Pulsar vs ScratchLab
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Pulsar
This music app provides a virtual drum machine with 8 pads for improvising and playing along to built-in rhythm presets. It features real-time rhythm switching, tempo control, and various effects. It also supports Ableton Link and MIDI for seamless integration with other music software and hardware.
- 8-pad drum machine
- Built-in rhythm presets
- Real-time rhythm switching
- Tempo and accent control
- Drive, reverb, and filter effects
- Ableton Link synchronization
- MIDI In/Out support
- AUv3 compatibility
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Make beats anywhere with Pulsar-ES, an authentic preset drum machine expanded into a mobile groovebox for iPhone and iPad. Inspired by the rare Soviet/Ukrainian PULSAR hardware, Pulsar-ES keeps the original industrial rhythm-box character while adding the missing modern features producers expect: MIDI editing, deeper FX, Ableton Link sync, AUv3 workflow, and mobile project control. Play ideas fast on the 4x2 drum pad grid, then turn them into full patterns with the MIDI Clip Editor. Draw, move, and resize notes directly on the grid so your rhythm stays editable after the first take. Shape your sound with a hands-on FX rack built for quick decisions: - Filter with low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, and notch modes - Reverb with room, hall, and plate spaces - Overdrive with overdrive, distortion, fuzz, and tube modes - Delay with digital, tape, and ping-pong modes - Chorus and compressor for extra movement and control Pulsar-ES also supports Ableton Link sync, project save/load, rhythm presets, and a portrait layout designed for making music on the go. Start a beat, edit every note, shape it with FX, and keep your ideas moving.
ScratchLab
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ScratchLab is a professional capture and session-logging tool designed for DJs and structured recording workflows. It helps keep sessions organized so takes, notes, and supporting media are easier to manage. With ScratchLab, you can: • capture and organize session data • track takes with clear logging • support repeatable recording workflows • keep performance and practice sessions documented • simplify review and file organization after recording ScratchLab is built for workflows where consistency matters, whether you are documenting scratch practice, recording structured sessions, or managing repeated capture setups for training and review. It is designed to reduce confusion, improve session organization, and make post-session handling more efficient. The focus is simple: a clear, reliable workflow for capturing and organizing DJ session material without unnecessary complexity.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: ScratchLab at Free against Pulsar's $4.99. Pulsar's advantage is chart position (#188 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). 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
ScratchLab is free to download; Pulsar costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Pulsar | ScratchLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.3 (7 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | #188 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 61 MB | 216 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Dmytro Kiro | Karl Watson |
In-app purchases
Pulsar
No in-app purchases
ScratchLab
No in-app purchases
