Comparison

Refraktions 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

Refraktions

This app is an 8-track generative MIDI sequencer that uses AI to create personalized loops based on user input over time. It offers a unique approach to music creation, adapting to individual preferences.

Highlights
  • 8-track generative MIDI sequencing
  • Artificial intelligence processing
  • Time-based input adaptation
  • Personalized loop creation
  • User-tailored output
Features
Read full description

Refraktions is an 8-track generative MIDI sequencer with artificial intelligence that processes input over time to create loops tailored to each individual user.

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

Refraktions4 screens
Elastic OSC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Refraktions at $5.99 against Elastic OSC's $17.99. Refraktions also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2). Elastic OSC's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Refraktions costs $5.99 and Elastic OSC $17.99 up front. Elastic OSC sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Refraktions asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Elastic OSC holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 28 and 43 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Refraktions's written reviews are positive against 93% of Elastic OSC's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refraktions ships an update every 2 months, Elastic OSC fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Refraktions versus Elastic OSC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefraktionsElastic OSC
Price$5.99 — better$17.99
Rating4.5 (28 ratings)4.7 (43 ratings) — better
Positive reviews90.0% of reviews92.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2843 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.312.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJason SnellOliver Greschke (DE)

Customer experience

Refraktions

All ratings28 ratings
Positive85.7%
Neutral7.1%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews20 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative5.0%

Elastic OSC

All ratings41 ratings
Positive92.7%
Neutral2.4%
Negative4.9%
Written reviews27 reviews
Positive92.6%
Neutral3.7%
Negative3.7%

In-app purchases

None

Refraktions

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Elastic OSC

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

Questions

Is Refraktions free?
Refraktions costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Elastic OSC free?
Elastic OSC costs $17.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Refraktions or Elastic OSC?
Elastic OSC is rated higher. Refraktions averages 4.5 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Elastic OSC averages 4.7 from 43 ratings.
Do Refraktions or Elastic OSC have ads?
Neither Refraktions nor Elastic OSC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Refraktions or Elastic OSC?
Refraktions ships an update every 2 months, and Elastic OSC fortnightly. Most recently, Refraktions was updated on November 1, 2026 and Elastic OSC on November 8, 2026.

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