Comparison

GrainHeads vs Mainstage App

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

Mainstage App

Features
Read full description

Mainstage is your festival companion — track every show you've been to or plan to attend, rate them in detail, and see what your friends are up to. TRACK YOUR FESTIVALS Log festivals as attended, planned, wishlist or favorite. Keep a year-by-year history of everywhere you've been, and see your stats: countries visited, festivals attended, top-rated shows. Rate the festivals you have been, share your experience, tips and tricks with others. Organise your agenda, to not miss any envents and share your whislist with friends. RATE & REVIEW Score festivals on a detailed 20-point scale covering lineup, production, atmosphere, organization and more. Read what other attendees thought, and get an AI-generated summary of the crowd's take on any festival. FRIENDS Add friends, see their festival history, and compare who's going where. DISCOVER Browse a catalog of major festivals worldwide with real lineups, dates, and DJ Mag Top 100 rankings. Follow your favorite artists to see when they're playing next. SHARE Generate a custom story card for your next or last festival, pick a theme, add your rating, genres, and who you're going with, and share it straight to Instagram or wherever you like. PLAYLISTS Generate a Spotify playlist from a festival's lineup in one tap, so you can get familiar with the acts before you go. Whether you're planning next summer's lineup or logging the ones behind you, Mainstage keeps your whole festival life in one place.

Screenshots

GrainHeads4 screens
Mainstage App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Mainstage App at none against GrainHeads's 1. Mainstage App also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, 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

Both are free to download. GrainHeads sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Mainstage App asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GrainHeads ships an update every 3 days, Mainstage App every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
GrainHeads versus Mainstage App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGrainHeadsMainstage App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (14 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings14 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size108 MB36 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrei NevarRaphael Ohanian

In-app purchases

1 purchases

GrainHeads

One-time1
  • Unlock GrainHeads Pro$11.99
None

Mainstage App

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GrainHeads free?
GrainHeads is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Mainstage App free?
Mainstage App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GrainHeads or Mainstage App have ads?
Neither GrainHeads nor Mainstage App shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GrainHeads or Mainstage App?
GrainHeads ships an update every 3 days, and Mainstage App every 5 days. Most recently, GrainHeads was updated on October 8, 2026 and Mainstage App on October 11, 2026.

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