WoodStepper vs SGA Phoenix
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
WoodStepper
This app is a versatile music production tool that combines sequencing, synthesis, and sampling. It offers multiple independent sequencers that can be linked, and each can function as a synth. It supports both standalone use and as a plugin within a DAW.
- 4 independent 8-step sequencers
- Synth mode for parameter automation
- Sequencers can be linked for longer patterns
- Audio and MIDI output
- Built-in VCOs with modulation
- Sampling from live input or files
- Step-based pitch shifting and filtering
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The WoodStepper is a sequencer/synthesizer/sampler having both audio and midi out. The audio sources can be the track audio, sampled audio (live/track recorded or from file) or the built-in VCO's. The VCO notes can also be set by the Chordulator which finds chord notes in a live stream or recorded track. It consists of 4 independent 8-steps sequencers which can be linked to a 16, 24 or 32 steps sequencer. Each sequencer can independently be set to Synth mode. So WoodStepper can be used in any combinations of sequencers, synths and looper/samplers. Each step can also send 4 midi messages (note on, CC, …) to 2 midi channels. The audio part for each sequencer has a pitch (down) shifter, (Moog lowpass) filter with A(D)SR envelope, saturator, amplitude A(D)SR envelope and delay line which can all be set independently per step. The VCO notes can be set by midi input and WoodStepper has a function to limit the notes produced by VCO + pitch shifters to a specified key and interval scale. The app can be used stand-alone (device audio input and output) or as a plugin in a DAW. The manual can be downloaded from : http://www.woodmansimmaculatemaplesyrupstudio.be/woodstepper/WoodStepperHelp.pdf - IOS plugin type : AUv3 effect, AUv3 instrument and stand-alone app. - Has 4 independent 8-steps sequencers. - Each of the 4 sequencers can be set to Synth mode, the steps can then be used to automate parameters while playing. - Sequencers can be linked to form 16, 24, or 32 steps sequencer(s). - Each sequencer can have a different timing. - Steps can be disabled for non 4/4 patterns. - Each step can send up to 4 midi messages (+ all previous notes off) on 2 midi channels - Audio sources can be the track audio, sampled audio or 3 VCO's (per sequencer). - Sampling (audio coming live or from the DAW track) can be armed (per sequencer) with a button or a midi in CC. - Samples can also be loaded from file (sample files should be in the WoodStepper iCloud folder) - Each sequencer has it’s own gain, clipping led and brick-wall limiter. - VCO’s have the usual waveforms and can be modulated in various ways. - Full polyphonic mode sends 4 subsequent note-ons to the 4 sequencers/synths. - Para-polyphonic mode (per sequencer) sends notes 2&3 to the sequencer/synth VCO's 2&3, giving max 12 voices. - Each sequencer/synth can set the range of receiving midi notes (which allows for up to 4 split keyboard regions). - Each step has a pitch down shifter (sequencer mode only). - Pitch shifters have a glide control. - Pitch shifters can be set to a random value (out of a list of scales). - Pitch values can be harmonically locked to the Just Scale or the Equally Tempered Scale. - VCO + Pitch can be limited to a specified key + interval scale (e.g. C Major Pentatonic) - Each step has a 4-pole Moog Lowpass filter with resonance and ASR (sequencer) or ADSR (synth) envelope. - Steps have an additional high-pass filter and a saturation control. - All steps have an ASR (sequencer) or ADSR (synth) amplitude envelope and a step gain. - Each step has its own delay line with independent timing, feedback, and filtering. - Step audio and delay can be panned independently per step. - Sequencers can be started manually, started with the DAW transport, start after receiving a midi note or start audio gated. - Sequencers can be stopped manually or after a number of bars have been played. - A “Play 1 Step” button allows to finetune step settings - An “All Steps” button allows to set the same parameter value in all steps. - Has a global Dry-Wet, Input gain and Output gain control. - Presets can be stored in iCloud Drive (makes them available on all your devices). - Presets can be switched with Midi Program Changes or with the "Next Preset" button when running. - Major controls can be set with Midi CC messages. - Ableton Link can synchronise tempo, phase and start-stop with other Ableton Link enabled apps.
SGA Phoenix
This app provides authentic analog preamp sounds for music production. It simulates various triode and JFET circuits in real-time to add warmth, color, and depth to mixes and masters. EQ can be adjusted before or after the preamp, with auto gain and oversampling for professional results.
- Authentic analog sound simulation
- Triode and JFET preamp models
- Adjustable EQ placement
- Auto Gain control
- Automatic oversampling
- Wet/Dry mixing
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SGA Phoenix brings the authentic sound of five analog preamps to your AUv3 compatible host. Each preamp derives its unique sonic character from a different active element (12AX7, 12AT7, and 12AU7 triodes, and J201 and 2N5457 JFET transistors). To achieve the most authentic analog sound, each preamp circuit is simulated in real time using Shattered Glass Audio’s state-of-the-art circuit simulator. Use Phoenix to add color, warmth, dirt, depth, and vibe to your mixes and masters or as a saturation compressor. Key features: - Authentic analog sound through real-time high-performance circuit simulation. - Three preamps featuring triodes 12AX7, 12AT7, and 12AU7. - Two preamps featuring JFET transistors J201, 2N5457. - Multiple types of EQs. - EQ can be taken out of the signal path or placed either before or after the preamp. - Auto Gain - Automatic 4x oversampling to control aliasing - Wet/Dry mixing. Phoenix is primarily an AUv3 effect. To use Phoenix as a plug-in, you will need an AUv3 compatible host such as Garageband, AUM, etc. Phoenix application is there to provide a user manual and a chance to use Phoenix with the microphone input. You can try Phoenix on a macOS or a Windows based, machine by downloading the demo version of the plug-in (VST3, AUv2, AAX) from our website https://www.shatteredglassaudio.com and running it in a DAW of your choice. Sonically speaking there are no differences between the iOS and macOS/Windows versions of Phoenix.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: WoodStepper at $10.99 against SGA Phoenix's $24.99. WoodStepper also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (12 vs 4). SGA Phoenix's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.3). 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
WoodStepper costs $10.99 and SGA Phoenix $24.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SGA Phoenix holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 4 respectively.
WoodStepper ships an update every 3 weeks, SGA Phoenix every 14 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.
| Parameter | WoodStepper | SGA Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10.99 — better | $24.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (12 ratings) | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 12 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 14 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.4 — better | 15.8 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 112 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Woodman's Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio | Shattered Glass Audio |
Customer experience
WoodStepper
SGA Phoenix
In-app purchases
WoodStepper
No in-app purchases
SGA Phoenix
No in-app purchases









