Cube Synth vs Photophore Synth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Cube Synth
Explore additive synthesis with intuitive sound morphing and deep parameter control. Create complex soundscapes, vocal phrases, or rhythms with ease. Offers a unique randomizer for instant patch generation.
- Additive synthesis engine
- Intelligent sound morphing
- Over 400 sound presets
- Programmable arpeggiator
- Multiple built-in effects
- Audiobus and Inter-app audio support
- Random sound patch generator
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Cube Synth is a groundbreaking new software instrument giving you the power and flexibility of additive synthesis together with easy editing and morphing capabilities. Macro parameters allow you to control this beast with unequalled ease. Intelligent sound morphing capabilities enables you to easily create complex evolving sound scapes, vocal phrases or stunning rhythms simply by choosing up to four sound sources from a predefined set. Then add one of the predefined envelopes and a unique, complex sound preset containing thousands of parameters is created! If you want to dive deeper into the inner secrets of this synthesis monster you can manipulate each parameter individually to get precise control over the sound. A number of high level parameters such as Brightness and Harmonic spread control hundreds of synthesis parameters in a way modeled after the inner workings of natural instruments. Cube Synth gives you also a new method of getting randomly generated sound patches in a way you never experienced before: roll the dice! Every single try gives you a new unique sound patch, really every try, promised… Synthesis • over 400 sound presets • four morphable sound sources • up to 512 partials per voice • harmonic/inharmonic spectra • arbitrary noise spectra • morphable filter banks • 3 Envelopes with tempo sync • 64 time/level segments per envelope Arpeggiator • Uses programmable sequences with up to 32 steps. • Can trigger single notes and chords. • Unique randomizer generates Arpeggios with 100% usability. • 32 Arpeggios included, unlimited useer arpeggios possible. • For each step you can program tie, accent, transposition and note order Effects • Chorus • Phaser • Overdrive • Ensemble • Echo/Delay • Reverb Global • Audiobus 2 compatible (Input slot) with state saving • Support for Ableton Link. • Inter-app audio compatible (Instrument/Generator) • CoreMIDI / Virtual MIDI • Audio recorder with Metronome. • Upload to SoundCloud and File Export. • Audio pasteboard.
Photophore Synth
This app uses a unique flock synthesis engine with up to 100 sound generators to create rich, organic synthesizer sounds. Control flock behavior to generate diverse timbres, from choirs to insect swarms. Interact by swiping the screen for pitch modulation and chaotic effects.
- Unique flock synthesis engine
- Up to 100 oscillators per patch
- Polyphonic and monophonic modes
- 12 oscillator waveforms
- Low pass/High pass filter with resonance
- Stereo echo effect
- Arpeggiator
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"The visual interface will draw people in initially, but the wildly diverse sounds you can tease from Photophore will undoubtedly keep you coming back for more." FACT Magazine -- The Ten Best Synths for iPad | factmag.com Photophore is a unique instrument that uses flocks of up to 100 sound generators to create rich, organic synthesizer sounds. By controlling the behavior of the flocks you can make Photophore sound like a choir of synthesizers or, at more extreme settings, a swarm of angry insects. Unlike other digital synthesizers, Photophore creates warmth and character in a completely new way. Instead of modeling analog circuits, it models animal behavior. Photophore’s sound engine is made up of flocks of oscillators that move through a virtual three-dimensional environment. Their motion is controlled by a special behavioral algorithm and physics simulation that keeps the oscillators in tune with each other, but allows for a certain amount of natural drifting and detuning. This creates rich timbres that are perfect for crafting massive bass sounds, complex pads and searing leads. You can interact with the oscillator flocks by controlling their behavior – how much they try to flock together, how much they avoid each other, their speed, and how much turbulence is in their environment. Oscillators will flee from your touch, so you can create extreme pitch modulation and more chaotic effects by simply swiping across the screen. Key Features: • Unique flock synthesis engine • Up to 100 oscillators per patch • Polyphonic operation (up to 6 voices) • Monophonic mode with glide and legato • 12 oscillator waveforms (saw, square, pulse, sine and more) • Low pass/High pass filter with resonance • Dedicated amplitude and filter envelopes • Stereo echo effect • Arpeggiator Connectivity: • Connect any iPad-compatible MIDI keyboard to play notes and perform pitch bends • Use a MIDI controller's modulation wheel to control the flock • AudioBus and Inter-App Audio support for streaming audio to other apps • Control Photophore from other apps via CoreMIDI Tech Requirements: • iOS7 or later required • iPad 2 or later required What Reviewers say: "The sounds in Photophore are big. There is a surprising range, as well. My first impression was that it was going to be very ambient-based, but you can get gritty and dirty here as well. From the beautifully minimal look to the impressive sounds, Photophore is a winner." - iOS Mars | iosmars.com "There is a lot to like about Photophore. The synth engine is clearly ‘different’ from anything else out there but it is presented in away that is both accessible and visually appealing. In terms of both features and sound, Photophore punches well above its price point." - Music App Blog | musicappblog.com
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Cube Synth at 4.7 against Photophore Synth's 4.5. Cube Synth also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 80%). Photophore Synth's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months) and price ($0.99 vs $1.99). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Cube Synth costs $1.99 and Photophore Synth $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Cube Synth holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 28 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of Cube Synth's written reviews are positive against 80% of Photophore Synth's.
Cube Synth ships an update every 4 months, Photophore Synth every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Cube Synth | Photophore Synth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | $0.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (16 ratings) — better | 4.5 (28 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 89.5% of reviews — better | 80.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 16 | 28 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 9.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 19 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Harry Gohs | Taika Systems LLC |
Customer experience
Cube Synth
Photophore Synth
In-app purchases
Cube Synth
No in-app purchases
Photophore Synth
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Cube Synth free?
Is Photophore Synth free?
Which has better reviews, Cube Synth or Photophore Synth?
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