Comparison

DR vs Relic Flow

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

Head to head
About

DR

Explore a virtual synthesizer simulating a rare, hackable 70s science lab device. This app offers playable simulations of three distinct units, each with unique sonic characteristics due to component variations. Discover its experimental sound-shaping capabilities and unique tuning drifts.

Highlights
  • Virtual synthesizer simulation
  • Three distinct DR-OM unit variations
  • Mixable Low Frequency Oscillators
  • Voltage-Controlled Filter
  • Speed dial with tuning drifts and effects
  • Hackable device inspiration
Features
Read full description

DR-OM is a virtual synthesizer that simulates the hackable yard sale treasure of the same name. Dozens of DR-OM units have been adapted from a rare, limited science lab function generator that started turning up in flea markets in the 70s. DIY synth enthusiasts discovered the device was easily hackable, and closely-guarded photocopies of modding schematics have been handed around the community for years. The directions show how to rewire the generator into a nice little synth with two mixable Low Frequency Oscillators and a Voltage-Controlled Filter. This app is a complete and playable simulation of three different versions of DR-OM boxen that were discovered at a yard sale near Quonset Point along with a folder of photocopied schematics. Each DR-OM unit has its own characteristic sound because of degrading components or bad wiring by the owner. The Speed dial is the most finicky part of the assembly; depending on the box, the dial can cause tuning drifts, random events and gnarly effects. In the seventies, the noise generator was nicknamed "Doctor Om" for the meditation-friendly tones it generates. Others believe the name is an acronym for Drone Ready Oscillator Module or Dual Recirculating Oscillator Module, but no one knows for certain where the name comes from originally. Notes for iPad users: 1. You'll probably want to use more than 2 fingers with DR-OM, so try turning off Multitasking Gestures in the General Settings on your iPad. 2. Please check to make sure your side switch is "off" or in your General Settings disable the "Mute" function for the side switch. If your side switch is "on" and set to "Mute," your volume controls will be disabled and DR-OM will not be able to make sound. This is a universal app for iPhone 4+ and the iPad. It is produced by the Fluxama Group, purveyors of fine simulated synths like Noisemusick. Sound and video samples may be found on the support web site.

About

Relic Flow

Generate unique Lo-Fi rhythms, noise patterns, and drum loops using advanced synthesis algorithms. Explore billions of sound samples with intuitive controls and real-time audio recording. Perfect for musicians and sound designers seeking endless creative possibilities.

Highlights
  • Lo-Fi rhythm and drum loop generation
  • Billions of unique sound samples
  • Real-time audio recording to WAV
  • Multiple input methods (on-screen, PC keyboard, MIDI)
  • Export to WAV, SunVox, and text clipboard
  • iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) support
Features
Read full description

Relic Flow is a generator of Lo-Fi rhythms, noise patterns and drum loops based on unique synthesis algorithms from NightRadio. More than 4 billion samples from the depths of the Mathematical Universe! Features: * search for new sounds with three buttons: next random set, edit code, previous set; each set of 12 sounds corresponds to a code of 8 characters; * three types of keyboards for live performing: on-screen buttons, PC keyboard, MIDI input; * several processing parameters + control via MIDI; * real-time audio recording to WAV (32-bit); * export to: WAV (one file or a set), SunVox (samples + effects in one file), text clipboard; * the LCK button freezes individual samples - they will not change during the search for new sets; * iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3). Double clicking on a parameter opens a window for setting the exact value. If you enable the Hold option, the notes will play endlessly, without reacting to key release (noteOff) events; turning the note on again works like turning it off; there are two ways to enable this option: 1) using the Hold parameter in the "MIDI Mapping" window; 2) by pressing the HOLD button, which appears in place of LCK while playing the musical keyboard: press HOLD, release the desired notes - then the released notes will continue to play.

Screenshots

DR4 screens
Relic Flow2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Relic Flow at 4.8 against DR's 4.2. Relic Flow also leads on review sentiment (93% vs 64%). DR's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 17 months) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). On price, ratings volume, 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

DR costs $1.99 and Relic Flow $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Relic Flow holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 44 and 26 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of DR's written reviews are positive against 93% of Relic Flow's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DR ships an update every 4 months, Relic Flow every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
DR versus Relic Flow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDRRelic Flow
Price$1.99$1.99
Rating4.2 (44 ratings)4.8 (26 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.9% of reviews93.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings44 — better26
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFluxamaAlexander Zolotov

Customer experience

DR

All ratings44 ratings
Positive77.3%
Neutral6.8%
Negative15.9%
Written reviews61 reviews
Positive63.9%
Neutral14.8%
Negative21.3%

Relic Flow

All ratings26 ratings
Positive96.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive93.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.7%

In-app purchases

None

DR

No in-app purchases

None

Relic Flow

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DR free?
DR costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Relic Flow free?
Relic Flow costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, DR or Relic Flow?
Relic Flow is rated higher. DR averages 4.2 out of 5 from 44 ratings, while Relic Flow averages 4.8 from 26 ratings.
Do DR or Relic Flow have ads?
Neither DR nor Relic Flow shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DR or Relic Flow?
DR ships an update every 4 months, and Relic Flow every 17 months. Most recently, DR was updated on October 2, 2026 and Relic Flow on October 13, 2026.

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