GrainHeads vs Evil Otto
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GrainHeads
Transform any sound into unique textures and evolving sonic landscapes. This granular synthesizer offers deep control over individual sound grains, complex modulation, and a powerful step sequencer for experimental music creation.
- Multi-source granular engine
- Shape individual grains with envelopes
- Summing modulation matrix
- Step sequencer with parameter lanes
- Macros for expressive control
- Re-routable effects chain
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GrainHeads is a granular synthesizer that turns any sound into something entirely new. Built for sound designers, musicians, and experimental producers who want deep, hands-on control over texture and motion. Multi-source granular engine Load material into four sample slots and deploy independent playheads — each targeting its own source. Blend, crossfade, or dynamically switch between samples using modulation. The result: rich, multi-layered textures that evolve continuously without repetition. Shape every grain Each playhead carries a full set of granular parameters — position, scan speed, grain size, pitch, chance — plus a drawable grain envelope. Sculpt transient character using splinter or Bézier curves for anything from soft clouds to sharp, percussive fragments. Modulate everything, from everywhere A summing modulation matrix lets multiple sources target the same parameter simultaneously. Assign LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer lanes to virtually any control — including sample slot selection, filter cutoff, and even other LFOs. Filter envelopes add per-step timbral motion in Sequencer mode. Sequencer with parameter lanes Go beyond note patterns. The step sequencer locks any parameter per step — pitch, position, filter, grain size — with polyrhythmic lengths and clock divisions. Each playhead runs its own sequence independently. Macros for expressive control Four macro axes map multiple parameters to simple X/Y gestures — Time Smear, Spatial Bloom, Degradation, Complexity. Combined with the 4-finger 2D touch pad controlling up to 8 parameters, GrainHeads becomes a performance instrument. Effects that reshape the signal A re-routable effects chain includes delay, reverb, lo-fi degradation, and filtering — with adjustable signal flow so effects interact in the order you choose. Key Features • AUv3 instrument and effect plugins — use standalone or inside your DAW • Up to 8 independent granular playheads • 4 sample slots with per-playhead source selection • Drawable grain envelope (splinter / Bézier curves) • Summing modulation matrix — multiple LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer lanes per target • LFO-on-LFO modulation for deeply nested movement • Step sequencer with parameter locking and polyrhythmic clock divisions • Filter envelope per step (Sequencer mode) • Per-playhead dual Moog-style ladder filter (self-oscillating, with overdrive) with link and mirror modes • 4 macro axes (X/Y pads) for multi-parameter gestures • Re-routable effects section (delay, reverb, lo-fi, noise, limiter) • Scale quantization — chromatic, major, minor, and exotic modes • Dice — one-tap randomization for instant inspiration • Ableton Link • Import/export presets • Customizable look and feel PRO version unlocks loading external samples and microphone recording. GrainHeads turns granular synthesis into a hands-on instrument — not a menu-diving exercise.
Evil Otto
This audio effect applies simultaneous upward and downward compression across three frequency bands for detailed sound. It offers precise control over audio dynamics and includes features like sidechain input and real-time metering.
- Three-band OTT compression
- Precise control parameters
- Sidechain input for rhythmic effects
- Real-time metering per band
- Factory and user presets
- Cross-platform preset compatibility
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Evil Otto is a multiband OTT (Over-The-Top) compressor that applies simultaneous upward and downward compression across three frequency bands. The result is dense, hyper-detailed audio where peaks are controlled and quiet details are pushed forward — a sound heard across modern electronic music, pop, and hip-hop production. Features -- Three-Band OTT Compression Evil Otto splits your signal into low, mid, and high frequency bands and applies independent upward and downward compression to each. Quiet details come up, peaks come down, and each band can be tuned separately. -- Precise Control Without Complexity Fifteen parameters give you everything you need and nothing you don't: Depth, Time, independent Down and Up amounts, per-band thresholds, per-band output levels, and input/output gain. -- Sidechain Input Route an external signal to duck the compressed output for rhythmic pumping effects. A dedicated Listen mode lets you monitor the sidechain signal to verify routing. -- Real-Time Metering Nine meters show input levels, gain reduction, and output levels per band. The center meters display both downward compression and upward expansion relative to the threshold, so you can see exactly what the compressor is doing. -- Factory Presets Includes a library of starting points across a range of applications. Save and recall your own presets with the built-in preset browser. -- Cross-Platform Compatible User presets created on iOS work on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Sessions created in GarageBand or Logic on iOS will open the desktop version on macOS.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: GrainHeads at Free against Evil Otto's $4.99. GrainHeads also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (14 vs 4). Evil Otto's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). On ads and device support 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
GrainHeads is free to download; Evil Otto costs $4.99 up front. GrainHeads sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Evil Otto asks for nothing beyond the download.
GrainHeads holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 4 respectively.
| Parameter | GrainHeads | Evil Otto |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $4.99 |
| Rating | 4.7 (14 ratings) — better | 4.5 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 108 MB | 60 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Andrei Nevar | Audio Damage, Inc. |
Customer experience
GrainHeads
Evil Otto
In-app purchases
GrainHeads
- Unlock GrainHeads Pro$11.99
Evil Otto
No in-app purchases








