • Paramter Automation from your DAW using MIDI. • Built in Sampler. • Comprehensive Help pages included. Please Note: This version is now compatible with GarageBand running on iOS14.

Screenshots

Kauldron Synthesizer4 screens
MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin at every 6 weeks against Kauldron Synthesizer's every 49 months. MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin also leads on price ($6.99 vs $9.99). Kauldron Synthesizer's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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 MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin $6.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Kauldron Synthesizer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 136 and 51 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Kauldron Synthesizer's written reviews are positive against 75% of MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Kauldron Synthesizer ships an update every 49 months, MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Kauldron Synthesizer versus MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKauldron SynthesizerMIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin
Price$9.99$6.99 — better
Rating4.6 (136 ratings) — better4.3 (51 ratings)
Positive reviews79.7% of reviews — better75.4% of reviews
Number of ratings136 — better51
Update frequencyEvery 49 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.6
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB386 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYonac Inc.4Pockets.com

Customer experience

Kauldron Synthesizer

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

MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin

All ratings51 ratings
Positive80.4%
Neutral9.8%
Negative9.8%
Written reviews61 reviews
Positive75.4%
Neutral11.5%
Negative13.1%

User reviews

Kauldron Synthesizer

From 136 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✨ Warm and rich sound
  • 👍 Easy to use interface
  • 💡 Great presets included
  • 🚀 Powerful sound engine
  • 🌟 High quality emulation

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy AUv3 implementation
  • 🔊 Shrill noise issue
  • 🔇 No Bluetooth speaker support
  • ⚠️ Strange behavior/no reset
  • 📉 Lacks oomph/personality

MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin

From 51 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Great app for guitar tracks
  • 💡 Versatile arpeggiator
  • 🎶 Excellent sound quality
  • 🎹 Capable soundfont player
  • 🎵 Intuitive interface

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes
  • ⚠️ Suspicious support website
  • 📉 Limited control over swing/triplet tempo
  • ❓ Difficult to get MIDI out
  • 🖱️ Clunky UI

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

MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • App support is not opening
  • App support website is gone/suspicious
  • App keeps crashing when hosted in AUM
  • Plugin corrupts entire track and makes project impossible to open
  • Crashes constantly when used in AUM
Show 10 more
  • Latest update causes failed to load in IMPC pro 2 and standalone
  • App crashes and help function doesn't work
  • Audio unit extension quit messages
  • Crashes when selecting a preset
  • Soundfonts not working when loaded as an instrument in AUM
  • Sometimes stops all internal sounds
  • Pop up menus not accessible for VoiceOver
  • MIDI channel out returns to default on every startup
  • Chords bug out and change half the chord in latch mode
  • Preset/chords would not save in AUM

Requested features

34 requests
  • Include pattern lengths of 3, 5, 7
  • Piano to guitar chords and manual strumming
  • Offset notes in pattern editor for swing/triplet tempos
  • Add swing/humanize to patterns
  • Functionality for capo or real-time key change with MIDI
Show 29 more
  • Pattern latch function in real-time with MIDI
  • More guitar sounds and strum patterns
  • Optimize for M1 Macs
  • Save and export patterns to MIDI
  • Tap or strum patterns manually and record
  • Interface similar to Helium for saving/exporting MIDI
  • Interface reminiscent of Guitarism
  • Stronger colors for chosen/played chords
  • Modulation in song creation (change key)
  • Access MIDI parameters in Piano to Guitar mode
  • More detailed documentation on chord formation
  • Ability to reorder saved settings
  • MIDI learn for CC messages
  • Add more layers of pads for chords (7ths, sus, etc.)
  • Double size pad page for more chords
  • MIDI in functionality
  • Ability to touch fretboard for custom chords/voicings
  • Construct chords from scratch
  • Control over pedal damping
  • Add open tunings
  • Change chords on every half and quarter beat
  • Display current preset name at the top
  • Add bend of notes and note sustain
  • Improve interface for ARP/strum grid to match guitar tabs
  • Save chord chains, chord pads, and custom strumming patterns separately
  • Include custom chords in future versions
  • More Soundfont files
  • More presets
  • Faster BPM adjustment

In-app purchases

None

Kauldron Synthesizer

No in-app purchases

None

MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Kauldron Synthesizer free?
Kauldron Synthesizer costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin free?
MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Kauldron Synthesizer or MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin?
Kauldron Synthesizer is rated higher. Kauldron Synthesizer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 136 ratings, while MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin averages 4.3 from 51 ratings.
Do Kauldron Synthesizer or MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin have ads?
Neither Kauldron Synthesizer nor MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Kauldron Synthesizer or MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin?
Kauldron Synthesizer ships an update every 49 months, and MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin every 6 weeks. Most recently, Kauldron Synthesizer was updated on September 24, 2026 and MIDI Strummer AUv3 Plugin on September 25, 2026.

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