Comparison

ab vortEx X vs EchoSketch

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

Head to head
About

ab vortEx X

This app is a stereo-only abstract spacetime designer for creating unique reverberations. It functions as an AUv3 plugin for compatible iOS hosts or as a standalone application, offering control over sound reflection spread.

Highlights
  • Stereo-only spatial audio algorithms
  • AUv3 plugin compatibility
  • Standalone application mode
  • Touch screen interface
  • Control over sound reflection spread
  • Space, Time, Viscosity, Volumes controls
Features
Read full description

'ab vortEx X' for iOS is a 'Light', stereo-only version of 'ab vortEx', an abstract spacetime designer for creating infinite variations of reverberations using our Spatial Audio algorithms under the hood. 'ab vortEx' for iOS comes as an AUv3 Plugin and is compatible with any iOS host that supports AUv3 (e.g. Garageband). The plugin contains a minimalist interface, compatible with Touch Screens - as you move through the screen, you can control how the algorithm works and how the reflections of the sound spread through time and space. 'ab Vortex X' also works as a stand-alone application (make sure you wear headphones or use a soundcard). 'ab vortEx X' supports Stereo signals and contains the most critical controls of 'ab Vortex' (Space, Time, Viscosity and Volumes) for providing quick ways to manipulate your sound.ab vortEx' for iOS works with Mono and Stereo signals.

About

EchoSketch

Shape delay and reverb effects in real-time with a playable X/Y performance surface. Explore four distinct delay types and multiple reverb options, with extensive parameter control for unique sound morphing. Works as a standalone app or an Audio Unit plugin.

Highlights
  • X/Y performance surface for real-time sound shaping
  • Four distinct delay types: digital, analog, reverse, ping-pong
  • Spring, plate, and hall convolution reverb
  • Modulation and tone control for echoes
  • HOLD, LIFT, FREEZE, and MOTION performance gestures
  • Standalone app and AUv3 plugin compatibility
Features
Read full description

EchoSketch turns delay and reverb into a live, playable instrument. Shape your sound in real time using a responsive X/Y performance surface designed for intuitive touch expression. At its core are four great-sounding delays: digital, analog, ping-pong, and reverse. The range for each parameter and the XY axes direction can be set independently, allowing you to easily morph between sounds. It works as an Audio Unit plugin or standalone — iOS or Mac. Comprehensive Delays • Digital (patterned after a legendary '80s rack delay), Analog (warm, with tape-style pitch glide), Reverse, and Left/Right Ping-Pong • Delay times can sync to tempo or be set in milliseconds • Feedback features delay-dependent tone shaping — bright for short delays and darker for long ones Convolution Reverb • Stereo or mono Spring, Plate, and Hall • Reverb path is separate from the delay (same as vintage tape echo units), so repeats don’t get washed out Modulation and Filter • Analog-style modulation for chorused, warbly pitch echoes • Tone control — darken or brighten delays, with a center detent for flat Designed for Hands-On Performance • HOLD / LIFT — leave the XY cursor in place, or touch the pad for momentary delay sounds • FREEZE — set the current feedback into an infinite loop and play over it • MOTION — record a gesture on the XY pad and loop it Presets and More • Presets are transferable between hosts • Two looks — light "Trail" and dark "Glow" • Works standalone with live audio or as an AUv3 plugin • Universal — iPad/iPhone also gets you the Mac version — one purchase • Mac: after installing, open EchoSketch once to use it as a plugin in your DAW • Works in AUM, AudioBus, GarageBand, Logic, and other AUv3 hosts

Screenshots

ab vortEx X3 screens
EchoSketch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: EchoSketch at every 2 days against ab vortEx X's every 2 months. EchoSketch also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and price ($7.99 vs $12.99). ab vortEx X's advantage is ratings volume (8 vs 2) and iOS requirement (11 vs 17). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

ab vortEx X costs $12.99 and EchoSketch $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

EchoSketch holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ab vortEx X ships an update every 2 months, EchoSketch every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
ab vortEx X versus EchoSketch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterab vortEx XEchoSketch
Price$12.99$7.99 — better
Rating4.6 (8 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews87.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings8 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS11 — better17
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlejandro Cabrera ZunigaAvi Bortnick

Customer experience

ab vortEx X

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%

EchoSketch

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

ab vortEx X

No in-app purchases

None

EchoSketch

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ab vortEx X free?
ab vortEx X costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is EchoSketch free?
EchoSketch costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ab vortEx X or EchoSketch?
EchoSketch is rated higher. ab vortEx X averages 4.6 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while EchoSketch averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do ab vortEx X or EchoSketch have ads?
Neither ab vortEx X nor EchoSketch shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ab vortEx X or EchoSketch?
ab vortEx X ships an update every 2 months, and EchoSketch every 2 days. Most recently, ab vortEx X was updated on November 3, 2026 and EchoSketch on November 13, 2026.

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