Comparison

Addictive Synth vs Kauldron Synthesizer

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

Head to head
About

Addictive Synth

Create unique sounds and driving loops with a powerful wavetable synthesizer. Explore a vast sonic universe with dynamic oscillators, spectral noise generation, and intelligent randomizers. Play live with an onscreen keyboard or connect a MIDI controller.

Highlights
  • Dynamic wavetable synthesis
  • Spectral noise generator
  • Intelligent randomizer for sounds and arpeggios
  • Onscreen keyboard with live playing capabilities
  • MIDI keyboard compatibility
  • Programmable arpeggiator
  • Audiobus and Inter-app audio support
Read full description

It was never so easy to create beautiful sounds and driving loops. The unique dynamic wavetable synthesis allows you to explore an unprecedented wide range of sonic territory. From acid loops, crystal clear percussions, realistic human choirs to complex musical soundscapes nothing seems impossible with only a handful parameters to tweak. The new spectral noise generator adds a new dimension to the already huge sound universe of Addictive Synth. This generator is the first of its kind and allows for extraordinarily detailed control over the dynamic spectrum of the noisy part of sounds. Despite its complexity it's pretty easy to use and integrates naturally into the sound design philosophy of Addictive Synth. Together with the intelligent randomizer for both sounds and arpeggios you will loose any sense of time and space while exploring unknown sonic territories. Right from the beginning you'll understand why it's named Addictive. ***Best iPad Apps of the Week*** AppAdvice.com "Addictive Synth fixes your craving for a massively customizable synthesizer experience on the iPad." - AppAdvice.com "App Of The Week" at iDesignSound.com Features: Dynamic wavetable synthesizer • Six dynamic wavetable oscillators per voice, up to 48 total. • Continuous morphing between two oscillator sets. • Realtime editing of up to 128 partials (overtones). • Realtime editing of filter structure to create arbitrary body resonances. • Extensive modulation possibilities using up to 4 LFOs and 4 Envelopes. • Control matrix allows real time control of five parameters using the X/Y touch pad, the modulation wheel and the tilt sensors of the iPad.  • Monophonic or polyphonic with 8 voices. • 128 factory presets, unlimited user presets can be shared.  • Up to three effects concurrently usable selected from: equalizer, phaser, flanger, chorus and stereo/cross delay. Live  • Play melodies live with the onscreen keyboard. Drag fingers for slides and vibrato.  • With the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit you can use a CoreMIDI compatible MIDI Keyboard to control Addictive Synth. • Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer compatible. • Velocity sensitive keyboard. • Select from dozens of scales and play them with scale optimized keyboard layout.   Full featured programmable Arpeggiator • Uses programmable sequences with up to 32 steps.  • Can trigger single notes and chords. • Unique randomizer generates Arpeggios with 100% usability. • 32 Arpeggios included, unlimited useer arpeggios possible. • For each step you can program tie, accent, transposition and note order Global • Audiobus 2 compatible (Output) (requires iOS7 or newer). • Inter-app audio compatible (Instrument/Generator) • Export loops as audio and midi files. • Audio pasteboard for exchange with other Apps • Exchange user presets with File Sharing in iTunes.

About

Kauldron Synthesizer

This app combines classic analog synth warmth with AI-powered sound design. It offers intelligent preset generation, extensive modulation options, and a powerful arpeggiator for creating rich synth textures.

Highlights
  • AI-powered preset generation (SPAWN²)
  • Analog modeling oscillators
  • Extensive modulation matrix
  • Dual XY-pads for control
  • Powerful arpeggiator
  • AUv3 plugin support
  • Over 900 presets
Read full description

Kauldron is where classic warmth meets Artificial Intelligence. One of our toniest and punchiest synths, Kauldron features a completely new analog modeling technology. The full spectrum of rich synth textures is bolstered by the groundbreaking SPAWN intelligent preset generation system that allows new patches to be created at the touch of a button. Abounding with pure hard-hitting tones, Kauldron requires little to no FX or production gimmicks to sound big. Kauldron is designed with modulation and fine dynamic control in mind. The two fully-featured LFOs and the mod envelope combine with a wide variety of MIDI learnable controls to manipulate multiple parameters. Everything is easily set up in a clearly laid out ‘mod matrix.’ The dual XY-pads can be used for controlling modulation or a wide range of synth parameters. MIDI aftertouch can be routed via the matrix for even greater control over expression and tonality. Kauldron also debuts the next generation of our Artificial Intelligence preset creation system, SPAWN². Completely reimagining the groundbreaking SPAWN algorithms in our hugely popular Magellan, the new SPAWN² gives you unprecedented control over generating presets. In the expert mode, you can accomplish anything from subtle ‘variations on a theme’ to bold new sounds. In the basic mode, where Kauldron does all the thinking, you get preset after usable preset with just a touch. This is not simple randomization: it is the power of A.I. put to benevolent use! Kauldron also includes its AUv3 plugin version so that you can seamlessly run multiple instances in your favorite DAW. Powerful arp with both live & program modes; comprehensive MIDI features with effortless MIDI learn; over 900 presets; recording, sharing, these are just some of the features brewing inside Yonac’s Kauldron. Selected specs include, SYNTH • 3 analog modeling oscillators w/ multiple waveforms & true PWM • FM via Osc 2 • Maximizer module with drift, spread & voice count for huge, stereophonic all-synth sounds • New vAnalog filter design w/ ‘dirt’ overload for even warmer, harmonically complex tones • Dedicated filter ADSR envelope • Filter tracking, contour & more • Pink/white noise generator • Osc. phase reset & sync • Retro & modern glide algorithms • Virtual VCA envelope with 2 attack types • Poly/mono operation • Legato mode for buttery smooth passages • Extensive modulation options via the ‘mod matrix’ • 2 LFOs w/ BPM sync, keytracking, trigger mode & more • Assignable mod envelope • 23 mod targets • 11 mod controllers, including aftertouch, velocity & keytracking • 2 XY-Pads for controlling mod targets or synth parameters • Arpeggiator with live & program modes, 11 algorithms, gate, swing, note value, octaving & more • Stereo mod effect with chorus & flanger modes • BPM-syncable stereo delay • Studio quality reverb w/ 7 room types, damping, time & mix • 900+ presets in a wide variety of styles & sounds SPAWN² • Automatic preset generation via artificial intelligence • Generate infinite new, usable presets at the touch of a button • Expert mode lets specify Variation & Autonomy for each major synth module • 3 unique A.I. algorithms • Auto arp programming in any listed scale PRO FEATURES • AUv3 - use as Audio Unit instrument plugin on iPad & iPhone • Fullscreen AU mode • Extensive MIDI: MIDI learn, aftertouch, MIDI CC map save/share, KB mapping, program changes & more APP • iPhone & iPad Compatibility • Powerful YPAT2 preset management system • Classic or ribbon key controller • Ribbon controller: Poly aftertouch into Kauldron • Ribbon controller: Settable musical key & scale • Classic KB: Velocity w/ sensitivity setting • Tapedeck: Record, loop & share • Metronome • Tap BPM

Screenshots

Kauldron Synthesizer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Addictive Synth at every 4 months against Kauldron Synthesizer's every 49 months. Addictive Synth also leads on price ($6.99 vs $9.99) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 15.6). Kauldron Synthesizer's advantage is ratings volume (136 vs 15) and device support (3 vs 1). On rating, review sentiment, 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

Addictive Synth costs $6.99 and Kauldron Synthesizer $9.99 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 — 4.5 for Addictive Synth against 4.6 for Kauldron Synthesizer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Kauldron Synthesizer has 136 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 78% of Addictive Synth's written reviews are positive against 80% of Kauldron Synthesizer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Addictive Synth ships an update every 4 months, Kauldron Synthesizer every 49 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Addictive Synth versus Kauldron Synthesizer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAddictive SynthKauldron Synthesizer
Price$6.99 — better$9.99
Rating4.5 (15 ratings)4.6 (136 ratings) — better
Positive reviews78.1% of reviews79.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings15136 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 49 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS6.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size47 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsYonac Inc.

Customer experience

Addictive Synth

All ratings15 ratings
Positive86.7%
Neutral6.7%
Negative6.7%
Written reviews114 reviews
Positive78.1%
Neutral7.0%
Negative14.9%

Kauldron Synthesizer

All ratings136 ratings
Positive88.2%
Neutral6.6%
Negative5.1%
Written reviews74 reviews
Positive79.7%
Neutral9.5%
Negative10.8%

User reviews

Addictive Synth

From 15 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎵 Unique additive synthesis sound palette
  • 🎛️ Intuitive and clean interface design
  • 🎲 Randomizer/dice feature for creative exploration
  • 🎹 Excellent arpeggiator with extensive customization
  • ✏️ Ability to draw custom waveforms and filters

Room to improve

  • 🔊 Harsh, metallic, or shrill sound character
  • 🐛 Crashes on certain iOS versions
  • ⏱️ Tempo drift and synchronization issues
  • 🎹 Small, difficult-to-use on-screen controls
  • 📡 Poor MIDI latency and responsiveness

Kauldron Synthesizer

From 136 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✨ Warm and rich sound
  • 👍 Easy to use interface
  • 💡 Great presets included
  • 🚀 Powerful sound engine
  • 🌟 High quality emulation

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy AUv3 implementation
  • 🔊 Shrill noise issue
  • 🔇 No Bluetooth speaker support
  • ⚠️ Strange behavior/no reset
  • 📉 Lacks oomph/personality

Bugs and requests

Addictive Synth

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • App crashes upon opening on iOS 15.1
  • Static/audio glitches on startup
  • Keyboard width inconsistency across pages
  • Stuck notes with external MIDI controllers
  • Audio playback at 2x speed when pasting from certain apps
Show 8 more
  • Backing track audio silences when switching apps
  • Recording menu doesn't allow selection of new recordings
  • Monophonic playback over virtual MIDI with chords
  • Keyboard lag behind keystrokes
  • Oscillator phase inconsistency
  • Fundamental sine wave audible even when all harmonics disabled
  • Flaky sequence saving functionality
  • App crashes during audio recording/export

Requested features

19 requests
  • MIDI learn functionality
  • Audiobus and IAA sync support
  • MIDI clock/start/stop synchronization
  • Ableton Link integration
  • White/pink noise generator
Show 14 more
  • Better patch/preset organization and banking
  • Undo button for waveform/filter drawing
  • WiFi and email export options
  • Improved recording with flexible bar counts
  • Drawable modulation signals
  • Traditional filter types (LPF, HPF, BPF)
  • MIDI volume control (CC7)
  • Metronome on/off toggle
  • Better visualization of harmonics/partials
  • Evenly spaced harmonic controls
  • Click track during looping
  • Tempo saving with presets
  • More modulation options and FM synthesis
  • Hardware synth versions

Kauldron Synthesizer

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • Oscillators cannot be set to -1 octave
  • Shrill noise
  • No Bluetooth speaker output
  • Fails to reload with Logic projects
  • Cannot load into Logic Pro
Show 10 more
  • Starts and quits on latest iOS
  • AUv3 bug: receives notes regardless of track selection
  • AUv3 implementation flaky, random crashes
  • AUv3: plays all instances simultaneously
  • Bug with Garageband: duplicates patterns
  • MIDI learn functions not saved
  • Sometimes glitchy
  • XY pad movements not recorded as automation
  • CPU killer on iPad 4
  • No function to share sounds

Requested features

11 requests
  • Bring synths/effects to macOS
  • Mac App version
  • More comprehensive FX section (distortion/saturation)
  • MIDI-out for arpeggiator
  • Drum machine, PAD launcher, DAW
Show 6 more
  • Browser download feature
  • Sequencer in Kauldron
  • Effects tool
  • Version history
  • More developer responses/support
  • Dark mode option

In-app purchases

None

Addictive Synth

No in-app purchases

None

Kauldron Synthesizer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Addictive Synth free?
Addictive Synth costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Kauldron Synthesizer free?
Kauldron Synthesizer costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Addictive Synth or Kauldron Synthesizer?
Kauldron Synthesizer is rated higher. Addictive Synth averages 4.5 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Kauldron Synthesizer averages 4.6 from 136 ratings.
Do Addictive Synth or Kauldron Synthesizer have ads?
Neither Addictive Synth nor Kauldron Synthesizer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Addictive Synth or Kauldron Synthesizer?
Addictive Synth ships an update every 4 months, and Kauldron Synthesizer every 49 months. Most recently, Addictive Synth was updated on October 17, 2026 and Kauldron Synthesizer on October 16, 2026.

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