Comparison

microTERA vs RetroSFX

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

RetroSFX

Read full description

RetroSFX is a powerful and easy‑to‑use tool for creating retro‑style sound effects. Whether you’re a game developer, content creator, or simply a fan of classic audio, this app gives you everything you need to generate unique SFX with a single tap.

Screenshots

RetroSFX3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: RetroSFX at every 5 weeks against microTERA's every 4 months. RetroSFX also leads on price ($0.99 vs $1.99). microTERA's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On 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

microTERA costs $1.99 and RetroSFX $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

microTERA ships an update every 4 months, RetroSFX every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
microTERA versus RetroSFX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametermicroTERARetroSFX
Price$1.99$0.99 — better
Rating4.9 (8 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews81.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings8 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNo—
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPad — better—
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB133 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsAli Taleb

In-app purchases

None

microTERA

No in-app purchases

None

RetroSFX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is microTERA free?
microTERA costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RetroSFX free?
RetroSFX costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which is updated more often, microTERA or RetroSFX?
microTERA ships an update every 4 months, and RetroSFX every 5 weeks. Most recently, microTERA was updated on October 5, 2026 and RetroSFX on September 25, 2026.

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