Comparison

WoodStepper vs Perihelion Synth

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Perihelion Synth

Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Perihelion is an ambient drone synthesizer for creating vast, evolving soundscapes with minimal effort. PHILOSOPHY "Slow gravity, unstable cosmos" — huge pads that breathe and evolve on their own. Set and drift. SOUND ENGINE 8-voice polyphony with organic layering 4 sound macros: MASS, DRIFT, MOTION, SPACE Full ADSR envelope + CHAOS intensity SWELL macro for cinematic builds XY pad for real-time Tone × Energy control Rich effects: chorus, delay, reverb PLAY MODES One-finger chord voicings (Maj, min, sus, 6, Δ7, 7) 13 arp patterns: Alberti, Montuno, Pop Gallop, and more Drone mode with root, power, and triad options Scale quantization: Minor, Dorian, Phrygian, Pentatonic HOLD for sustained notes, chords, or arps 50 FACTORY PRESETS Solar Drones, Grav Pads, Dust & Wind, Sub Temples, Motion Keys, Void FX AUv3 AUDIO UNIT Works as a plugin in AUM, Cubasis, GarageBand, BeatMaker. Full MIDI and automation support. Bluetooth MIDI for external controllers. PERFECT FOR Ambient music production Film and game scoring Meditation and relaxation Sound design and textures Live performance No subscription. No ads. Just sound.

Screenshots

WoodStepper1 screens
Perihelion Synth4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is chart position: Perihelion Synth at #192 against WoodStepper's unranked. Perihelion Synth also leads on price ($9.99 vs $10.99). WoodStepper's advantage is iOS requirement (11.4 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases 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

WoodStepper costs $10.99 and Perihelion Synth $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
WoodStepper versus Perihelion Synth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWoodStepperPerihelion Synth
Price$10.99$9.99 — better
Rating4.3 (12 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews57.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings12 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank—#192 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.4 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size112 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWoodman's Immaculate Maple Syrup StudioJOSIAH BUJANDA

In-app purchases

None

WoodStepper

No in-app purchases

None

Perihelion Synth

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WoodStepper free?
WoodStepper costs $10.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Perihelion Synth free?
Perihelion Synth costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do WoodStepper or Perihelion Synth have ads?
Neither WoodStepper nor Perihelion Synth shows ads.

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