Comparison

Cab ML vs RetroSFX

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

Head to head
About

Cab ML

This app generates custom impulse responses using a neural network, allowing interactive sound shaping. It also includes a poweramp and microphone reverb generator for further audio manipulation.

Highlights
  • Neural network impulse response generation
  • Interactive tag-based sound shaping
  • Poweramp with multiple options
  • Microphone reverb generator
  • AUv3 plugin support
Features
Read full description

Cab ML is both a standalone app and an AUv3 plugin that provides a neural network for impulse response generation. By moving tags in a window you can change the impulse response in an interactive way. Underlying a neural network will generate an impulse response based on the position of the tags. Instead of trying out all your impulse response files through a classic impulse response loader, you can now find the right sound interactively by moving the marks until you like what you hear. Furthermore Cab ML also provides a poweramp with many options and a microphone reverb generator. The free version allows you to test Cab ML completely, but every minute the plugin will be silent for 3 seconds. To remove these limits there is a one time in-app purchase. You need an audio interface to connect your instrument to your Mac. Known audio interface brands for guitar or bass are for instance Focusrite or iRig. If you don't have an audio interface, you can use the AUv3 plugin in a DAW such as GarageBand or Logic Pro. Any (guitar/bass) sound you have recorded can be fed through the Cab ML audio unit.

About

RetroSFX

Read full description

RetroSFX is a powerful and easy‑to‑use tool for creating retro‑style sound effects. Whether you’re a game developer, content creator, or simply a fan of classic audio, this app gives you everything you need to generate unique SFX with a single tap.

Screenshots

Cab ML4 screens
RetroSFX3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Cab ML at Free against RetroSFX's $0.99. Cab ML also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 weeks) and device support. RetroSFX's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On iOS requirement 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

Cab ML is free to download; RetroSFX costs $0.99 up front. Cab ML sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. RetroSFX asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cab ML ships an update every 3 weeks, RetroSFX every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Cab ML versus RetroSFX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCab MLRetroSFX
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNo—
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better—
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size63 MB133 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJan MaesAli Taleb

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Cab ML

One-time1
  • Cab ML Activation$11.99
None

RetroSFX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Cab ML free?
Cab ML is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is RetroSFX free?
RetroSFX costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which is updated more often, Cab ML or RetroSFX?
Cab ML ships an update every 3 weeks, and RetroSFX every 5 weeks. Most recently, Cab ML was updated on September 27, 2026 and RetroSFX on September 12, 2026.

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