Comparison

Hilda Synthesizer vs Phonolyth Cascade

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

Head to head
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

About

Phonolyth Cascade

This app offers a versatile reverb and diffusion processor with an experimental edge. It allows for the creation of expansive modulated spaces, stereo widening, and hybrid delay/reverb effects. Explore unique sonic territories with a wide range of controls and randomized modulation.

Highlights
  • Expansive modulated supernatural spaces
  • Stereo widening and transient smearing
  • Hybrid delay/reverb effects
  • Chorus, flanger, and resonator-like effects
  • Randomized modulation
  • Infinity and Freeze buttons
  • Mix Lock for preset switching
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Cascade is a versatile reverb and diffusion processor with an experimental edge. Designed first and foremost with expansive modulated supernatural spaces in mind, it features an extensive set of controls to explore other sonic territories such as stereo widening, transient smearing, hybrid delay/reverb and chorus/flanger/resonator-like effects. Features: - Wide range of diffusion textures spanning from subtle smearing and widening to otherworldly reverberation - Lush randomized modulation - Infinity and Freeze buttons for never-ending reverb bliss - Mix Lock for switching presets while keeping the dry/wet mix constant - Freely resizable UI with light and dark color schemes - Cross-platform preset format for sharing across plugin formats and OSes - 30 factory presets to get you started - Includes an AudioUnit v3 plugin for use in host apps such as GarageBand and AUM, and a standalone app

Screenshots

Hilda Synthesizer3 screens
Phonolyth Cascade2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Hilda Synthesizer at every 9 days against Phonolyth Cascade's every 7 months. Phonolyth Cascade's advantage is price ($7.99 vs $12.99) and chart position (#187 vs unranked). On rating, 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

Hilda Synthesizer costs $12.99 and Phonolyth Cascade $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Hilda Synthesizer against 4.9 for Phonolyth Cascade. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 57 and 30 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 90% of Hilda Synthesizer's written reviews are positive against 100% of Phonolyth Cascade's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hilda Synthesizer ships an update every 9 days, Phonolyth Cascade every 7 months. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Hilda Synthesizer versus Phonolyth Cascade: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHilda SynthesizerPhonolyth Cascade
Price$12.99$7.99 — better
Rating4.9 (57 ratings)4.9 (30 ratings)
Positive reviews90.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings57 — better30
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 7 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank#187 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS1212.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBram BosYuri Turov

Customer experience

Hilda Synthesizer

All ratings57 ratings
Positive98.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative1.8%
Written reviews30 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%

Phonolyth Cascade

All ratings30 ratings
Positive96.7%
Neutral3.3%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Hilda Synthesizer

No in-app purchases

None

Phonolyth Cascade

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hilda Synthesizer free?
Hilda Synthesizer costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Phonolyth Cascade free?
Phonolyth Cascade costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Hilda Synthesizer or Phonolyth Cascade?
Hilda Synthesizer and Phonolyth Cascade are both rated 4.9 out of 5 on the App Store, from 57 and 30 ratings respectively.
Do Hilda Synthesizer or Phonolyth Cascade have ads?
Neither Hilda Synthesizer nor Phonolyth Cascade shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hilda Synthesizer or Phonolyth Cascade?
Hilda Synthesizer ships an update every 9 days, and Phonolyth Cascade every 7 months. Most recently, Hilda Synthesizer was updated on September 23, 2026 and Phonolyth Cascade on September 23, 2026.

Other comparisons