Comparison

ThermoSynth vs Solderbox

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

Head to head
About

ThermoSynth

This app is a generative synthesizer that creates evolving sonic structures inspired by thermodynamic systems. It features a self-regulating hyper oscillator engine with a feedback matrix and stochastic modulators for unique, never-repeating drone synthesis and organic textures.

Highlights
  • Self-regulating hyper oscillator engine
  • Generative synthesis at waveform level
  • 4x4 feedback matrix for oscillator interaction
  • Stochastic modulators for sonic changes
  • User-controlled injections for system perturbation
  • MPE support
  • High-resolution rotary encoder MIDI mapping
Read full description

Welcome to the politics of sound ! ThermoSynth is a self regulating hyper oscillator engine inspired by thermodynamic systems. ThermoSynth extends the classical oscillator concept, it is a generative synthesizer at the waveform level, which does not express only static / interference waveforms but also an evolution of a sonic structure by internal communication and its actions inside certain controllable margins.  The oscillator of ThermoSynth establishes its own engine environment and begin its signal path with a waveform generator ( pure mathematical, not samples nor optimized tables ) rendering basic waveforms and capable of morphing in between. The 4 oscillators of the Thermo are in continuous interaction sending each other their signals thanks to a 4X4 feedback matrix. Many type of changes in this system are introduced by the stochastic modulators which sonicLAB is known for and also by the user through some perturbations called the injections into the system. Each oscillator engine continuously checks its environment conditions and takes decisions, “self regulates”, in reaction to these changes applied. The result is unique never ending and never repeating drone synthesis, pure organic textures for electronic music; and hours can easily pass with experimenting on ThermoSynth. Detailed app description can be found at https://www.sonic-lab.com/thermo/ And you can download the manual here : https://www.sonic-lab.com/Thermo/Thermo-iOS_manual.pdf ThermoSynth is identical to the desktop sonicLAB Thermo version.  For external control, it comes with MPE support and sonicLAB high resolution rotary encoder midi mapping feature as on the desktop version.

About

Solderbox

This app is a compact, semi-modular synthesizer designed for generative music creation. It offers a comprehensive set of modular functions, aiming for analog-like sound and behavior with unique digital effects and an 'Instability Engine' for organic fluctuations.

Highlights
  • Generative synthesis tools
  • Analog-like sound emulation
  • Instability Engine for organic fluctuations
  • Audio Unit (AUv3) compatibility
  • Built-in Pulsequencer melody generator
  • Multiple filter modes
  • Stackable patch cables
Features
Read full description

Solderbox is a compact semimodular synthesizer, made in collaboration with Jakob Haq. It is heavily based on Jakob's own modular rack design (which features a lot of modules made by hand). The app is designed to offer a set of modular functions that is both comprehensive and eclectic, including several tools for generative synthesis, random signals and the surgical mangling of audio waves and modulation signals. A lot of effort went into making everything sound and behave as analog as digitally possible (with the exception of the unashamedly digital Entropy lo-fi effect processor). Additionally, the built-in Instability Engine injects the subtle fluctuations simulating the effects of crosstalk, leaky signals and expired electrical components. This is a living instrument with a soul of its own. - Full Audio Unit compatibility (AUv3 instrument, audio effect) - Universal design (iPhone, iPad, MacOS AUv3) - Built-in Pulsequencer (LFO-based generative melody generator with custom scales) - 4 mode Low-pass filter (6, 12, 18, 24 dB) - 3 voice polyphony - Drone mode - Stackable patch cables - DIY Lo-Fi digital delay circuit emulation - All synth settings exposed a AU Parameters (for automation and MIDI learning in your host of choice) Find the user manual on ruismaker.com

Screenshots

Solderbox3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Solderbox at $12.99 against ThermoSynth's $34.99. Solderbox also leads on review sentiment (90% vs 50%) and ratings volume (27 vs 4). ThermoSynth's advantage is iOS requirement (9.3 vs 13). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

ThermoSynth costs $34.99 and Solderbox $12.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for ThermoSynth against 5.0 for Solderbox. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Solderbox has 27 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 50% of ThermoSynth's written reviews are positive against 90% of Solderbox's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ThermoSynth ships an update every 2 months, Solderbox every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
ThermoSynth versus Solderbox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThermoSynthSolderbox
Price$34.99$12.99 — better
Rating5.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (27 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews90.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings427 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS9.3 — better13
Further details — not scored
Size25 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSonicPlanet Audio Video Teknolojileri Anonim Sti.Bram Bos

Customer experience

ThermoSynth

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%

Solderbox

All ratings27 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%

In-app purchases

None

ThermoSynth

No in-app purchases

None

Solderbox

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ThermoSynth free?
ThermoSynth costs $34.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Solderbox free?
Solderbox costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ThermoSynth or Solderbox?
ThermoSynth and Solderbox are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 27 ratings respectively.
Do ThermoSynth or Solderbox have ads?
Neither ThermoSynth nor Solderbox shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ThermoSynth or Solderbox?
ThermoSynth ships an update every 2 months, and Solderbox every 6 weeks. Most recently, ThermoSynth was updated on October 6, 2026 and Solderbox on October 13, 2026.

Other comparisons