Comparison

Neon vs Elastic OSC

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

Head to head
About

Neon

This app is a powerful MIDI step sequencer offering extensive generative features. It allows for complex sequence chaining and external state switching via MIDI. It functions as a standalone application or an AUv3 plugin.

Highlights
  • Generative capabilities
  • Modifier system
  • Metasequencer for pattern chaining
  • MIDI Program Change support
  • Standalone and AUv3 plugin
  • Built-in scales and order modes
Read full description

Neon is a step sequencer with expansive generative capabilities. Features: • runs as standalone or auv3 plugin • sophisticated Modifier system adds numerous generative possibilities • built-in Metasequencer lets you chain patterns to build complex sequences • switch States from an external source using MIDI Program Changes • responsive UI that adapts to different window sizes • wide selection of built-in scales and order modes  Please note: Neon is strictly a MIDI sequencer and does not produce any sound on its own.

About

Elastic OSC

This synthesizer app offers a vast range of sounds inspired by a popular hardware module. It features 24 distinct oscillator models, intuitive XY pads for sound manipulation, and a versatile arpeggiator. Play it with an on-screen or external keyboard for monophonic or polyphonic sound design.

Highlights
  • 24 distinct sound engines based on Plaits DSP
  • Intuitive XY pads for sound manipulation
  • Versatile arpeggiator with multiple modes
  • Integrated help system for all features
  • DX7 bank and wavetable import
  • 5 master effects with automations
Features
Read full description

Elastic OSC is a synthesizer app based on the DSP code of the Mutable Instruments Plaits hardware oscillator module, one of the most beloved (and cloned) oscillator modules in the Eurorack modular scene! Like the original, Elastic OSC comes with a wide variety of possible sounds, from analog-style, FM, and additive sounds to physical modeling, percussive, and even drum sounds. Elastic OSC can be used in both monophonic and 8-voice polyphonic modes. You can play the app using the (on-screen) keyboard or an external keyboard or sequencer inside your DAW of choice. The app focuses on ease of use, featuring two XY pads for intuitive sound manipulation of the OSC engine and the effects. Despite the simplicity of the cleaned-up interface, the sound possibilities are vast – thanks to 24 different oscillator models and the ability to automate parameter changes, as it is possible in all Elastic apps released so far. A versatile Arpeggiator makes it easy to start with simple ideas or can already create entire sonic worlds. Elastic OSC includes an integrated help system (tap “?”) to provide explanations for nearly every GUI element, the underlying DSP model, and most of the app’s functionality. CDM: "Elastic OSC becomes a must on iOS. It’s fun to use as an instrument in your iPad DAW of choice." SYNTH ANATOMY: "Takes the Mutable Instruments (Plaits) algorithms on a wild trip. A nearly perfect app." ROBERT LIPPOK: "Elastic OSC is incredibly fun to work with from the very first minute. The GUI is really well thought out and has 24 integrated synthesis models, as well as the ability to load DX7 sound banks. Omg, so good." --- FEATURES --- SYNTHESIZER – 24 different Sound Engines from MI Plaits DSP code – 4 main parameters per synth engine (Frequency, Harmonics, Morph, Harmo) – Recordable Modulations/Automations for almost all Parameters with a length of 1, 2 or 4 beats. – ADSR Envelope for Amplifier – LPG Envelope for Modulations of Timbre, FM, Harmonics – Adjustable Velocity effect on Volume and/or LPG Modulation – DX7 Bank and Wavetable Import ARPEGGIATOR With different Arp Modes, Rates, Octave Ranges and Skip Notes functionality MASTER FX – 5 effects (5 different Overdrive/Distortions, Hi-Low-Filter, Chorus/Flanger, Delay, Reverb) – Automations for all effects parameters – Master Gain and switchable Limiter effect SYNTH ENGINES - Virtual Analog - Waveshaping - 2 OP FM - Granular Formant - Additive - Wavetable - Chords - Speech - Granular Cloud - Filtered Noise - Particle Noise - String Model - Modal Resonator - Bass Drum - Snare Drum - Hi-Hat - Virt. Analog VCF - Phase Distortion - 6 OP FM 1 - 6 OP FM 2 - 6 OP FM 3 - Wave Terrain - String Machine - Chiptune —————— LFOs LFO 1 is for free, while three additional LFOs can be unlocked via In-App Purchase. LFO MODULATION TARGETS • Frequency Amount • Timbre Amount • Morph Amount • Harmonics Amount • Filter Amount • Pan Amount LFO MIX The MIX view enables you to blend multiple LFOs and define how strongly each active LFO influences a target parameter. The closer a target is placed to an LFO corner, the stronger its influence. All active LFOs always sum up to 100% (e.g. LFO1 50%, LFO2 30%, LFO3 20%).

Screenshots

Elastic OSC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Neon at $4.99 against Elastic OSC's $14.99. Neon also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2). Elastic OSC's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months) and device support. On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume 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

Neon costs $4.99 and Elastic OSC $14.99 up front. Elastic OSC sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Neon asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Neon against 4.7 for Elastic OSC. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 29 and 41 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of Neon's written reviews are positive against 92% of Elastic OSC's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Neon ships an update every 6 months, Elastic OSC fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Neon versus Elastic OSC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNeonElastic OSC
Price$4.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.8 (29 ratings) — better4.7 (41 ratings)
Positive reviews87.5% of reviews92.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2941 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsFortnightly — better
Ads—No
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidPaid
Devices—iPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAaron MeyersOliver Greschke (DE)

Customer experience

Neon

Written reviews24 reviews
Positive87.5%
Neutral4.2%
Negative8.3%

Elastic OSC

All ratings39 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral2.6%
Negative5.1%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive92.3%
Neutral3.8%
Negative3.8%

In-app purchases

None

Neon

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Elastic OSC

One-time2
  • Multi LFOs$3.99
  • Unlock MPE for expressive control$4.99

Questions

Is Neon free?
Neon costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Elastic OSC free?
Elastic OSC costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Neon or Elastic OSC?
Neon is rated higher. Neon averages 4.8 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while Elastic OSC averages 4.7 from 41 ratings.
Which is updated more often, Neon or Elastic OSC?
Neon ships an update every 6 months, and Elastic OSC fortnightly. Most recently, Neon was updated on October 16, 2026 and Elastic OSC on October 21, 2026.

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