Comparison

Caustic vs LE05

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

Head to head
About

Caustic

Create music with a virtual synthesizer and sampler rig. Build your sound by adding up to 14 machines, including synths and drum machines. Features a mixer, effects, and a song sequencer for real-time audio production.

Highlights
  • Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer
  • Multi-sample wave synthesizer
  • Sampling drum machine
  • Effects rack with 20 effect types
  • Mixer desk with EQ and effects
  • Song sequencer
  • AudioBus and AudioCopy/Paste support
Features
Read full description

Caustic 3 is a music creation tool inspired by rack-mount synthesizer/sampler rigs. Everything is real-time and optimized for mobile devices. Create your rack by adding up to 14 machines from a choice of: * Subsynth - Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer * PCMSynth - Multi-sample wave synthesizer * BassLine - 303-like monosynth * BeatBox - 8-channel sampling drum machine * PadSynth - Harmonic table pad synthesizer * 8BitSynth - 8bit equation solver synthesizer * Modular - Fully configurable and routable synthesizer * Organ - Tonewheel organ with rotary speaker * Vocoder - 8-band harmonic vocoder * FMSynth - DX-style 3-operator fm synthesizer * KSSynth - Karplus-Strong string modeling synthesizer * SawSynth - Supersaw-type synthesizer The app also includes: * Effects rack supporting 2 effects per machine (20 effect types). * Mixer desk with EQ, panning and global Delay/Reverb effects. * Master section with effect slots, parametric EQ and limiter. * Song sequencer AudioBus support for Input and Output slots. AudioCopy Paste + AudioShare support for import and export. Supports automation recording on most controls and includes powerful editors for modifying automation curves. Users can record their own WAV files for use in the PCMSynth, BeatBox, and Vocoder or import files through iTunes file sharing, ACP, AudioShare, or the built-in FTP server. Supports all uncompressed WAV files (8-16-24-32bit, any sampling rate). The PCMSynth can also load SoundFont files (.sf2), SFZ and FL/Xewton instruments (.instr, .ZIP) "Open In.." import support for all preset types, .WAV, .SF2 and .MID. (MIDI (.mid) files can be imported as raw sequencer note data.) Supports CoreMIDI and virtual MIDI for note, velocity and CC data. (be sure to set "Enable background audio" in advanced options to use virtual MIDI) See the in-app help section for dozens of informative tutorial videos and full online manual. There is also a FREE (full version) PC/Mac version available for download on the product website. Come visit www.singlecellsoftware.com to download more presets, request features, share your tracks and hear what others are creating with Caustic 3. Works on iPhone/iPod but iPad is recommended.

About

LE05

Explore a vast collection of vintage synth sounds inspired by early 2000s digital music. This app offers over 1,000 samples and 60+ PCM sound sources, with over 100 presets for immediate inspiration. It functions as a standalone instrument or an AUv3 plugin for popular DAWs.

Highlights
  • Vintage digital synth sounds
  • Over 1,000 individual samples
  • 60+ multi-sampled PCM sound sources
  • Over 100 inspiring presets
  • Standalone and AUv3 modes
  • AUv3 automation
Features
Read full description

"Sounds Really Awesome!" - The Sound Test Room DIGITALISM 2000 is a new vintage synth module featuring exclusive sounds recorded from Digital Synths from the early 2000s. Retro and modern. These sounds were custom created for this app by the sound designers behind hit-making producers. Over 1,000+ individual samples were recorded from hardware synths and processed to perfection to make this expressive instrument for you! - Digital Synth Sounds: Pads, EPs, Synth, Bass, and more - Over 1,000+ individual samples custom recorded for this app - Over 60+ exclusive multi-sampled PCM sound sources - Compressed to under 180mb to save space - Over 100+ inspiring and creative presets - Easy-to-use controls - OUR BIGGEST LIMITED EDITION APP YET! - Universal: iPad & iPhone included - Standalone and AUv3 Modes Lightweight & powerful. Tweak the presets to make them your own. Run multiple instances of this AUv3 plugin effortlessly. FEATURES: - New powerful AUv3 code. Works great as an AU plugin in GarageBand, Cubasis 3, BM3, NS2, AUM, Auria Pro, and more - AUv3 Automation If you liked the sounds of Digital D1 & FM Player, this app builds on that and takes you on a journey to the next decade, from the 80s & 90s to the 2000s! REQUIREMENTS: Requires iPhone 6s size or above! (Will not work on 1st gen SE models) Will the apps still be updated? The apps will be updated for new iOS versions, to ensure that your limited edition apps continue to work as iOS technology progresses. Subscribe to access to premium app features; subscription details are the following: - Length: weekly or yearly - Free trial: only on selected subscriptions - Your payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase - Your subscription will renew automatically, unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - The cost of renewal will be charged to your account in the 24 hours prior to the end of the current period - When canceling a subscription, your subscription will stay active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when purchasing a subscription Terms & Conditions: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/LE05-Digitalism-2000-AUv3-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a08802389aad0765382fe66?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/LE05-Digitalism-2000-AUv3-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a08802389aad0765382fe66?pvs=21) Privacy Policy: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/LE05-Digitalism-2000-AUv3-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a08806fabb3cbff1e1f5f3f?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/LE05-Digitalism-2000-AUv3-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a08806fabb3cbff1e1f5f3f?pvs=21) * NOTE: This app has no official affiliation with AudioKit Pro, LLC. It was built using the free AudioKit source code.

Screenshots

Caustic4 screens
LE054 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: LE05 at Free against Caustic's $9.99. LE05 also leads on rating (4.1 vs 3.5) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). Caustic's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On review sentiment, ratings volume 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

LE05 is free to download; Caustic costs $9.99 up front. LE05 sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Caustic asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

LE05 holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 176 and 139 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of Caustic's written reviews are positive against 54% of LE05's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Caustic ships an update every 4 months, LE05 every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Caustic versus LE05: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCausticLE05
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating3.5 (176 ratings)4.1 (139 ratings) — better
Positive reviews57.8% of reviews — better54.1% of reviews
Number of ratings176 — better139
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS7.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB209 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRejean PoirierAudiobus Pty Ltd

Customer experience

Caustic

All ratings176 ratings
Positive60.2%
Neutral8.5%
Negative31.3%
Written reviews218 reviews
Positive57.8%
Neutral7.8%
Negative34.4%

LE05

All ratings139 ratings
Positive77.7%
Neutral4.3%
Negative18.0%
Written reviews74 reviews
Positive54.1%
Neutral13.5%
Negative32.4%

User reviews

Caustic

From 176 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Powerful and feature-rich
  • 👍 Intuitive workflow
  • 🎨 Excellent sound quality
  • 💸 Great value for money

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
  • 🔇 No Bluetooth audio support
  • 📁 Difficulty accessing/exporting files
  • 🔧 Needs more updates and bug fixes

LE05

From 139 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎶 Amazing sounds and presets
  • 👍 Easy to use interface
  • 💡 Innovative sound design
  • 💰 Great value for price
  • ✨ High-quality audio output

Room to improve

  • 💸 Unacceptable subscription model
  • ❌ No longer recognized in GarageBand
  • 🐛 Crashes frequently
  • 💾 State-saving issues
  • 🚫 Audio not saving

Bugs and requests

Caustic

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes and freezes on newer iPhones
  • Interface scaling problems on larger screens
  • Unresponsive controls in certain scenarios

Requested features

4 requests
  • Bluetooth audio support
  • Improved file management and export options
  • More synth/instrument options
  • Expanded effects and mixing capabilities

LE05

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • GarageBand crashes when opening songs with the Audio Unit
  • Digitalism not recognized in GarageBand
  • No sound when playing MIDI tracks in GarageBand
  • State-saving doesn't hold Audio Unit patch settings and parameters
  • App crashes at the point of entering the song editor
Show 8 more
  • App no longer opens in projects (GarageBand, Logic, Cubasis)
  • No audio when reopening projects
  • Preset selection causes crashes in Cubasis
  • Background audio feature does not work
  • Scrolling through sound bank menus is jumpy or doesn't work
  • Audio bugs need fixing
  • Crashes at times, not very reliable
  • Latency with Bluetooth headphones

Requested features

8 requests
  • Undo/redo button
  • Release for computer (Logic Pro)
  • Add Audiobus connection
  • More 80s, Synthwave, Funky, Italo disco sounds
  • Add a record button
Show 3 more
  • Fix UI layout on iPhone SE 2020
  • Add sustain pedal support
  • Add instruction manual

In-app purchases

None

Caustic

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

LE05

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly premium7 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Weekly premium$2.997 Days
  • Yearly premium$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Caustic free?
Caustic costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is LE05 free?
LE05 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Caustic or LE05?
LE05 is rated higher. Caustic averages 3.5 out of 5 from 176 ratings, while LE05 averages 4.1 from 139 ratings.
Do Caustic or LE05 have ads?
LE05 shows ads; Caustic does not.
Which is updated more often, Caustic or LE05?
Caustic ships an update every 4 months, and LE05 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Caustic was updated on October 20, 2026 and LE05 on October 12, 2026.

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