Comparison

Cellular Synthesizer vs Guitabs

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

Guitabs

Features
Read full description

Ditch the messy binders and confusing group chats. Guitabs is the modern songbook designed for the gigging musician and the bedroom guitarist. Whether you are practicing solo or jamming with your band, Guitabs keeps your music organized, accessible, and beautiful. COLLABORATE WITH YOUR BAND Stop texting PDF files back and forth. Create a Shared Setlist, send an invite code to your bandmates, and keep everyone in sync. When you add a song or change the order, it updates on everyone’s device instantly. HANDS-FREE PERFORMANCE Never stop playing to swipe the screen. The built-in Auto-Scroll feature moves the lyrics and chords at your pace. Pause simply by touching the screen, and resume automatically when you let go. SMART IMPORT Find songs on the web using the built-in browser or paste from your clipboard. Guitabs automatically detects chords, lyrics, and artist information, formatting them into a clean, readable view. BEAUTIFUL & MODERN Experience a stunning interface with frosted glass elements, dynamic artist backgrounds, and full Dark Mode support. Your chords have never looked this good. KEY FEATURES: Personal & Shared Tabs: Keep your private practice songs separate from your band's gig list. Chord Pro Formatting: clear, monospaced font ensures your chords stay exactly where they belong over the lyrics. Capo Support: Save capo positions for every song so you never forget the key. Notes: Add personal performance notes or amp settings to any track. Instant Search: Find any song in your library in seconds. Download Guitabs today and focus on what matters: the music.

Screenshots

Cellular Synthesizer4 screens
Guitabs4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Cellular Synthesizer at Free against Guitabs's $1.99. Cellular Synthesizer also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Guitabs's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Cellular Synthesizer is free to download; Guitabs costs $1.99 up front. Cellular Synthesizer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Guitabs asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cellular Synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, Guitabs monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Cellular Synthesizer versus Guitabs: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCellular SynthesizerGuitabs
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating4.6 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews36.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB35 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperValery MironovSeaStack

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
None

Guitabs

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Cellular Synthesizer free?
Cellular Synthesizer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Guitabs free?
Guitabs costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Cellular Synthesizer or Guitabs have ads?
Neither Cellular Synthesizer nor Guitabs shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Cellular Synthesizer or Guitabs?
Cellular Synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, and Guitabs monthly. Most recently, Cellular Synthesizer was updated on October 24, 2026 and Guitabs on October 26, 2026.

Other comparisons