Cellular Synthesizer vs Zynth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
Zynth
This app transforms your device into an expressive electronic instrument. Create unique soundscapes using touch, tilt, and motion with an intuitive interface. It offers multiple waveforms, built-in effects, and dynamic visualizations.
- Gesture-based sound control
- Multiple waveforms (sine, square, triangle, sawtooth)
- Built-in audio effects (echo, pitch, modulation)
- Dynamic visualization
- Customizable themes
- Beginner-friendly and advanced options
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Transform your device into an expressive electronic instrument that responds to touch, tilt, and motion. Create hypnotic soundscapes with an intuitive interface inspired by the theremin and modern synthesis techniques. Features: - Gesture-based sound control with responsive visual feedback - Multiple waveforms: sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth - Built-in audio effects including echo, pitch, and modulation - Dynamic visualization that moves with your music - Dark and light themes with customizable color palettes - Simple enough for beginners, deep enough for experienced musicians - Create and perform anywhere - no external equipment needed Perfect for: - Musicians seeking a new creative tool - Sound designers and experimenters - Visual artists exploring audio - Anyone interested in music creation Download now and start your sonic journey! This app was my submission to the Swift Student Challenge 2025.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Cellular Synthesizer at 4.6 against Zynth's 3.0. Cellular Synthesizer also leads on review sentiment (36% vs 0%) and ratings volume (5 vs 1). Zynth's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. Cellular Synthesizer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Zynth asks for nothing beyond the download.
Cellular Synthesizer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cellular Synthesizer has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of Cellular Synthesizer's written reviews are positive against 0% of Zynth's.
| Parameter | Cellular Synthesizer | Zynth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (5 ratings) — better | 3.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 36.4% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.3 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 20 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Valery Mironov | Philipp Ollmann |
Customer experience
Cellular Synthesizer
Zynth
In-app purchases
Cellular Synthesizer
- All Access (1 Month)7 Days trial$1.991 Month
- All Access (1 Year)7 Days trial$9.991 Year
- All Access (Lifetime)$19.99
Zynth
No in-app purchases









