Comparison

PhonoPaper vs TB Spectrogram

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

Head to head
About

PhonoPaper

This app decodes images containing encoded sound, allowing you to play back audio embedded within visual patterns. You can also record your own sounds and convert them into these unique visual codes. It's designed for creative audio messaging and artistic expression.

Highlights
  • Decode images with encoded sound
  • Create sound codes from recordings
  • Offline decoding capability
  • Analogue code for distortion resilience
  • Real-time, hand-controlled playback
  • Draw codes for unique sounds
Features
Read full description

PhonoPaper is a camera app for playing pictures with encoded sound (PhonoPaper-codes). With this app, you can also create your own codes: 10 seconds of sound can be recorded from a microphone and converted into an image. [ Key features ] * PhonoPaper does not require access to the network for decoding; * PhonoPaper code is analogue, so it is not so sensitive to different types of the image distortion (bad camera, dark picture, wrinkled paper, etc.); at least you will hear the "silhouette" of the original sound; * code can be played in real-time with hand-controlled speed and direction; * code can be drawn by hand to get some unusual sounds. [ Examples of usage ] * voice messages (or pieces of music) on t-shirts, billboards, posters, postcards, goods; * audio labels for phonorecords; * audio examples in books; * secret messages; * art-experiments. [ How to use ] Launch the app, point the camera at the code (tap on the screen to focus if necessary) and smoothly scan the picture from left to right. The code should be parallel to the frame - try to keep the camera level. The black code markers (top and bottom) should fall entirely into the frame. If the application recognizes code markers, you will hear a sound. If you are unable to play the code smoothly, press the record button on the right side of the screen, this will enable automatic scanning.

About

TB Spectrogram

This app provides real-time audio analysis with a spectrogram, spectrum analyzer, and goniometer. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 plugin within compatible music production hosts. Visualize your audio in detail with adjustable settings and multiple display options.

Highlights
  • Real-time spectrogram and spectrum analysis
  • Goniometer for stereo signal analysis
  • AUv3 plugin compatibility
  • Adjustable frequency and time resolution
  • Customizable color themes
  • On-screen piano keyboard mapping
Features
Read full description

ToneBoosters Spectrogram shows a real-time spectrogram, spectrum, and goniometer AUv3 plugin! We have taken the stunning visual spectrum analyzer features from our latest and greatest Equalizer Pro plugin and released it as a separate app / AUv3 plugin! The ToneBoosters Spectrogram app captures the microphone input and processes the signals in real time. To use it as a plug-in, use an AUv3-compatible host app such as Steinberg Cubasis, Apple Garageband, Audio Evolution Mobile Studio, Auria, AUM, or others. ToneBoosters Spectrogram will appear in the list of Audio Unit extensions for effect plug-ins. Key features: - Fully resizable (as AUv3 plugin) - Color themes for the user interface - Max screen support in Garageband - Adjustable color themes for UI and for spectrogram independently - Adjustable dynamic range - Adjustable frequency resolution - Adjustable time resolution - Adjustable spectral slope - Spectrogram AGC and dimming support - Show spectrogram and spectrum analyzer as overlay or individually - Spectrum analyzer also supports peak hold - Split-band goniometer for stereo signal analysis (correlation, left/right balance in one or two bands!) - On-screen piano keyboard to map spectrum analyzer to piano notes - Optimised for iPad and compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch What you should know: - Licenses acquired for this platform are not compatible with other platforms. - Audio Unit (AUv3) extensions require an iPad mini 2, iPad 4 or later models.

Screenshots

PhonoPaper1 screens
TB Spectrogram2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: PhonoPaper at free against TB Spectrogram's paid. PhonoPaper also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 71%). TB Spectrogram's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PhonoPaper holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 50 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of PhonoPaper's written reviews are positive against 71% of TB Spectrogram's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PhonoPaper ships an update every 4 months, TB Spectrogram every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PhonoPaper versus TB Spectrogram: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhonoPaperTB Spectrogram
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (45 ratings) — better4.4 (50 ratings)
Positive reviews82.7% of reviews — better71.0% of reviews
Number of ratings4550 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlexander ZolotovToneBoosters

Customer experience

PhonoPaper

All ratings45 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral4.4%
Negative6.7%
Written reviews75 reviews
Positive82.7%
Neutral2.7%
Negative14.7%

TB Spectrogram

All ratings50 ratings
Positive86.0%
Neutral2.0%
Negative12.0%
Written reviews31 reviews
Positive71.0%
Neutral6.5%
Negative22.6%

In-app purchases

None

PhonoPaper

No in-app purchases

None

TB Spectrogram

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PhonoPaper free?
PhonoPaper is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TB Spectrogram free?
TB Spectrogram is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, PhonoPaper or TB Spectrogram?
PhonoPaper is rated higher. PhonoPaper averages 4.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while TB Spectrogram averages 4.4 from 50 ratings.
Do PhonoPaper or TB Spectrogram have ads?
Neither PhonoPaper nor TB Spectrogram shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PhonoPaper or TB Spectrogram?
PhonoPaper ships an update every 4 months, and TB Spectrogram every 3 weeks. Most recently, PhonoPaper was updated on September 22, 2026 and TB Spectrogram on September 14, 2026.

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