Hyper Boost vs RetroLab
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Hyper Boost
Enhance your audio with a versatile two-band tone control and a powerful soft clipper. Achieve bold saturation or precise mix adjustments with adjustable clipping algorithms and real-time visualizers. Offers smooth transitions, CPU-saving bypass, and cross-platform compatibility.
- Two-band tone control with tilt filters
- Soft clipper with adjustable drive and ceiling
- Three clipping algorithms (Juicy, Tight, Hardest)
- Real-time curve visualizer
- Morph settings for smooth transitions
- AUv3 plugin and standalone app support
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Simple, but deadly. Hyper Boost combines a two-band tone control with a hard-hitting soft clipper. Use it early in the chain as a bold saturation effect or throw it on late for subtle, precision mix adjustments. A power-up for your sound. Tone Control - Retro-inspired treble and bass tilt filters. Gentle, not surgical - Adjustable center frequency - Three configurations: Pre (EQ before clipper), Post (EQ after clipper), Emphasis (saturate a frequency band while keeping flat response overall) - Output trim Clipper - Drive input up to +36 dB - Adjustable ceiling and edge for precise control over the clipping curve - Three clipping algorithms: - Juicy: reproduces an infamous stock clipper - Tight: adapted from a classic soft-knee limiter - Hardest: loud and brash hardware-style clipping - Real-time curve visualizer with max peak metering Core Features - Morph Settings for smooth transitions between two complete configurations - Auto Bypass saves CPU when input is silent - AB settings comparison - HQ mode with 4x oversampling and ADAA - One-click loudness matching - All parameters automatable with precise playback - Light and dark interface modes - Internal undo/redo - Auto gain - Use your AUv3 plug-in in a compatible host app or DAW - Standalone app includes support, manual links and in-app purchase options for license purchase Two-week trial included, one-time purchase for full unlock. Unlock your plug-in via in-app purchase from the standalone app or activate in the plug-in using an existing desktop license. Your in-app purchase activates the plug-in on all of your iOS devices. Owners can claim a crossgrade code in the standalone app to receive a discount on a desktop license. Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sketchaudio Read the manuals: https://sketchaudio.com/manuals/
RetroLab
This audio effects processor emulates the character of vintage hardware, offering 18 creative modules to add warmth, texture, and unique imperfections to your sound. Shape audio from subtle coloration to full sonic destruction with deep modulation and flexible routing.
- 18 creative effect modules
- Emulates vintage hardware character
- Deep modulation capabilities
- Flexible signal routing
- Real-time visual feedback
- Low CPU performance
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RetroLab is an AUv3 vintage effects processor that blends the character of classic hardware with the flexibility of modern sound design. Inspired by gramophones, tape decks, and worn analog circuits, RetroLab lets you recreate the warmth, instability, and imperfections of vintage recording. From subtle coloration to full sonic destruction, RetroLab is built for experimentation. Shape your sound with a collection of 18 creative modules designed to add movement, texture, and character to any source. Whether you’re adding gentle tape warmth or diving into chaotic modulation, RetroLab gives you complete control over your signal—turning clean audio into something alive, imperfect, and uniquely yours. Modules include: NOISE: Adds authentic analog-style noise, from subtle hiss and hum to heavy vinyl crackle, bringing realism and depth to your signal. GLITCH: Introduces rhythmic interruptions, stutters, and digital instability for unpredictable, broken textures. WOW & FLUTTER: Emulates the pitch instability of aging tape machines, adding movement, drift, and organic modulation. PHASER: A classic modulation effect that adds sweeping, phase-shifted motion—from subtle shimmer to deep, swirling tones. DISTORT (Overdrive / Distortion): From gentle saturation to aggressive distortion, add harmonic richness and grit to your sound. TAPE TRANSPORT: Simulates the mechanical behavior of tape systems–speed changes, slow-downs, dropouts, and transport-style artifacts CRUSHER: Degrades your signal for lo-fi digital character, from vintage sampler tones to harsh digital artifacts. FILTER MORPH: A characterful, vintage-inspired filter that shapes and sculpts your sound with smooth, musical response. From subtle tonal balance to resonant sweeps and driven coloration, it brings the movement and warmth of classic analog circuitry into RetroLab. AIR DELAY: A spatial delay effect that adds depth and atmosphere. ATMOSPHERE: Generates ambient reverberating textures and tonal layers that enhance mood and create immersive sonic environments. TAPE TRANSPORT: Simulates the mechanical behaviour of tape systems, speed changes, slow-downs, dropouts. GATE: Shapes dynamics and rhythm by cutting or sculpting the signal, from tight control to creative gating effects. RESONATOR: A musically-aware feedback resonator that turns any audio into a playable, evolving harmonic instrument. CLOUDSEED: CloudSeed is a dense, modulated algorithmic reverb based on the CloudSeed engine. RetroLab Features * Low CPU Performance – Run all 12 modules simultaneously with full modulation. * Visual Feedback – Instantly see how each module is shaping your sound with responsive, real-time visualisation. * Deep Modulation – Most parameters can be modulated, allowing you to create evolving, expressive sound transformations. * Multiple LFOs – Three independent LFOs with adjustable speed, shape, and depth. * Creative Signal Routing – Combine modules in flexible ways to build anything from subtle warmth to extreme audio destruction. * Tempo-Synced Effects – Time-based modules lock to your host tempo for tight, musical results. * Precision + Chaos – Dial in controlled, musical processing or push into unpredictable, experimental territory. * Macro Knobs – Each module features a dedicated Macro knob for quickly dialing in the amount of effect. * Intensity Control – A single master control blends between dry and fully processed signal. * Macro-Level Workflow – Shape complex multi-effect chains with simple, intuitive controls, perfect for both quick tweaks and deep sound design. * Global Tone Shaping – Refine your sound with built-in high-pass and low-pass filters, tone control, and stereo width adjustment. * Stereo Control – Adjust the width of your signal, from focused mono to wide, immersive stereo textures. * Mix-Ready Output – Easily balance, shape, and place your sound without leaving the plugin. * Restoration - Hiss and Hum removal tools.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Hyper Boost at Free against RetroLab's $7.99. Hyper Boost also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.8). RetroLab's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 6 weeks). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
Hyper Boost is free to download; RetroLab costs $7.99 up front. Hyper Boost sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. RetroLab asks for nothing beyond the download.
Hyper Boost holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 12 respectively.
Hyper Boost ships an update every 6 weeks, RetroLab every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Hyper Boost | RetroLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $7.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | 3.8 (12 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 42.9% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 12 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 6 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 21 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sketch Audio, LLC | 4Pockets.com |
Customer experience
Hyper Boost
RetroLab
In-app purchases
Hyper Boost
- Two-week TrialFree
- Full Unlock$9.99
RetroLab
No in-app purchases









