Comparison

Solderbox vs TV3

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

About

TV3

Create iconic acid basslines with this powerful yet user-friendly synthesizer. Features dual oscillators, a resonant low-pass filter, versatile distortion, and a pattern generator for endless musical possibilities.

Highlights
  • Dual Oscillators (Square/Sawtooth)
  • 24 dB/oct Low-Pass Filter
  • Envelope Controls
  • Versatile Distortion Modes
  • Quick Sound Randomization
  • Pattern Generator & Editor
  • MIDI Export
Read full description

Introducing TV3 - Acid Synth, the swiftest acid bassline synth. Inspired by the legendary TB-303, TV3 combines a user-friendly interface with handy features to fast-track your acid jams. Key Features: - Dual Oscillators: Main and Sub oscillators with selectable Square and Sawtooth waveforms. - 24 dB/oct Low-Pass Filter: Resonant, non-self oscillating filter with adjustable cutoff and resonance controls. - Envelope Controls: Fine-tune your sound with parameters for accent, decay and envelope modulation. - Versatile Distortion: Add character to your basslines four distinct modes—Saturation, Saturated Wavefolding, Fuzz, and Nock. - Quick Randomization: Tap on Acid Boy for total sound randomization - Pattern Generator: Instant generation of endless patterns with adjustable complexity, length, scale, and key. - Pattern Editor: edit your generated sequences with pitch, accent, gate and slide controls. - MIDI Export: Export your patterns as MIDI files. TV3 offers a simple and fun workflow to help you produce iconic acid sounds on your iOS device. Download TV3 Acid Synth today and unleash the power of acid basslines at your fingertips.

Screenshots

Solderbox3 screens
TV34 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: TV3 at $6.99 against Solderbox's $12.99. Solderbox's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13 vs 17.0). On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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

Solderbox costs $12.99 and TV3 $6.99 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 Solderbox against 4.9 for TV3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27 and 13 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 90% of Solderbox's written reviews are positive against 83% of TV3's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Solderbox ships an update every 6 weeks, TV3 every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Solderbox versus TV3: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSolderboxTV3
Price$12.99$6.99 — better
Rating5.0 (27 ratings) — better4.9 (13 ratings)
Positive reviews90.0% of reviews — better83.3% of reviews
Number of ratings27 — better13
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB220 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBram BosImaginando Lda

Customer experience

Solderbox

All ratings27 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%

TV3

All ratings12 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

None

Solderbox

No in-app purchases

None

TV3

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Solderbox free?
Solderbox costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is TV3 free?
TV3 costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Solderbox or TV3?
Solderbox is rated higher. Solderbox averages 5.0 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while TV3 averages 4.9 from 13 ratings.
Do Solderbox or TV3 have ads?
Neither Solderbox nor TV3 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Solderbox or TV3?
Solderbox ships an update every 6 weeks, and TV3 every 2 months. Most recently, Solderbox was updated on November 4, 2026 and TV3 on November 4, 2026.

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