Comparison

DR vs Big Swarma

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

Big Swarma

Transform audio into massive, detuned swarms with up to 16 voices. Features adjustable detune, stereo width, and pitch modulation for unique textures. An intense feedback circuit and dual MS20-style filters offer further sound sculpting capabilities.

Highlights
  • Voice multiplier up to 16 voices
  • Adjustable detune, stereo width, pitch modulation
  • Intense feedback circuit
  • Dual MS20-style filters (HPF/LPF)
  • Resonance and master cutoff controls
  • Raw analog character
Features
Read full description

Big Swarma is a powerful voice multiplier and feedback unit designed to transform any audio into massive, detuned swarms. Multiply your signal up to 16 voices with adjustable detune, stereo width, and pitch modulation for lush unisons, aggressive textures, or shimmering drones. Push it further with an intense feedback circuit capable of self-oscillation and FM harmonic mayhem. Sculpt your swarm with dual MS20-style filters (HPF and LPF), each with dedicated resonance controls and a master cutoff knob. Big Swarma delivers a raw, analog character driven by aggressive feedback and wild modulation, for a sound that hits you in the face.

Screenshots

DR4 screens
Big Swarma1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: DR at $1.99 against Big Swarma's $14.99. DR also leads on ratings volume (44 vs 6) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 14.0). Big Swarma's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and review sentiment (100% vs 64%). 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

DR costs $1.99 and Big Swarma $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Big Swarma holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DR has 44 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of DR's written reviews are positive against 100% of Big Swarma's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DR ships an update every 4 months, Big Swarma every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
DR versus Big Swarma: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDRBig Swarma
Price$1.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.2 (44 ratings)5.0 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.9% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings44 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFluxamaAudiority Srl

Customer experience

DR

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

Big Swarma

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

DR

Reported bugs

16 issues
  • Display broken on iPad Pro M5
  • Cannot access whole GUI on newer iPads
  • Half controls inaccessible on iPad screen
  • App not centered on iPad screen
  • Plugin only partially visible on screen
Show 11 more
  • Does not react to screen rotation
  • UI skewed and unusable
  • Controls do not center on screen
  • Knobs off screen and unreachable
  • Display skewed and unusable
  • Screen orientation jumps randomly
  • Display massively off center
  • Buttons unusable
  • Affichage buggé avec dernier ios
  • Audiobus support broken since iOS8 upgrade
  • Audiobus issue on opening

Requested features

20 requests
  • Update UI for newer iPads
  • Fix display/GUI issues on iPad Pro
  • Add presets
  • Add record function
  • Add copy/paste function
Show 15 more
  • Add Audiobus support
  • Add inter-app audio
  • Add background audio
  • Add MIDI-In support
  • Add MIDI control
  • Add mixer for sounds
  • Smoother knobs
  • More aggressive filter
  • No-reverb option
  • Linear frequency controls
  • More accurate knob behavior
  • Save presets
  • LFO BPM sync
  • Programs and different presets
  • More dry option

Big Swarma

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

DR

No in-app purchases

None

Big Swarma

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DR free?
DR costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Big Swarma free?
Big Swarma costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, DR or Big Swarma?
Big Swarma is rated higher. DR averages 4.2 out of 5 from 44 ratings, while Big Swarma averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.
Do DR or Big Swarma have ads?
Neither DR nor Big Swarma shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DR or Big Swarma?
DR ships an update every 4 months, and Big Swarma every 10 days. Most recently, DR was updated on November 1, 2026 and Big Swarma on October 30, 2026.

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