Comparison

GridInstrument vs Relic Flow

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

Relic Flow

Generate unique Lo-Fi rhythms, noise patterns, and drum loops using advanced synthesis algorithms. Explore billions of sound samples with intuitive controls and real-time audio recording. Perfect for musicians and sound designers seeking endless creative possibilities.

Highlights
  • Lo-Fi rhythm and drum loop generation
  • Billions of unique sound samples
  • Real-time audio recording to WAV
  • Multiple input methods (on-screen, PC keyboard, MIDI)
  • Export to WAV, SunVox, and text clipboard
  • iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) support
Features
Read full description

Relic Flow is a generator of Lo-Fi rhythms, noise patterns and drum loops based on unique synthesis algorithms from NightRadio. More than 4 billion samples from the depths of the Mathematical Universe! Features: * search for new sounds with three buttons: next random set, edit code, previous set; each set of 12 sounds corresponds to a code of 8 characters; * three types of keyboards for live performing: on-screen buttons, PC keyboard, MIDI input; * several processing parameters + control via MIDI; * real-time audio recording to WAV (32-bit); * export to: WAV (one file or a set), SunVox (samples + effects in one file), text clipboard; * the LCK button freezes individual samples - they will not change during the search for new sets; * iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3). Double clicking on a parameter opens a window for setting the exact value. If you enable the Hold option, the notes will play endlessly, without reacting to key release (noteOff) events; turning the note on again works like turning it off; there are two ways to enable this option: 1) using the Hold parameter in the "MIDI Mapping" window; 2) by pressing the HOLD button, which appears in place of LCK while playing the musical keyboard: press HOLD, release the desired notes - then the released notes will continue to play.

Screenshots

GridInstrument2 screens
Relic Flow2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: GridInstrument at weekly against Relic Flow's every 17 months. GridInstrument also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). Relic Flow's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (93% vs 83%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 Relic Flow $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Relic Flow holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 28 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of GridInstrument's written reviews are positive against 93% of Relic Flow's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GridInstrument ships an update weekly, Relic Flow every 17 months. Both last shipped on October 21, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
GridInstrument versus Relic Flow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGridInstrumentRelic Flow
Price$3.99$1.99 — better
Rating4.5 (11 ratings)4.9 (28 ratings) — better
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews93.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1128 — better
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDecidedly, LLCAlexander Zolotov

Customer experience

GridInstrument

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

Relic Flow

All ratings26 ratings
Positive96.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive93.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.7%

In-app purchases

None

GridInstrument

No in-app purchases

None

Relic Flow

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GridInstrument free?
GridInstrument costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Relic Flow free?
Relic Flow costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GridInstrument or Relic Flow?
Relic Flow is rated higher. GridInstrument averages 4.5 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Relic Flow averages 4.9 from 28 ratings.
Do GridInstrument or Relic Flow have ads?
Neither GridInstrument nor Relic Flow shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GridInstrument or Relic Flow?
GridInstrument ships an update weekly, and Relic Flow every 17 months. Most recently, GridInstrument was updated on October 21, 2026 and Relic Flow on October 21, 2026.

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