Elastic Melody vs Phase Monkey
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Elastic Melody
Create melodies with a fast and intuitive analog-style step sequencer. Features 3 synth channels, 4 master effects, and extensive automation capabilities for dynamic sound design. Supports AUv3 and Ableton Link.
- 3-channel analog synth sequencer
- Parameter automation
- 4 master effects (EQ, Chorus, Delay, Reverb)
- Song mode for arranging patterns
- AUv3 plugin support
- Ableton Link integration
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Elastic Melody is a standalone iOS application and AUv3 plugin with 3 channels of synthetic sounds, an analog style step sequencer and 4 master effects. Almost all parameters can be automated and thus changed in an „elastic way“. The focus of Elastic Melody is on a fast and intuitive creation of melodies with a basic analog sound. Elastic Melody comes with a bunch of presets from well-known sound designers of the iOS scene, like "Sound of Izrael", "Red Sky Lullaby", "Nu-Trix", "JaKob Haq", "Another Machines" and others. Features: SYNTHESIZER / SEQUENCER – 3 channels, each with an analog synthesizer that is connected to an associated sequencer – Each sequencer channel has its own start/end and timing parameters for notes and automation – 14 parameters per synth engine (waveform, lowpass, highpass, env, etc.) – For each parameter, value changes can be drawn in an automation window – Solo or mute function for the 3 synth channels – Song Mode: Create easily longer sequences with setting pattern repeat and duplicating and altering a pattern MASTER FX – 4 master effects (EQ, Chorus, Delay, Reverb) – Automation for most parameters of the effects – Each FX effect has its own start/end and timing parameters for automation SONG MODE - Arrange several Pattern to a longer sequence ... a Song - Repeat count for Song Elements/Pattern - Duplicate/Rename/Delete function for Pattern and Song Elements FUNCTIONS – Undo/Redo – Various randomise functions – option to share and import presets – AUv3 support – Ableton Link support
Phase Monkey
Explore a versatile digital synthesizer inspired by 1980s phase distortion technology. Create a wide range of sounds from warm pads to aggressive basses with its unique engine and eight-stage envelopes. Optimized for touch interaction, it also supports MIDI controllers and runs across Apple devices.
- Phase distortion synth engine
- Eight-stage envelopes
- Touch-first interface
- AUv3 plugin support
- Universal Apple purchase
- MIDI controller support
- iCloud preset syncing
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Phase Monkey is a polyphonic synthesizer inspired by the classic phase distortion synthesizers of the mid-1980s. However, instead of being a direct copy, Phase Monkey presents a fresh take on the classic sound engine, including the rare eight-stage envelopes. The result is a surprisingly versatile digital instrument that can produce anything from warm pads to shimmering leads to snarling basses. Whatever you do, don’t have fun with it! Features: - Focused, fun, and characterful synth engine - Touch-first design, almost the entire screen is part of a control - Runs standalone or as AUv3 plug-in (in compatible host) - Universal purchase on Apple platforms: runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac - Presets synced across your devices via iCloud - Hook up a MIDI controller to play with a keyboard (optional) Details: - Eight classic phase distortion waveforms - Dedicated modulation oscillator for ring or noise modulation - Three rare eight-stage envelopes - Complex modulation of pitch and timbre possible via envelopes - LFO with five waveforms for classic modulation sounds - Master controls: portamento, random voice pan, onboard chorus, gain - Key behavior modes: poly, monophonic retrig, monophonic legato - Additional MIDI modulation sources: mod wheel, pitch bend, velocity, aftertouch (channel), key follow - Includes 40 highly usable factory presets to get you started making music Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sketchaudio Read the manuals: https://sketchaudio.com/manuals/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Phase Monkey at none against Elastic Melody's 1. Phase Monkey also leads on price ($5.99 vs $12.99) and rating (4.8 vs 4.4). On review sentiment, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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
Elastic Melody costs $12.99 and Phase Monkey $5.99 up front. Elastic Melody sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Phase Monkey asks for nothing beyond the download.
Phase Monkey holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 19 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 73% of Elastic Melody's written reviews are positive against 71% of Phase Monkey's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Elastic Melody ships an update fortnightly, Phase Monkey weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Elastic Melody | Phase Monkey |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | $5.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.4 (12 ratings) | 4.8 (19 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 73.3% of reviews — better | 71.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 12 | 19 — better |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Oliver Greschke (DE) | Sketch Audio, LLC |
Customer experience
Elastic Melody
Phase Monkey
In-app purchases
Elastic Melody
- Elastic Melody - Extra Modes IAP$4.99
Phase Monkey
No in-app purchases









