Sentient Synthesizer vs FIELD KIT Playback Engine
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Sentient Synthesizer
Explore a unique neural network-based music synthesizer. Control learning, sound generation, and modulation through intuitive visual interfaces. Save and recall sonic states with a planet-based timeline.
- Neural network learning system
- Visual sound space representation
- Wavetable synthesis
- Timeline-based memory browsing
- Multiple modulation destinations
- Filter control with drive and resonance
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The controller with the eyes represents the neural network’s learning system. When the eyes are open, the system learns; when they are closed, learning is disabled. A long tap toggles learning on or off. Dragging vertically changes the learning rate, while dragging horizontally controls how strongly the winning neuron influences its neighbors. This influence is shown by the number of open eyes and the width of the pupils. While learning, the neural network visibly `swells`. When a new sound is analyzed, the neuron that best matches it updates its internal representation and `swells` more than the others. Nearby neurons also update, but less strongly, forming a smooth sound space inside the network. Two grids represent the two `hemispheres` of the neural network. Each cell corresponds to a neuron. Tapping a cell selects the neuron whose waveform will be used. An orange dot marks the selected neuron, and the curve above it shows the fragment of waveform stored by that neuron — the wavetable used to generate notes or modulate parameters. The controller with the planets manages memories. Dragging it moves through time and lets you browse stored states. A double tap returns to the present moment. A long tap opens a menu with three actions marked by Russian letters: `С` for save from sohranit, `У` for delete from udalit, and `З` for close from zakryt. The planet interface represents time symbolically. The crescent shadow shows the time of day, the moon’s position indicates the day of the month, and the satellite’s position represents the orbital period of an artificial body similar to the ISS. Below the neural grids are six synthesis sections. The first is marked with the Russian letter `Г`, from generator, and selects the oscillator waveform. Two sliders control the fundamental frequency and volume. The remaining sections provide modulation. Sliders control depth and rate, while letters indicate the destination parameter: `П` pitch from podstroika, `П` pan from panorama, `Д` drive from drive, `Ч` filter frequency from chastota, and `Р` resonance from rezonans. The slider with stars controls the filter. Dragging horizontally selects the filter type, while dragging vertically adjusts drive. The area to the right controls filter frequency and resonance. At the bottom of the interface is a keyboard of eight keys represented by Lissajous figures — curves created by combining two harmonic oscillations. Each figure corresponds to a note. Above the keys are two buttons: `У` hold from uderzhanie and `П` tuning from podstroika.
FIELD KIT Playback Engine
Transform audio recordings into evolving textures, rhythms, and atmospheres. Create up to four independent playback windows with customizable speed, direction, and effects. Explore new sonic material from your recordings.
- Up to four independent playback windows
- Variable playback speed and direction
- Drive and filtering per window
- Routable modulation sources
- Save and recall .fieldkit files
- Standalone app and AUv3 Audio Unit
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FIELD KIT is an audio playback instrument built for turning recorded sound into evolving texture, rhythm, and atmosphere. Load an audio file and create up to four independent playback windows across the recording. Each window can move through a different section of the source with its own playback speed, direction, crossfade, drive, filtering, level, and pan. Use FIELD KIT to pull overlapping textures from long field recordings, transform environmental sound into ambient beds, create asynchronous loops, or find entirely new material hidden inside a recording. Three modulation sources can be routed independently across the playback windows, allowing parameters to drift, pulse, and evolve over time. Features include: - Up to four independent playback windows - Forward, reverse, and ping-pong playback - Variable playback speed - Adjustable loop crossfade - Drive and filtering per window - Independent level and pan controls - Three routable modulation sources - SPLICE for working with multiple audio sources - Save and recall .fieldkit files to share across platforms - Internal recording in Standalone mode - Standalone app and AUv3 Audio Unit - Host transport support in compatible AUv3 hosts FIELD KIT was designed around a simple idea: a recording doesn't have to be played from beginning to end. It can be a place to explore.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: FIELD KIT Playback Engine at 4.6 against Sentient Synthesizer's 4.2. FIELD KIT Playback Engine also leads on chart position (#178 vs unranked). Sentient Synthesizer's advantage is price ($4.99 vs $9.99). 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
Sentient Synthesizer costs $4.99 and FIELD KIT Playback Engine $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
FIELD KIT Playback Engine holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 5 respectively.
| Parameter | Sentient Synthesizer | FIELD KIT Playback Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 — better | $9.99 |
| Rating | 4.2 (5 ratings) | 4.6 (5 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 80.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 5 |
| Update frequency | — | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #178 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 164 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Valery Mironov | Field Tone Audio, LLC |
Customer experience
Sentient Synthesizer
FIELD KIT Playback Engine
In-app purchases
Sentient Synthesizer
No in-app purchases
FIELD KIT Playback Engine
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Sentient Synthesizer free?
Is FIELD KIT Playback Engine free?
Which has better reviews, Sentient Synthesizer or FIELD KIT Playback Engine?
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