Comparison

microTERA vs Elastic OSC

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

Head to head
About

microTERA

Explore unique sonic textures with this waveshaping synthesizer. Generate novel sound patches randomly or program them with detailed controls. Includes a variety of built-in effects and advanced sequencing capabilities.

Highlights
  • Waveshaper with user programmable shape
  • Random sound patch generation
  • Sequencer with programmable steps
  • Built-in effects (Chorus, Phaser, Reverb, etc.)
  • Over 150 factory sounds
  • Audiobus and Ableton Link compatible
Read full description

Waveshaping Synthesis is a type of distortion synthesis that can create dynamic spectra in a controlled way. In waveshaping, it is possible to change the spectrum with the amplitude of the sound. A simple example of this method is the clipping caused by overdriving an audio amplifier. These simple method creates an astonishing variety of sounds which are very unique and can't be reproduced by any other contemporary synth! microTERA gives you also a 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… Waveshaping Synthesis • Wavehaper with user programmable shape • Spectral shape specification • Three sine oscillators • Feedback input for noise components • 4 Low frequency oscillators • 4 Envelopes with tempo sync • 64 time/level segments per envelope • Monophonic or polyphonic with 16 voices. • Over 150 factory sounds • 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 • Distortion (Tape/Tube/...) • Echo/Delay • Reverb Global • Audiobus compatible (Input slot) with state saving • Support for Ableton Link. • Inter App Audio compatible. • CoreMIDI / Virtual MIDI • Audio recorder with Metronome. • Upload to SoundCloud and File Export. • Audio pasteboard.

About

Elastic OSC

This synthesizer app offers a vast range of sounds inspired by a popular hardware module. It features 24 distinct oscillator models, intuitive XY pads for sound manipulation, and a versatile arpeggiator. Play it with an on-screen or external keyboard for monophonic or polyphonic sound design.

Highlights
  • 24 distinct sound engines based on Plaits DSP
  • Intuitive XY pads for sound manipulation
  • Versatile arpeggiator with multiple modes
  • Integrated help system for all features
  • DX7 bank and wavetable import
  • 5 master effects with automations
Features
Read full description

Elastic OSC is a synthesizer app based on the DSP code of the Mutable Instruments Plaits hardware oscillator module, one of the most beloved (and cloned) oscillator modules in the Eurorack modular scene! Like the original, Elastic OSC comes with a wide variety of possible sounds, from analog-style, FM, and additive sounds to physical modeling, percussive, and even drum sounds. Elastic OSC can be used in both monophonic and 8-voice polyphonic modes. You can play the app using the (on-screen) keyboard or an external keyboard or sequencer inside your DAW of choice. The app focuses on ease of use, featuring two XY pads for intuitive sound manipulation of the OSC engine and the effects. Despite the simplicity of the cleaned-up interface, the sound possibilities are vast – thanks to 24 different oscillator models and the ability to automate parameter changes, as it is possible in all Elastic apps released so far. A versatile Arpeggiator makes it easy to start with simple ideas or can already create entire sonic worlds. Elastic OSC includes an integrated help system (tap “?”) to provide explanations for nearly every GUI element, the underlying DSP model, and most of the app’s functionality. CDM: "Elastic OSC becomes a must on iOS. It’s fun to use as an instrument in your iPad DAW of choice." SYNTH ANATOMY: "Takes the Mutable Instruments (Plaits) algorithms on a wild trip. A nearly perfect app." ROBERT LIPPOK: "Elastic OSC is incredibly fun to work with from the very first minute. The GUI is really well thought out and has 24 integrated synthesis models, as well as the ability to load DX7 sound banks. Omg, so good." --- FEATURES --- SYNTHESIZER – 24 different Sound Engines from MI Plaits DSP code – 4 main parameters per synth engine (Frequency, Harmonics, Morph, Harmo) – Recordable Modulations/Automations for almost all Parameters with a length of 1, 2 or 4 beats. – ADSR Envelope for Amplifier – LPG Envelope for Modulations of Timbre, FM, Harmonics – Adjustable Velocity effect on Volume and/or LPG Modulation – DX7 Bank and Wavetable Import ARPEGGIATOR With different Arp Modes, Rates, Octave Ranges and Skip Notes functionality MASTER FX – 5 effects (5 different Overdrive/Distortions, Hi-Low-Filter, Chorus/Flanger, Delay, Reverb) – Automations for all effects parameters – Master Gain and switchable Limiter effect SYNTH ENGINES - Virtual Analog - Waveshaping - 2 OP FM - Granular Formant - Additive - Wavetable - Chords - Speech - Granular Cloud - Filtered Noise - Particle Noise - String Model - Modal Resonator - Bass Drum - Snare Drum - Hi-Hat - Virt. Analog VCF - Phase Distortion - 6 OP FM 1 - 6 OP FM 2 - 6 OP FM 3 - Wave Terrain - String Machine - Chiptune —————— LFOs LFO 1 is for free, while three additional LFOs can be unlocked via In-App Purchase. LFO MODULATION TARGETS • Frequency Amount • Timbre Amount • Morph Amount • Harmonics Amount • Filter Amount • Pan Amount LFO MIX The MIX view enables you to blend multiple LFOs and define how strongly each active LFO influences a target parameter. The closer a target is placed to an LFO corner, the stronger its influence. All active LFOs always sum up to 100% (e.g. LFO1 50%, LFO2 30%, LFO3 20%).

Screenshots

Elastic OSC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: microTERA at $1.99 against Elastic OSC's $17.99. microTERA also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). Elastic OSC's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (92% vs 81%). On ads, monetization model and iOS requirement 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

microTERA costs $1.99 and Elastic OSC $17.99 up front. Elastic OSC sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. microTERA asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

microTERA holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 39 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 81% of microTERA's written reviews are positive against 92% of Elastic OSC's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

microTERA ships an update every 4 months, Elastic OSC fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
microTERA versus Elastic OSC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametermicroTERAElastic OSC
Price$1.99 — better$17.99
Rating4.9 (8 ratings) — better4.7 (39 ratings)
Positive reviews81.0% of reviews92.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings839 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsOliver Greschke (DE)

Customer experience

microTERA

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive81.0%
Neutral14.3%
Negative4.8%

Elastic OSC

All ratings39 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral2.6%
Negative5.1%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive92.0%
Neutral4.0%
Negative4.0%

In-app purchases

None

microTERA

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Elastic OSC

One-time2
  • Multi LFOs$3.99
  • Unlock MPE for expressive control$4.99

Questions

Is microTERA free?
microTERA costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Elastic OSC free?
Elastic OSC costs $17.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, microTERA or Elastic OSC?
microTERA is rated higher. microTERA averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Elastic OSC averages 4.7 from 39 ratings.
Do microTERA or Elastic OSC have ads?
Neither microTERA nor Elastic OSC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, microTERA or Elastic OSC?
microTERA ships an update every 4 months, and Elastic OSC fortnightly. Most recently, microTERA was updated on September 17, 2026 and Elastic OSC on September 23, 2026.

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