# Time Machine AUv3 Plugin vs SAND

The clearest difference is price: SAND at Free against Time Machine AUv3 Plugin's $9.99. SAND also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 11 months) and rating (4.6 vs 4.2). Time Machine AUv3 Plugin's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (13 vs 15.0). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

SAND is free to download; Time Machine AUv3 Plugin costs $9.99 up front. SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Time Machine AUv3 Plugin asks for nothing beyond the download.

SAND holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SAND has 86 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Time Machine AUv3 Plugin's written reviews are positive against 79% of SAND's.

Time Machine AUv3 Plugin ships an update every 11 months, SAND every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Time Machine AUv3 Plugin | SAND |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.2 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/time-machine-auv3-plugin/id1472980119/reviews) | **[4.6 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **86** |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **79.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 6 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [4Pockets.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/370131860) | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) |

## What reviewers say

### Time Machine AUv3 Plugin

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/time-machine-auv3-plugin/id1472980119)

This audio plugin emulates the warm, crackly sound of vintage vinyl records and tube amplifiers. Add nostalgic character, warp, dust, and hiss to your music. It's designed to enhance recordings with authentic analog warmth and saturation.

**Highlights:** Vinyl emulation with warp, dust, and scratches, Tube amplifier sound simulation, Adjustable saturation for harmonic richness, Smooth fade-in/out effect, Compatible with major DAWs

**In-app purchases:** none


### SAND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684)

This app is a grid-based music sequencer that allows users to create compositions using AUv3 plugins and external MIDI devices. It offers extensive tools for arranging clips, editing notes, automating parameters, and routing MIDI.

**Highlights:** Grid-based MIDI sequencing, AUv3 plugin hosting, External MIDI device support, Advanced clip editing, Track and effect management, Song mode for arrangement, MIDI routing and mapping

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14-day trial | Free | one-time |
| 14 Days Trial | Free | one-time |
| Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| Audio Tracks | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great UI and features
- 💡 Potential for music creation
- 🚀 Fast and creative workflow
- 👍 Easy to use, no instructions needed
- 💡 Most usable studio on small screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Record function always starts
- 🐛 Sand not opening in overview
- 🐛 Integration with other apps seems off
- 🐛 Record does not pick up data
- 🐛 Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Reported bugs**

- Record function always starts when entering Midi Instrument or FX
- Sand not opening in overview
- Integration with other apps seems off
- Record does not pick up data
- Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Requested features**

- Sand always open in overview
- Long press in sequence track window
- Random/chance abilities in clips (Polyend Play style)
- Semi-generative function or scale-based patterns/sequences
- Save AUv3 presets


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Time Machine AUv3 Plugin free?

Time Machine AUv3 Plugin costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SAND free?

SAND is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Time Machine AUv3 Plugin or SAND?

SAND is rated higher. Time Machine AUv3 Plugin averages 4.2 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while SAND averages 4.6 from 86 ratings.

### Do Time Machine AUv3 Plugin or SAND have ads?

Neither Time Machine AUv3 Plugin nor SAND shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Time Machine AUv3 Plugin or SAND?

Time Machine AUv3 Plugin ships an update every 11 months, and SAND every 2 months. Most recently, Time Machine AUv3 Plugin was updated on September 9, 2026 and SAND on September 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*