Comparison

Effectrix vs FRMS

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

Head to head
About

Effectrix

This professional multi-effect sequencer for iPad allows users to create unique sound patterns and loop collages by scattering 14 intelligent effects across a sequencer matrix. It offers a playful workflow, refined algorithms, and a wide spectrum of effects for outstanding results.

Highlights
  • Multi-effect sequencer matrix
  • 14 intelligent effects
  • Creative sound pattern generation
  • Loop collage creation
  • Audio Unit v3 integration
  • Full MIDI support
  • Ableton Link synchronization
Read full description

Effectrix is a professional multi-effect sequencer for the iPad. The game-changing tool for creative and effective music production is now available on the App Store: scatter 14 intelligent effects across a sequencer matrix and create unheard-of sound patterns and cheeky loop collages. A playful workflow, refined algorithms and carefully parameterised effects lead to outstanding results - fast! The effects, each exceeding conventional wisdom, cover a wide spectrum from classy standards to scandalising splatter sprees. This iOS port faithfully recreates the desktop engine, today's de-facto standard of finest audio manipulation. INSTANT INSPIRATION - quickly create variations and mutations for productive sound design - 20 fine audio samples installed - 230 factory presets (100 global, ca. 9 per effect) - 14 high-quality effects - redesigned GUI for a smooth iOS workflow DIG DEEP - manipulate each individual effect with up to eight parameters - two modulator tracks per effect - Seamless iOS integration: Audio Unit v3, full MIDI support, Host Automation & MIDI Learn - save your own presets & use them on your desktop version of Effectrix via Preset iCloud Sync - upload your recordings to Dropbox and other supported apps - share your recordings with other apps - sync Effectrix with Ableton Live via Ableton Link PRAISE: Diplo "I never thought I'd use Effectrix on a Beyonce song. Sugar Bytes help to inspire me with limitlessness of sound." Armin van Buuren "A three-band EQ, sometimes the Effectrix... and a whole tube of glue, that's all I needed to put together ASOT." Music Radar "It's hard to wrench yourself from it, and when you do, you'll probably come away with a head full of new ideas." iOS WORKFLOW You name it: Audio Unit v3, Ableton Link, Full MIDI Support (Virtual, Netzwerk, Extern, Bluetooth), MIDI Learn & Host Automation. Integrated Audio Player and Recorder (AudioShare, Music Library, Factory Loops).

About

FRMS

This app offers a powerful and flexible layering system for creating unique audio experiences. It blends multiple synthesis types, allowing users to craft everything from ambient soundscapes to glitchy textures. Import your own sounds or use the curated library for endless sonic exploration.

Highlights
  • 4 Synthesis Engines per voice
  • FM Modes & Operator Stacking
  • Real-Time Granulation
  • Deep Modulation & Envelope Control
  • Advanced FX & Polyphony
  • MPE Compatibility
Features
Read full description

FRMS blends Granular, FM, Additive, and Subtractive synthesis in a powerful, flexible layering system. Create lush, evolving soundscapes or gritty, glitchy textures by combining up to four synthesis layers. With a sleek, intuitive interface, FRMS turns basic sounds into immersive audio experiences—from dense ambient drones to mechanical soundscapes. Choose from FRMS’s curated sample library, import your own sounds, or capture live audio for instant granulation. Shape unique sounds with layered synthesis, independent envelopes, modulation, and effects. Key Features: - 4 Synthesis Engines, 4 Layers Per Voice – Mix Granular, FM, Additive, and Subtractive synthesis. - FM Modes & Operator Stacking – Create rich, complex tones with 8 FM modes. - Real-Time Granulation – Process samples or live audio with up to 640 grains. - Deep Modulation & Envelope Control – Modulation matrix per layer, plus 2 EGs and filters per layer. - Advanced FX & Polyphony – 4 voices polyphony, arpeggiator, delay, and reverb. - High-Quality Sample Library & MPE Compatibility – Access FRMS’s expansive sound library and integrate with MIDI Polyphonic Expression and Ableton Link. Unlock endless sonic possibilities with FRMS, perfect for both beginners and advanced sound designers. "Imaginando super fan over here ..own everything they make. FRMS is no exception, as it’s incredibly powerful, versatile, and surprisingly intuitive. It’s a joy to work with, and the sound possibilities are endless." "I expected a lot from this app given the pedigree of the developer, but wow, this exceeded all my expectations. The depth of the granular synthesis engine combined with FM is truly amazing. A must-have for any sound designer." "This is a great app for anyone serious about granular synthesis. The interface is clean and easy to use, and the sound quality is top-notch. I find myself getting lost for hours exploring new sounds." "This synth is an interesting and great evolution in the world of granular. It pushes the boundaries of what you can do with layers and modulation. The presets are inspiring, but the real magic comes when you start creating your own." "FRMS has officially become my favorite synth app. The way it combines granular synthesis and FM is just genius. You can get subtle textures or full-blown sonic mayhem. Highly recommended!" "Every time I use FRMS, I feel like I’m discovering new dimensions of sound. The modulation options are vast, and the way you can shape tones makes it a designer’s dream. This app has changed my approach to sound design." "There’s something magical about the way FRMS handles sound. It’s intuitive yet deep, and I’ve created some of my best work using this app. Kudos to the developers for making such a high-quality product." "FRMS is absolutely brilliant. The interface is smooth, and the ability to layer sounds and modulate them takes granular synthesis to another level. I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know." "This app is an endless source of inspiration. Whether I’m working on cinematic soundscapes or glitchy textures, FRMS has everything I need. The layers and effects are phenomenal." "If you love creating ambient music, this app is for you. The ability to tweak and layer samples into lush textures is incredible. It’s become an essential part of my workflow." "The design of FRMS is superb. It’s both visually pleasing and incredibly functional. Every detail has been thought through, and the sound engine delivers in every way." "Hands down, the best granular synth I’ve used. The presets are great, but what sets it apart is how intuitive it is to create your own unique sounds."

Screenshots

FRMS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Effectrix at Free against FRMS's $8.99. FRMS's advantage is review sentiment (84% vs 67%) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On rating, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

Effectrix is free to download; FRMS costs $8.99 up front. Effectrix sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and FRMS sells 16 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Effectrix against 4.8 for FRMS. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 98 and 282 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of Effectrix's written reviews are positive against 84% of FRMS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Effectrix ships an update every 4 months, FRMS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Effectrix versus FRMS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEffectrixFRMS
PriceFree — better$8.99
Rating4.7 (98 ratings)4.8 (282 ratings) — better
Positive reviews67.3% of reviews84.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings98282 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB268 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSugar Bytes GmbHImaginando Lda

Customer experience

Effectrix

All ratings98 ratings
Positive91.8%
Neutral3.1%
Negative5.1%
Written reviews52 reviews
Positive67.3%
Neutral5.8%
Negative26.9%

FRMS

All ratings282 ratings
Positive95.7%
Neutral1.1%
Negative3.2%
Written reviews122 reviews
Positive84.4%
Neutral5.7%
Negative9.8%

Bugs and requests

Effectrix

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

FRMS

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashes and audio glitches in certain DAW environments
  • Issues with sample playback and freezing

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to import larger sample files
  • More granular control over modulation parameters
  • Undo/redo functionality
  • Improved MIDI integration and learn capabilities

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Effectrix

One-time1
  • Effectrix Full Version$24.99
16 purchases

FRMS

One-time16
  • Fragmented Chants$5.99
  • Euphoria Preset Pack$6.49
  • Ghost Signals Preset Pack$7.99
Show 13 more
  • Supremeja Music Preset Pack$8.99
  • Sounds Of Saxophone$8.99
  • Glitches From The Heart$8.99
  • Sounds Of Guitar Preset Pack$8.99
  • Antique Shop Preset Pack$8.99
  • Sounds Of Clarinet Preset Pack$8.99
  • Sounds Of Bassoon Preset Pack$8.99
  • Sounds Of Foley 1$8.99
  • Scratching The Surface 1$8.99
  • Sounds Of Saxophone 2 Pack$8.99
  • Aural Alchemy 2 - Collector Edition$11.99
  • The Book Of Genesis$11.99
  • Aural Alchemy$11.99

Questions

Is Effectrix free?
Effectrix is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FRMS free?
FRMS costs $8.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Effectrix or FRMS?
FRMS is rated higher. Effectrix averages 4.7 out of 5 from 98 ratings, while FRMS averages 4.8 from 282 ratings.
Do Effectrix or FRMS have ads?
Neither Effectrix nor FRMS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Effectrix or FRMS?
Effectrix ships an update every 4 months, and FRMS every 2 months. Most recently, Effectrix was updated on October 17, 2026 and FRMS on October 16, 2026.

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