StringLab vs Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
StringLab
This app is a digital synthesizer that uses physical string modeling to recreate the sounds of various instruments, particularly plucked or hammered strings. It allows users to explore acoustic physics and create unique instrument textures through extensive parameter experimentation.
- Karplus-Strong physical modeling
- Exciter Impact and Noise modes
- Resonator objects with feedback
- Frequency Dispersion support
- External live input
- Preset randomizer and manager
- Drag & Drop preset export
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StringLab is a physical string modeling synthesizer based on Karplus-Strong theory. It is capable of reproducing the sounds of many different types of instruments, but is especially useful in the reproduction of hammered or plucked strings and other types of percussive instruments. It works by passing carefully crafted waveforms and short bursts of white noise through a series of tuned delay lines. The delay lines have an internal feedback loop with a series of filters to mimic the natural decay of harmonics found in a real instrument. StringLab allows you to discover the character of real-world accoustics, exploring the physics of how materials interact. Many new and original textures are born out of experimenting with the settings, so don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique and dynamic instruments. Features •Karplus Strong based physical modeling. •Exciter Impact with multiple modes. •Exciter Noise with many envelope driven filters. •2 resonator objects with feedback. •8 bands per object with inversion. •4 Coupling modes. •Supports Frequency Dispersion. •Feedback low/high Damping. •Per object Body Filter. •Pitch Deformity. •External live input mode. •Preset randomiser. •Build it Preset Manager & Favourites. •Search Presets. •Drag & Drop preset export of presets. •Supports Color Sets.
Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3
Transform your device into a professional string instrument with a wide array of articulations and textures. Explore and shape sounds using an intuitive touch interface, or integrate it into your favorite music production software.
- Interactive Morphpad for sound blending
- Nine sampled string articulations
- Standalone and AUv3 plugin compatibility
- Extensive MIDI connectivity
- Built-in arpeggiator
- EQ, reverb, and delay effects
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Pure Strings is an inspiring professional iOS app that allows musicians to transform their iPhone or iPad into a richly expressive string instrument. With nine expertly sampled articulations and textures, it offers a wide range of string ensemble options. At its core is the Morphpad, a touch-sensitive interface that allows seamless blending and shaping of sounds. Simply slide your finger to explore and morph through a variety of string sounds and effects. Pure Strings combines the high-quality sound typically associated with desktop virtual instruments with the intuitive, tactile experience of mobile devices, delivering an expressive, versatile and responsive instrument. Pure Strings responds fluidly to your creative impulses. Swipe across the Morphpad to blend, mix and layer string tones with simple finger movements. Whether you're exploring classic sounds or venturing into modern sonic landscapes, the app provides a large variety of strings sounds, including sustain, pizzicato, staccato, harmonics, trills and tremolo articulations, as well as string machine, synth and vintage tape string sounds. Pure Strings lets you access the full dynamic range - from soft piano to bold fortissimo - not only through keyboard velocity, but also through the Dynamics Strip next to the Morphpad, Mod Wheel or automation. In addition, the built-in arpeggiator transforms chords played with short articulations into synchronised arpeggios that follow your host tempo, adding an extra dimension of musical expression. Customise your sound with control over attack and release time, or shape your tone with the Con Sordino button, which softens the sound to create a uniquely mellow and emotional atmosphere, replicating the effect of a mute used by string players. To further enhance your sound design options, Pure Strings includes a versatile EQ, high-quality reverb and a delay effect that syncs to the host tempo. These effects morph seamlessly as you explore the Morphpad, but they can also be set as master effects by disabling the Morphpad control, giving you even more flexibility in sound design. Pure Strings works as a standalone app or as an AUv3 plug-in within your favourite iOS DAW. Whether you want to open the app in standalone mode using USB, standard MIDI, network or Bluetooth MIDI connections, or integrate it as an AUv3 plug-in into music apps such as Logic Pro, GarageBand or Cubasis, Pure Strings offers connectivity and integration across a wide range of workflows. Feature Overview: • Interactive Morphpad - morph, blend and mix string sounds with simple finger movements • Nine different sounds - navigate between nine core string sounds: sustain, pizzicato, staccato, harmonics, trill, tremolo, string machine, synth, vintage tape string • Extensive Connectivity - Connect via USB, direct or Bluetooth MIDI, Inter Device Audio (IDAM), Network MIDI • Standalone and AUv3 plug-in compatible - Plug and play or use within your favourite music production software • Multiple dynamics control options: velocity, on screen dynamics strip, modwheel, automation • Arpeggiator for short articulations - transforms chords into synchronised arpeggios that follow your host tempo • Con Sordino button - soften the sound to create a mellow and emotional atmosphere, replicating the effect of a mute used by string players • Zynaptiq QREV Reverb - Add extra atmosphere and depth to your sound • 3-Band EQ and Delay - Get creative with customisable EQ and temposynced Delay effects • Attack and release envelope control • Studio Quality Audio at Ultra-low Latency • Save and Load Your Own Presets - Wherever you land on the Morph Pad, if you like the sound you hear – save it and recall it again later • Customisable velocity curve • Transposition and tuning options • 24-bit, 44.1 kHz • 905MB installation
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: StringLab at $14.99 against Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3's $29.99. StringLab also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16). Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (70% vs 57%). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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
StringLab costs $14.99 and Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3 $29.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 52 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of StringLab's written reviews are positive against 70% of Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3's.
StringLab ships an update every 10 days, Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3 every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | StringLab | Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 — better | $29.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (14 ratings) | 4.8 (52 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | 69.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 14 | 52 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 45 MB | 878 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 4Pockets.com | e-instruments lab GmbH |
Customer experience
StringLab
Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3
In-app purchases
StringLab
No in-app purchases
Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is StringLab free?
Is Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3 free?
Which has better reviews, StringLab or Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3?
Do StringLab or Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3 have ads?
Which is updated more often, StringLab or Pure Strings Instrument & AUv3?
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