Comparison

GridInstrument vs Elastic OSC

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

Head to head
About

GridInstrument

This app transforms your iOS device into a unique musical instrument with a grid-based interface. Explore over 20 musical modes and various grid layouts. It also supports external MIDI controllers like the Launchpad for expanded creative possibilities.

Highlights
  • Grid-based note arrangement
  • Launchpad integration
  • Over 20 musical modes
  • Multiple grid layouts
  • Core MIDI out
  • Audiobus 3 MIDI support
Features
Read full description

GridInstrument lets you play your iOS device like a musical instrument. Instead of a piano keyboard, notes are arranged on a grid. It also lets you hook up your Launchpad device (using the Apple Camera Connection Kit) and play that as well! Features: - Launchpad integration (connect your Launchpad Mini in low-power mode without a hub or any other Launchpad with a powered hub) - Change octaves - Change keys - Change from over 20 musical modes ("Major, Minor, Dorian, Mixolydian, etc.") - Choose between three grid layouts ("Diatonic", "Chromatic/4ths String Layout", "Drum rack"), as well as row note offset/overlap setting - Core MIDI out so that you use GridInstrument to control your other instruments - Audiobus 3 MIDI support - MIDI note input so that you can see notes triggered by other devices on your grid Want to see some other feature implemented? Contact us at the Decidedly website.

About

Elastic OSC

This synthesizer app offers a vast range of sounds inspired by a popular hardware module. It features 24 distinct oscillator models, intuitive XY pads for sound manipulation, and a versatile arpeggiator. Play it with an on-screen or external keyboard for monophonic or polyphonic sound design.

Highlights
  • 24 distinct sound engines based on Plaits DSP
  • Intuitive XY pads for sound manipulation
  • Versatile arpeggiator with multiple modes
  • Integrated help system for all features
  • DX7 bank and wavetable import
  • 5 master effects with automations
Features
Read full description

Elastic OSC is a synthesizer app based on the DSP code of the Mutable Instruments Plaits hardware oscillator module, one of the most beloved (and cloned) oscillator modules in the Eurorack modular scene! Like the original, Elastic OSC comes with a wide variety of possible sounds, from analog-style, FM, and additive sounds to physical modeling, percussive, and even drum sounds. Elastic OSC can be used in both monophonic and 8-voice polyphonic modes. You can play the app using the (on-screen) keyboard or an external keyboard or sequencer inside your DAW of choice. The app focuses on ease of use, featuring two XY pads for intuitive sound manipulation of the OSC engine and the effects. Despite the simplicity of the cleaned-up interface, the sound possibilities are vast – thanks to 24 different oscillator models and the ability to automate parameter changes, as it is possible in all Elastic apps released so far. A versatile Arpeggiator makes it easy to start with simple ideas or can already create entire sonic worlds. Elastic OSC includes an integrated help system (tap “?”) to provide explanations for nearly every GUI element, the underlying DSP model, and most of the app’s functionality. CDM: "Elastic OSC becomes a must on iOS. It’s fun to use as an instrument in your iPad DAW of choice." SYNTH ANATOMY: "Takes the Mutable Instruments (Plaits) algorithms on a wild trip. A nearly perfect app." ROBERT LIPPOK: "Elastic OSC is incredibly fun to work with from the very first minute. The GUI is really well thought out and has 24 integrated synthesis models, as well as the ability to load DX7 sound banks. Omg, so good." --- FEATURES --- SYNTHESIZER – 24 different Sound Engines from MI Plaits DSP code – 4 main parameters per synth engine (Frequency, Harmonics, Morph, Harmo) – Recordable Modulations/Automations for almost all Parameters with a length of 1, 2 or 4 beats. – ADSR Envelope for Amplifier – LPG Envelope for Modulations of Timbre, FM, Harmonics – Adjustable Velocity effect on Volume and/or LPG Modulation – DX7 Bank and Wavetable Import ARPEGGIATOR With different Arp Modes, Rates, Octave Ranges and Skip Notes functionality MASTER FX – 5 effects (5 different Overdrive/Distortions, Hi-Low-Filter, Chorus/Flanger, Delay, Reverb) – Automations for all effects parameters – Master Gain and switchable Limiter effect SYNTH ENGINES - Virtual Analog - Waveshaping - 2 OP FM - Granular Formant - Additive - Wavetable - Chords - Speech - Granular Cloud - Filtered Noise - Particle Noise - String Model - Modal Resonator - Bass Drum - Snare Drum - Hi-Hat - Virt. Analog VCF - Phase Distortion - 6 OP FM 1 - 6 OP FM 2 - 6 OP FM 3 - Wave Terrain - String Machine - Chiptune —————— LFOs LFO 1 is for free, while three additional LFOs can be unlocked via In-App Purchase. LFO MODULATION TARGETS • Frequency Amount • Timbre Amount • Morph Amount • Harmonics Amount • Filter Amount • Pan Amount LFO MIX The MIX view enables you to blend multiple LFOs and define how strongly each active LFO influences a target parameter. The closer a target is placed to an LFO corner, the stronger its influence. All active LFOs always sum up to 100% (e.g. LFO1 50%, LFO2 30%, LFO3 20%).

Screenshots

GridInstrument2 screens
Elastic OSC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GridInstrument at $3.99 against Elastic OSC's $14.99. GridInstrument also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). Elastic OSC's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (92% vs 83%). On update cadence, ads, 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

GridInstrument costs $3.99 and Elastic OSC $14.99 up front. Elastic OSC sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. GridInstrument asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Elastic OSC holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 41 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of GridInstrument's written reviews are positive against 92% of Elastic OSC's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GridInstrument ships an update weekly, Elastic OSC fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 21, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
GridInstrument versus Elastic OSC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGridInstrumentElastic OSC
Price$3.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.5 (11 ratings)4.7 (41 ratings) — better
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews92.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1141 — better
Update frequencyWeekly — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDecidedly, LLCOliver Greschke (DE)

Customer experience

GridInstrument

All ratings11 ratings
Positive90.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.1%
Written reviews24 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral12.5%
Negative4.2%

Elastic OSC

All ratings39 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral2.6%
Negative5.1%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive92.3%
Neutral3.8%
Negative3.8%

In-app purchases

None

GridInstrument

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Elastic OSC

One-time2
  • Multi LFOs$3.99
  • Unlock MPE for expressive control$4.99

Questions

Is GridInstrument free?
GridInstrument costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Elastic OSC free?
Elastic OSC costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GridInstrument or Elastic OSC?
Elastic OSC is rated higher. GridInstrument averages 4.5 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Elastic OSC averages 4.7 from 41 ratings.
Do GridInstrument or Elastic OSC have ads?
Neither GridInstrument nor Elastic OSC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GridInstrument or Elastic OSC?
GridInstrument ships an update weekly, and Elastic OSC fortnightly. Most recently, GridInstrument was updated on October 21, 2026 and Elastic OSC on October 21, 2026.

Other comparisons