Solderbox vs ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Solderbox
This app is a compact, semi-modular synthesizer designed for generative music creation. It offers a comprehensive set of modular functions, aiming for analog-like sound and behavior with unique digital effects and an 'Instability Engine' for organic fluctuations.
- Generative synthesis tools
- Analog-like sound emulation
- Instability Engine for organic fluctuations
- Audio Unit (AUv3) compatibility
- Built-in Pulsequencer melody generator
- Multiple filter modes
- Stackable patch cables
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Solderbox is a compact semimodular synthesizer, made in collaboration with Jakob Haq. It is heavily based on Jakob's own modular rack design (which features a lot of modules made by hand). The app is designed to offer a set of modular functions that is both comprehensive and eclectic, including several tools for generative synthesis, random signals and the surgical mangling of audio waves and modulation signals. A lot of effort went into making everything sound and behave as analog as digitally possible (with the exception of the unashamedly digital Entropy lo-fi effect processor). Additionally, the built-in Instability Engine injects the subtle fluctuations simulating the effects of crosstalk, leaky signals and expired electrical components. This is a living instrument with a soul of its own. - Full Audio Unit compatibility (AUv3 instrument, audio effect) - Universal design (iPhone, iPad, MacOS AUv3) - Built-in Pulsequencer (LFO-based generative melody generator with custom scales) - 4 mode Low-pass filter (6, 12, 18, 24 dB) - 3 voice polyphony - Drone mode - Stackable patch cables - DIY Lo-Fi digital delay circuit emulation - All synth settings exposed a AU Parameters (for automation and MIDI learning in your host of choice) Find the user manual on ruismaker.com
ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX
This app brings the tactile experience of vinyl scratching to your device. It offers a realistic UI, the ability to scratch live audio or samples, and advanced features like LFO automation and AUv3 integration for professional sound design.
- Vinyl-like UI with speed fader
- Scratch live audio or loaded samples
- Customizable crossfader with MIDI control
- Automated scratches with LFO
- 3-second audio recording and looping
- AUv3 plugin support
- Low-pass filter for sound design
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ScratchBud makes it easy to bring the feel of vinyl scratching to your iOS or Apple Silicon device. Whether you’re a DJ, producer, or just love experimenting with sound, ScratchBud has everything you need to start scratching. Key Features: Vinyl-Like UI: Intuitive interface mimics a real DJ turntable, complete with adjustable speed fader and motor controls. Scratch Anything: Use live audio input, a loaded sample file, or the included classic “aaah” and “fresh” samples. Customizable Crossfader: Seamlessly blend between the audio input source and FX output, with MIDI note control options. Auto Scratch with LFO: Automate scratches with adjustable LFO parameters, including rate, amount, waveform, and DAW tempo sync. Advanced Recording Options: Capture, loop, and scratch up to 3 seconds of audio, with configurable recording behaviors. AUv3 Integration: Full support for AUv3 hosts, exposing all parameters for MIDI CC control and automation. Professional Sound Design: Refine your scratch sound with built-in low-pass filter controls for cutoff and resonance. Start scratching immediately with included classic samples or load your own. ScratchBud works as a standalone app or an AUv3 plugin, making it a versatile tool for your studio or live performances.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX at $5.99 against Solderbox's $12.99. ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 6 weeks). Solderbox's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (90% vs 67%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases 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
Solderbox costs $12.99 and ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Solderbox holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Solderbox's written reviews are positive against 67% of ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX's.
Solderbox ships an update every 6 weeks, ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Solderbox | ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | $5.99 — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (27 ratings) — better | 4.6 (16 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews — better | 66.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 27 — better | 16 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Bram Bos | Cem Olcay |
Customer experience
Solderbox
ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX
In-app purchases
Solderbox
No in-app purchases
ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Solderbox free?
Is ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX free?
Which has better reviews, Solderbox or ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX?
Do Solderbox or ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX have ads?
Which is updated more often, Solderbox or ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX?
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