Comparison

Relic Waves vs Kalimba Keys

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

Head to head
About

Relic Waves

Generate unique Lo-Fi sounds, pads, and effects using advanced synthesis algorithms. Explore billions of sonic possibilities with intuitive controls and real-time recording. Perfect for musicians and sound designers seeking experimental audio.

Highlights
  • Billions of unique Lo-Fi sounds
  • Random sound generation with search
  • Multiple keyboard input options
  • Real-time audio recording to WAV
  • Export to WAV, SunVox, and clipboard
  • MIDI control and processing
  • iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3)
Features
Read full description

Relic Waves is a generator of Lo-Fi noises, pads and effects based on unique synthesis algorithms from NightRadio. More than 4 billion samples from the depths of the Mathematical Universe! Features: * search for new sounds with three buttons: next random set, edit code, previous set; each set of 12 sounds corresponds to a code of 8 characters; * three types of keyboards for live performing: on-screen buttons, PC keyboard, MIDI input; * several processing parameters + control via MIDI; * real-time audio recording to WAV (32-bit); * export to: WAV (one file or a set), SunVox (samples + effects in one file), text clipboard; * the LCK button freezes individual samples - they will not change during the search for new sets; * iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3). Double clicking on a parameter opens a window for setting the exact value. If you enable the Hold option, the notes will play endlessly, without reacting to key release (noteOff) events; turning the note on again works like turning it off; there are two ways to enable this option: 1) using the Hold parameter in the "MIDI Mapping" window; 2) by pressing the HOLD button, which appears in place of LCK while playing the musical keyboard: press HOLD, release the desired notes - then the released notes will continue to play.

About

Kalimba Keys

This app offers a realistic and expressive Kalimba instrument experience with studio-quality sound. It features detailed sampling, a variety of built-in effects, and cross-platform preset management for seamless creativity.

Highlights
  • Individually-sampled Kalimba notes
  • Multiple Kalimba sound variations
  • Modulation and Space & Time FX
  • Adjustable effects order
  • 35 included presets
  • Cross-platform preset sharing
  • Standalone app and AUv3 compatibility
Features
Read full description

Kalimba Keys is your gateway to expressive Kalimba sounds. Experience the richness of Kalimba Keys, the go-to Kalimba instrument app that brings studio-quality sound to your fingertips. Immerse yourself in authenticity with round robin and per-key sampling, allowing for genuine and nuanced playback. Elevate your compositions with essential effects, including tape-style delay, powerful stereo reverb, and versatile modulation FX (Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, Auto Pan). Unlock the simplicity of creativity as you save and load configurations with cross-platform presets, ensuring seamless compatibility across sessions. Enjoy the freedom of full automation control, sculpting your ideal sound effortlessly. AUv3 compatible for use with your favorite host apps like Cubasis, GarageBand, AUM, & more! Explore the world of expressive Kalimba Keys – where simplicity meets precision. Features - Individually-sampled Kalimba notes - 4X Kalimba Sounds (Original, Classic, Large, & Small) - Modulation Multi-FX: Multiple FX section with 6 modes including Chorus, Flanger, Phase, Vibrato, Tremolo, Auto Pan - Space & Time FX: Further customize your sounds with natural reverb and tape-style delay effects - Effects Pre/Post Mode: Space & Time and Modulation effects orders can be swapped. - 35 Presets include for instant playability and inspiration - Cross-platform support: presets can be shared between iOS and macOS & Windows - Preset Manager included for saving, editing, and loading different presets - Standalone app and AUv3 included

Screenshots

Relic Waves1 screens
Kalimba Keys3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Relic Waves at $1.99 against Kalimba Keys's $4.99. Relic Waves also leads on ratings volume (43 vs 14). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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

Relic Waves costs $1.99 and Kalimba Keys $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Relic Waves against 5.0 for Kalimba Keys. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 43 and 14 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Relic Waves ships an update every 11 months, Kalimba Keys every 6 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Relic Waves versus Kalimba Keys: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRelic WavesKalimba Keys
Price$1.99 — better$4.99
Rating5.0 (43 ratings)5.0 (14 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings43 — better14
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsEvery 6 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB112 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlexander ZolotovOSC Audio

Customer experience

Relic Waves

All ratings42 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews22 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Kalimba Keys

All ratings14 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Relic Waves

No in-app purchases

None

Kalimba Keys

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Relic Waves free?
Relic Waves costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Kalimba Keys free?
Kalimba Keys costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Relic Waves or Kalimba Keys?
Kalimba Keys is rated higher. Relic Waves averages 5.0 out of 5 from 43 ratings, while Kalimba Keys averages 5.0 from 14 ratings.
Do Relic Waves or Kalimba Keys have ads?
Neither Relic Waves nor Kalimba Keys shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Relic Waves or Kalimba Keys?
Relic Waves ships an update every 11 months, and Kalimba Keys every 6 months. Most recently, Relic Waves was updated on October 24, 2026 and Kalimba Keys on October 24, 2026.

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