Comparison

Matrix Vocoder vs Agonizer

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

Head to head
About

Matrix Vocoder

Transform your voice into an electronic instrument with this app, simulating classic analog vocoder sounds. It analyzes input signals, performs spectral analysis, and reassembles synthetic speech using filter banks and replacement signals.

Highlights
  • 32 channel filterbank with analog filters
  • Stereophonic synthesis with alias-free oscillators
  • External carrier input
  • Voiced/Unvoiced detection and pitch tracking
  • Formant shift
  • Patchbay for channel connection
  • 16 internal oscillators for choir sounds
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Matrix Vocoder transforms your voice into an electronic instrument! The Vocoder was invented by Homer Dudley in the mid-30's of the last century. Dudley worked at Bell Laboratories, and this is where the first Vocoder took shape. The Matrix Vocoder is designed to properly simulate the classic analog Vocoder sound made famous e.g. by the music of the german band Kraftwerk. At there last world tour they used in fact the PC version of our Matrix Vocoder on stage ! The epic Cylon Robot voice is The basic function of a Vocoder is characterised by an analysis of the input signal, usually speech but other type of inputs can also be very interesting. In a special filter bank, a spectral analysis is performed and signals are developed which follows the amount of spectral energy in each channel. Another part of the analyser tests if there are unvoiced or voiced sounds at any particular time and extracts the pitch of the voiced sounds. The output section of the vocoder consists of a stereophonic synthesis filter bank which assembles the new synthetic speech from the characteristic filter envelopes from the analysis stage together with an external or internal replacement signal. - 32 channel Filterbank with 8-pole Butterworth analog filters - Stereophonic synthesis with analog modelled alias free oscillators. - External carrier possible ( left channel = voice / right channel = carrier ) - Voiced/Unvoiced detection - Pitch tracking - Formant shift - Matrix uses patchbay to connect analysis and synthesis channels. - Pan position and level for each channel. - 16 internal oscillators with unlimited voices for choir like sounds. - Stereo wide panorama parameter for internal generator. - Optional monophonic generator with Glide setting. - Internal noise generator. - Effect AudioUnit and Music Effect AudioUnit - stand alone / Audiobus 3 / IAA

About

Agonizer

This app is a monophonic synthesizer focused on bass sounds, developed with a synth bass expert. It features dual wavetable oscillators, a mangle section, and built-in stereo effects. It supports MPE controllers and various audio/MIDI connectivity options for standalone or app-to-app use.

Highlights
  • Monophonic synth engine for bass
  • Dual wavetable oscillators
  • Built-in stereo effects
  • MPE controller support
  • Standalone and AUv3 operation
  • 140+ factory presets
Features
Read full description

Agonizer is a monophonic synthesizer designed in collaboration with YouTuber and synth bass expert Jakob Haq of haQ attaQ Overview: * Monophonic Synth Engine with focus on Bass * Built-in stereo effects * 140+ fine tuned factory presets designed by Jakob Haq * Supports ROLI Seaboard and other MPE controllers out of the box * Standalone operation with support for USB audio interfaces, wired, network & bluetooth MIDI * Audio Unit v3 Extension * Inter App Audio support * Audiobus support * Ableton Link Synth Voice: * Dual Wavetable Oscillators with 40+ Wavetables, Morphing & X-Mod * Dedicated sub osc & noise source * Mangle Section with pre-filter Drive, Bitcrush, Lift and Push controls * VA Ladder filter * Wobulator (Highly tweak-able Sequenced LFO) * LFO with Key and BPM Sync * Variable Slope AD & ADSR Envelopes * Tube based master drive Effects: * 2x stereo effect units * Vintage Chorus * Digital Delay Presets: * Factory bank including 140+ presets designed by Jakob Haq * Preset Management with Templates & Categories * Shared User Presets between Standalone and AUv3 versions * Preset Export & Import Connectivity: * Standalone * AUv3 Instrument * Inter-App Audio Instrument * Audiobus Instrument Requirements: * iOS12+ * iPad Air 2 or newer

Screenshots

Matrix Vocoder4 screens
Agonizer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Matrix Vocoder at $5.99 against Agonizer's $19.99. Matrix Vocoder also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and chart position (#181 vs unranked). Agonizer's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 42%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.3). On ads 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

Matrix Vocoder costs $5.99 and Agonizer $19.99 up front. Agonizer sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Matrix Vocoder asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Agonizer holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Agonizer has 203 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 42% of Matrix Vocoder's written reviews are positive against 79% of Agonizer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Matrix Vocoder ships an update every 15 months, Agonizer every 5 months. Both last shipped on September 22, 2026.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
Matrix Vocoder versus Agonizer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMatrix VocoderAgonizer
Price$5.99 — better$19.99
Rating4.3 (20 ratings)4.8 (203 ratings) — better
Positive reviews41.7% of reviews78.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings20203 — better
Update frequencyEvery 15 monthsEvery 5 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank#181 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.611.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB362 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsKai Aras

Customer experience

Matrix Vocoder

All ratings20 ratings
Positive85.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative15.0%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive41.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative41.7%

Agonizer

All ratings203 ratings
Positive95.6%
Neutral1.5%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews80 reviews
Positive78.8%
Neutral6.3%
Negative15.0%

Bugs and requests

Matrix Vocoder

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Agonizer

Reported bugs

16 issues
  • Keyboard does not properly handle legato/mono-synth note priority
  • Crashes in Audiobus, AUM, and Cubasis host applications
  • No sound output when used as AUv3 plugin in hosts
  • No sound in GarageBand integration
  • App freezes on splash screen with iOS 18.3
Show 11 more
  • Stuck notes and failed note triggering
  • Scream button malfunction when switching presets
  • Cutoff knob lag in AUv3 scenarios
  • UI jitter and text cutoff on iPhone
  • Favorite preset feature not working on iPhone
  • Program change not working properly in hosts
  • Always opens with init preset in host applications
  • Modulation matrix sensitivity too high (2% movement = large range)
  • Audio output peaks in red with no sound
  • Permanent clipping/damaged audio output
  • Misleading IAP pricing display (showing 'FREE' for paid content)

Requested features

10 requests
  • Polyphony mode or toggle between mono and poly
  • Envelope drawing capability instead of preset selection
  • Menu-based waveform selection instead of cycling
  • Arpeggiator function
  • Preset browser search and favorites filter
Show 5 more
  • Extended automation control for all knobs
  • Keytracking for filter
  • Reverb effect
  • Accelerometer/gyroscopic velocity sensitivity
  • Customizable number of keyboard keys

In-app purchases

None

Matrix Vocoder

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Agonizer

One-time3
  • Chrome Oasis Pack$3.99
  • Circuit Bender Pack$3.99
  • Neon Nightmare Pack$4.99

Questions

Is Matrix Vocoder free?
Matrix Vocoder costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Agonizer free?
Agonizer costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Matrix Vocoder or Agonizer?
Agonizer is rated higher. Matrix Vocoder averages 4.3 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Agonizer averages 4.8 from 203 ratings.
Do Matrix Vocoder or Agonizer have ads?
Neither Matrix Vocoder nor Agonizer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Matrix Vocoder or Agonizer?
Matrix Vocoder ships an update every 15 months, and Agonizer every 5 months. Most recently, Matrix Vocoder was updated on September 22, 2026 and Agonizer on September 22, 2026.

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