Comparison

SECTOR vs Hilda Synthesizer

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Read full description

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

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Hilda Synthesizer3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

SECTOR costs $8.99 and Hilda Synthesizer $12.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SECTOR versus Hilda Synthesizer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSECTORHilda Synthesizer
Price$8.99 — better$12.99
Rating4.7 (87 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews90.3% of reviews — better90.0% of reviews
Number of ratings87 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS9.0 — better12
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKymatica ABBram Bos

Customer experience

SECTOR

All ratings82 ratings
Positive93.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.1%
Written reviews113 reviews
Positive90.3%
Neutral2.7%
Negative7.1%

Hilda Synthesizer

All ratings58 ratings
Positive98.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative1.7%
Written reviews30 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%

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
Show 1 more
  • 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
Show 10 more
  • 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

None

SECTOR

No in-app purchases

None

Hilda Synthesizer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SECTOR free?
SECTOR costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Hilda Synthesizer free?
Hilda Synthesizer costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do SECTOR or Hilda Synthesizer have ads?
Neither SECTOR nor Hilda Synthesizer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SECTOR or Hilda Synthesizer?
SECTOR ships an update every 3 months, and Hilda Synthesizer every 9 days. Most recently, SECTOR was updated on October 23, 2026 and Hilda Synthesizer on October 30, 2026.

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