Comparison

Cellular Synthesizer vs Gradient Synth

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

Head to head
About

Cellular Synthesizer

Generate complex sound signals using a cellular automata field. Control parameters like pitch, filters, and effects through evolving cell states. Offers multiple modes for signal interpretation and a built-in sequencer for composition.

Highlights
  • Cellular automata sound generation
  • Parameter modulation (pitch, filters, effects)
  • Multiple signal interpretation modes
  • Configurable oscillators and voices
  • DC saturation, filter, and echo effects
  • Step sequencer with MPE support
Features
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Universe This app utilizes a cellular automata field known as the 'universe' to generate complex signals that are easily controllable. These signals are employed to modulate parameters of each oscillator, saturation settings, filters, or echo effects. The signal from the 'universe' is linked to groups of 'populated' cells referred to as 'communes.' A 'commune' serves as an abstraction that interprets the state of a group of connected cells as a signal. The state of the 'universe' evolves through generations. Before each generation change, each cell counts the number of 'populated' cells among its eight neighboring cells and checks against the user-defined rules, which determine whether the cell will be populated in the next generation. Different modes allow you to interpret the 'communes' signal differently. For example, in 'choir' mode, if all the cells in the 'commune' are 'populated,' the signal will be at its maximum; if half are 'populated,' the signal will be average, and if none are 'populated,' the signal will be zero, and so on. In 'trigger' mode, if at least one cell in the 'commune' is 'populated,' the signal will be at its maximum, and if no cells are 'populated,' the signal will be zero. Modulations You can modulate the parameters of pitch, panorama, and volume for each oscillator, in addition to thermal voltage, emission coefficient, saturation current, and the ratio of raw and processed signals for the diode clipping effect. Moreover, you can control drive, cutoff frequency, and filter resonance through modulations, along with delay time, delay offset, feedback, and the ratio of raw and processed signals for the echo effect. Oscillators You can select one of the oscillators, choose the waveform with the initial phase, determine whether oscillators are in solo or mute mode, and adjust pitch, panorama, or volume for each of them. Voices Signals from the oscillators are summed up in the voice of each note. You can set the delay before the note starts, adjust note duration, change pitch, and set volume for the sum of all voices. Additionally, you can fine-tune a common envelope. Effects The synthesizer includes a DC saturation effect with the ability to control thermal voltage parameters, emission coefficient, saturation current level, and blend saturated sound with the original. You can also utilize a filter with type, drive, frequency, and resonance parameters. Furthermore, you can incorporate an echo effect with 'dry/wet' and feedback controls, along with delay time and offset adjustments for each channel. Sequencer For the ease of composing melodies and using the synthesizer on stage, utilize a step sequencer with five segments, each containing 16 elements, providing options to add, disable sound, select elements, or clone them. Each element of the sequencer is linked to the keyboard with MPE support, where you can add single notes or chords. Of course, you can control the BPM and tap the metronome to synchronize with other devices. Keyboard This module is designed for playing notes or editing them in selected elements of the sequencer. MIDI-mapper Module that maps Cellular application interface elements to the position of the currently selected target button and assigns them to the most recently modified MIDI controller — a pressed key, button, or moved slider. AUv3 Cellular supports the AUv3 standard, so you can use it with other applications simultaneously. Please note: Some features described above require an active subscription or one-time purchase. For more details, visit our website. Privacy Policy: https://www.valerymironov.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://www.valerymironov.com/terms

About

Gradient Synth

Transform colors into unique sounds with this intuitive music creation app. Designed for beginners and children, it offers a user-friendly interface and powerful features to explore and customize a wide range of audio experiences.

Highlights
  • Preset Generator
  • Color-based sound customization
  • User-friendly interface
  • MIDI keyboard integration
  • Dynamic audio effects
  • Polyphony
Features
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** TRANSFORM COLORS INTO SOUNDS ** Designed with beginners in mind, our app makes exploring music fun and intuitive for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or introducing your child to music, Gradient Synth offers a user-friendly interface and powerful features to help you create and perform unique sounds effortlessly. Now free to download, Gradient Synth invites everyone to explore sound and create at their own pace. ** CREATE YOUR IDEAL SOUND WITH THE NEW PRESET GENERATOR ** Type what you want to hear, and Gradient Synth’s Preset Generator transforms your description into customizable instrument settings. This innovative tool simplifies sound design, allowing you to focus on your creativity without a steep learning curve. Experience the magic of turning your ideas into music with just a few taps. ** EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY ** Explore a wide range of sounds, from calm and soothing to bold and experimental. Customize your tones by changing colors, enhancing both your auditory and visual creative processes. Let your imagination flow seamlessly with Gradient Synth, your gateway to endless musical possibilities. ** HERE IS WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY ** "I believe in Gradient Synth!" - TONY G. "I feel like Mozart." - HANNAH R. "I like to change the colors." - SHEPHERD O., Age 5 ** FEATURES ** Preset Generator & Control • Type your desired sound and let the app create unique instrument settings. • Customize and refine presets to match your style. • Over 50 starter presets to inspire your first creations. • Color picker for personalized sound experiences. • Deep customization editor for perfecting your sounds. User-Friendly Interface • Tap or press the gradient to start making music instantly. • Interactive text display provides real-time feedback and learning. • Simple mode ideal for kids and beginners. Advanced Control • Play up to 4 notes simultaneously with polyphony. • Seamlessly integrate with MIDI keyboards and your favorite DAWs. • Connect wirelessly to Bluetooth MIDI devices. Dynamic Effects • Choose from reverb, delay, saturation, bitcrush, chorus, and low pass filter. • Easily adjust effect settings with XY pad and fader controls. • Add movement and depth with the Tone Animator. ** WHY GRADIENT SYNTH? ** • Innovative Preset Generator: Create and customize sounds effortlessly by describing what you want to hear. • Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those new to music creation, fostering creativity and confidence. • Vibrant Visuals: Enhance your music experience with color-based sound customization. • Comprehensive Features: From basic controls to advanced MIDI compatibility and effects, everything you need to start your musical journey. ** JOIN OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY ** Share your creations with friends and explore endless creative possibilities together. Download Gradient Synth now and begin your musical journey today! If you love our app, please rate us on the App Store—your feedback helps us grow and improve! ** ADDITIONAL FEATURES ** • Customizable display for a personalized setup. • Favorite preset mode for quick access to your top sounds. • Engaging visualizer for an immersive experience. • Overtone fader and ADSR envelope control for precise sound shaping. • Note Editor to adjust the scale of the gradient. • Drag to re-pitch with an easy toggle option. • Note guide overlay for effortless navigation. • Save and name your custom presets. • Left-hand edit mode for enhanced usability. • MIDI CC Control for expanded functionality. • Synesthesia exploration blending visual and auditory creativity. ** GET STARTED TODAY ** Transform your sound design experience with Gradient Synth. Download now and use our Preset Generator to create and perform music like never before! Previous purchases are honored with Lifetime Ownership. Support: http://manual.gradientsynth.com Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Cellular Synthesizer4 screens
Gradient Synth4 screens

Verdict

The call

Cellular Synthesizer and Gradient Synth both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 63% of Gradient Synth's written reviews are positive against 38% of Cellular Synthesizer's. Gradient Synth also leads on ratings volume (54 vs 5). Cellular Synthesizer's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Cellular Synthesizer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Gradient Synth sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Cellular Synthesizer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gradient Synth has 54 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 38% of Cellular Synthesizer's written reviews are positive against 63% of Gradient Synth's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cellular Synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, Gradient Synth monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Cellular Synthesizer versus Gradient Synth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCellular SynthesizerGradient Synth
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (5 ratings) — better4.4 (54 ratings)
Positive reviews37.5% of reviews62.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings554 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperValery MironovApps Are Fun LLC

Customer experience

Cellular Synthesizer

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive37.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative50.0%

Gradient Synth

All ratings54 ratings
Positive85.2%
Neutral1.9%
Negative13.0%
Written reviews24 reviews
Positive62.5%
Neutral4.2%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Cellular Synthesizer

Subscriptions2
  • All Access (1 Month)7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • All Access (1 Year)7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • All Access (Lifetime)$19.99
5 purchases

Gradient Synth

Subscriptions2
  • Gradient Synth Supporter (Yearly)1 Year trial$9.991 Year
  • Unlimited Presets$19.991 Year
One-time3
  • 10 Presets$0.99
  • 75 Presets$4.99
  • Lifetime Unlock$12.99

Questions

Is Cellular Synthesizer free?
Cellular Synthesizer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Gradient Synth free?
Gradient Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Cellular Synthesizer or Gradient Synth?
Cellular Synthesizer is rated higher. Cellular Synthesizer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Gradient Synth averages 4.4 from 54 ratings.
Do Cellular Synthesizer or Gradient Synth have ads?
Neither Cellular Synthesizer nor Gradient Synth shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Cellular Synthesizer or Gradient Synth?
Cellular Synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, and Gradient Synth monthly. Most recently, Cellular Synthesizer was updated on September 9, 2026 and Gradient Synth on September 18, 2026.

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