Neon vs Elastic OSC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Generative capabilities
- Modifier system
- Metasequencer for pattern chaining
- MIDI Program Change support
- Standalone and AUv3 plugin
- Built-in scales and order modes
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
Neon ships an update every 6 months, Elastic OSC fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Neon | Elastic OSC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 — better | $14.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (29 ratings) — better | 4.7 (41 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 87.5% of reviews | 92.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 29 | 41 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | — | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | — | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 58 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Aaron Meyers | Oliver Greschke (DE) |
Customer experience
Neon
Elastic OSC
In-app purchases
Neon
No in-app purchases
Elastic OSC
- Multi LFOs$3.99
- Unlock MPE for expressive control$4.99









