Comparison

Cellular Synthesizer vs Synthesizer Sim

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
Read full description

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

Synthesizer Sim

This app transforms your device into a versatile music creation studio, offering a responsive synth keyboard and advanced sound design tools. Explore a wide range of sounds, record your performances, and share your music instantly. It supports MIDI input and includes rhythm tools for practice and live performance.

Highlights
  • Responsive synth keyboard
  • Advanced sound design engine
  • Built-in effects and modulation
  • MIDI keyboard support
  • Rhythm accompaniment and metronome
  • Performance recording and sharing
Read full description

Turn your iPhone or iPad into an expressive synthesizer. Shape original sounds, play with touch or an external MIDI controller, and capture performances for later playback or WAV sharing. SYNTHESIZE YOUR SOUND • Three oscillators plus a sub oscillator • Six waveforms, unison, detune, mixer and stereo pan controls • Amp and filter envelopes with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch modes • Distortion, EQ, chorus, delay and reverb • Two LFOs for pitch, amplitude and filter modulation PLAY AND CONTROL • Responsive keyboard with velocity, sustain, pitch bend and transpose • Poly, mono and legato voice modes with glide • USB, Bluetooth and network MIDI input • MIDI note, velocity, pitch bend and common controller support PRESETS AND TUNING • 96 factory presets for pads, leads, basses and more • Save your own User presets • Western, world and makam scales • Adjustable root, A4 reference and per-note cent offsets • Save custom User tunings RECORD AND SHARE • Record synth performances without microphone access • Replay saved performances with their sound and tuning settings • Export and share recordings as WAV files FREE AND PREMIUM The free version includes 10 factory presets, up to three User presets and tunings, one saved performance, and optional rewarded access to additional sounds. It may display ads. Premium removes ads and unlocks all 96 factory presets, unlimited User presets and tunings, and unlimited saved performances. Choose a monthly or yearly auto-renewing subscription, or a one-time lifetime purchase. Purchases are managed through your App Store account and can be restored in the app. Terms of Use: https://alyakastudio.com/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://alyakastudio.com/privacy-policy/

Screenshots

Cellular Synthesizer4 screens
Synthesizer Sim4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Cellular Synthesizer at none against Synthesizer Sim's shown. Cellular Synthesizer also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Synthesizer Sim's advantage is ratings volume (15 vs 5). On price, update cadence, 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

Both are free to download. Cellular Synthesizer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Synthesizer Sim sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. 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 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 15 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cellular Synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, Synthesizer Sim every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Cellular Synthesizer versus Synthesizer Sim: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCellular SynthesizerSynthesizer Sim
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (5 ratings) — better4.3 (15 ratings)
Positive reviews36.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings515 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperValery MironovAlper Kahriman

Customer experience

Cellular Synthesizer

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive36.4%
Neutral9.1%
Negative54.5%

Synthesizer Sim

All ratings15 ratings
Positive73.3%
Neutral13.3%
Negative13.3%

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
3 purchases

Synthesizer Sim

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$29.99

Questions

Is Cellular Synthesizer free?
Cellular Synthesizer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Synthesizer Sim free?
Synthesizer Sim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Cellular Synthesizer or Synthesizer Sim?
Cellular Synthesizer is rated higher. Cellular Synthesizer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Synthesizer Sim averages 4.3 from 15 ratings.
Do Cellular Synthesizer or Synthesizer Sim have ads?
Synthesizer Sim shows ads; Cellular Synthesizer does not.
Which is updated more often, Cellular Synthesizer or Synthesizer Sim?
Cellular Synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, and Synthesizer Sim every 3 months. Most recently, Cellular Synthesizer was updated on October 24, 2026 and Synthesizer Sim on October 24, 2026.

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