SECTOR vs Hilda Synthesizer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SECTOR
This app allows musicians to slice and sequence audio loops using a probability-based matrix and a classic step sequencer. It offers time-bending effects for unique sound manipulation and real-time performance tweaking, bridging the gap between controlled patterns and random sonic exploration.
- Probability-matrix sample slice sequencer
- Classic pattern step-sequencer
- Time-warping transfer functions
- Real-time performance tweaking
- Import custom loops
- Inter-App Audio and Audiobus support
- MIDI Clock sync
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Proud winner of a 2015 Electronic Musician Editors’ Choice Award! Slice and sequence your loops with a matrix of markov-chain connections. Introduce order with the probability based coin-flipping pattern sequencer. Bend time with warp functions for glitches and modulations. Tweak and trigger in real time performance. Get anything between rigid control and random chaos. • Unique probability-matrix sample slice sequencer • Classic pattern step-sequencer for absolute control • Time-warping transfer functions for various effects • Includes high-quality loops by Richard Devine, Sonic Mayhem, Arovane, Alex Matheu and Sunsine Audio • Import custom loops from other apps, AudioShare, Pasteboard or using iTunes FileSharing • Stream audio to other apps via Inter-App Audio or Audiobus • Synchronize to Inter-App Audio hosts such as AUM, Auria or Garageband • MIDI Clock slave/master to sync with other apps or hardware • MIDI control for triggers, volume, start/stop, and loading projects • Supports Audiobus Remote triggers • Record and export the results as perfectly synchronized loops • Audiobus state saving "One of the most innovative and entertaining audio apps you’ll ever encounter" - David Biedny at MacLife.com "Engrossing, beautiful, wild and a fine addition to the iPad studio" - Computer Music Magazine "This is already, I think, a must-buy. Going to have fun playing with it. Enjoy!" - Peter Kirn at CreateDigitalMusic.com "It is utterly brilliant" - John Walden at MusicAppBlog.com
Hilda Synthesizer
This app offers a complex oscillator monosynth with a blend of west-coast and east-coast synthesis techniques. It features a wave folder, lowpass gate, 12-mode filter, and VCA circuit, all meticulously circuit-modelled for authentic analog or digital sound. It functions as a playable synth, MIDI sequencer, and audio effect.
- Complex Oscillator Monosynth
- Wave folder and lowpass gate
- 12-mode filter
- Circuit-modelled analog sound
- Built-in 16-step MIDI Sequencer
- Audio effect for external audio
- AUv3 compatibility
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Hilda is a Complex Oscillator Monosynth, inspired by the most interesting aspects of both west-coast and east-coast synthesis techniques. You'll find a wave folder, lowpass gate, and audio-rate modulations, but also a 12-mode filter and traditional VCA circuit. All parts of the instrument are carefully circuit-modelled to sound as analog (or digital, where applicable) as possible. It's like a best-of-all-worlds semi modular synth, but without the patch cables. The unique mix of different synthesis components adds up to a unique sounding electronic instrument, which can be used as a playable synthesizer, a MIDI sequencer and an audio effect for external audio - or any combination of those three. - Full Audio Unit compatibility (AUv3 instrument, audio effect and MIDI processor modes supported) - Universal design (iPhone and iPad; iPad Air 2 or higher recommended) - Built-in analog style 16 Step MIDI Sequencer with custom scales - 12 mode filter, based on the Oberheim Xpander design - Drone mode lets you [partially] bypass the VCA/LPG and just go with the flow - DIY Lo-Fi digital delay circuit emulation - Live pads with effects that can be triggered via the UI (or via exposed AU Parameters) - All synth settings exposed a AU Parameters (for automation and MIDI learning in your host of choice) - MIDI Processor plugin mode disables synth to save CPU - Carefully handcrafted by yours truly, to capture the essence of my love for tinkering and experimenting with sound :-) Find the user manual on ruismaker.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Hilda Synthesizer at every 9 days against SECTOR's every 3 months. Hilda Synthesizer also leads on device support (3 vs 1). SECTOR's advantage is price ($8.99 vs $12.99) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 12). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
SECTOR costs $8.99 and Hilda Synthesizer $12.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SECTOR ships an update every 3 months, Hilda Synthesizer every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SECTOR | Hilda Synthesizer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8.99 — better | $12.99 |
| Rating | 4.7 (87 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 90.3% of reviews — better | 90.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 87 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 12 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 23 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kymatica AB | Bram Bos |
Customer experience
SECTOR
Hilda Synthesizer
Bugs and requests
SECTOR
Reported bugs
6 issues- Warp effects occasionally get stuck and repeat longer than intended
- Audio clicks and clipping between slices
- Does not appear as usable Audio Unit in AUM
- Incompatibility with newer iPad display sizes and gestures
- Occasional audio quality degradation with multiple jumps
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- App may not be updated for current iOS versions
Requested features
15 requests- AUv3 plugin support for use in DAWs and AUM
- macOS and desktop application version
- MIDI slave/sync capability and MIDI control mapping
- iPhone compatibility
- Multiple instance support for layering
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- Live audio input processing capability
- Longer sample duration support (beyond 3 minutes)
- Stereo panning controls for individual sectors
- Mute/silence individual sectors
- Ableton Link sync support
- In-app level control distinct from volume
- Smoother slice transitions without clicks
- More diverse preset variety
- Built-in effects processor per slice
- Home gesture support for newer iPads
Hilda Synthesizer
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
SECTOR
No in-app purchases
Hilda Synthesizer
No in-app purchases









