AudioVisualizer vs Retro Spectrum

Don't just listen to your music—watch it come alive. AudioVisualizer brings the mesmerizing glow of 1980s and 1990s golden-era stereo equalizers and iconic car audio systems to your iPhone. Faithfully emulating classic Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFD), this native visualizer transforms sound into captivating, real-time light shows. Visualize ambient music through your microphone, or import lossless FLAC and hi-res audio files directly from the Files app for seamless queue playback. KEY FEATURES: ◆ 3 Iconic Visualizer Skins • Classic (10-Band): The timeless aesthetic of home hi-fi components with smooth, authentic phosphor bars. • 3D Car Audio (90s VFD): Relive midnight highway cruises with immersive 3D perspective display emulation. • 3D Car Audio (Trapezoid): An electrifying inverted-trapezoid arena layout capturing explosive bass and treble dynamics. ◆ Native Audio Engine with Fluid 60fps Performance • Powered by Apple's Accelerate framework and Metal for ultra-low latency FFT frequency analysis. • Millisecond-accurate ballistics simulating physical attack, decay, and peak-hold phosphor physics. ◆ Lossless Audio File & Folder Playback • Import audio files (FLAC, WAV, ALAC, MP3, AAC) directly from your device or iCloud. • Add entire folders with one tap to create seamless playback queues. • Full support for background playback, lock screen controls, and repeat modes. ◆ Deep Customization (81 Color Combinations) • 9 vibrant phosphor colors for bars and peak markers: White, Cyan, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Orange, Yellow, and Red. • Adjustable segment resolution from 10 to 100 levels. • Fine-tune rise speed, fall speed, and peak hold duration. • Independent sensitivity gains for microphone and file playback. Perfect as desk decor, a companion for late-night listening sessions, or rediscovering your favorite records. Turn your iPhone into a piece of timeless audio craftsmanship.

Retro Spectrum turns your phone into a retro audio display for your car or your desk. Mount your phone, play music through your speakers, and watch a real-time spectrum analyzer light up in the style of classic 80s–90s car stereos. Built for JDM and neo-classic car fans, and just as good as an always-on visualizer on your desk. HOW IT WORKS Retro Spectrum listens through your device's microphone and analyzes the sound in real time. Because it uses the mic, it reacts to ANY source playing through your speakers—streaming, radio, CD, anything. No cables, no pairing. Important: it responds to sound from SPEAKERS, not headphones or earphones. Point your phone toward the speakers and turn the volume up. RETRO SKINS Switch between display styles inspired by legendary in-dash stereos: • VFD Green — a fluorescent-tube display (included free) • Plasma Orange — spinning-CD deck with artwork and a big clock • JDM Night — KENWOOD-style dual-zone EQ with 7-segment clock • Bubble Grid — synthwave neon grid with a perspective floor • Wireframe LCD — Y2K retro-future tunnel HUD • Gaming RGB — flowing RGB bars with mirror reflections NOW PLAYING See the song that's playing right now. When you use Apple Music, the title, artist, and artwork are read directly from the system for instant accuracy. For any other source, Retro Spectrum identifies the track from the mic using Shazam technology. Double-tap to look up a song on demand. DESK MODE A built-in clock, date, and battery readout make Retro Spectrum a great always-on display for your desk setup—a glowing retro visualizer and clock in one. PRIVACY Microphone audio is analyzed on your device and is never recorded or saved. Song recognition can be turned off anytime. See our privacy policy for details. FREE + SKIN PACK The app and the VFD Green skin are free. Unlock all the other skins with a single one-time Skin Pack purchase.