Comparison

GrainHeads vs Evil Otto

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

GrainHeads4 screens
Evil Otto1 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
GrainHeads versus Evil Otto: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGrainHeadsEvil Otto
PriceFree — better$4.99
Rating4.7 (14 ratings) — better4.5 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings14 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 3 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size108 MB60 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrei NevarAudio Damage, Inc.

Customer experience

GrainHeads

All ratings14 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.1%

Evil Otto

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

GrainHeads

One-time1
  • Unlock GrainHeads Pro$11.99
None

Evil Otto

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GrainHeads free?
GrainHeads is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Evil Otto free?
Evil Otto costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GrainHeads or Evil Otto?
GrainHeads is rated higher. GrainHeads averages 4.7 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Evil Otto averages 4.5 from 4 ratings.
Do GrainHeads or Evil Otto have ads?
Neither GrainHeads nor Evil Otto shows ads.

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