# Crystalline Mini vs Async Sampler

The clearest difference is price: Crystalline Mini at $2.99 against Async Sampler's $14.99. Crystalline Mini also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 78%). Async Sampler's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 months) and rating (4.5 vs 4.2). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Crystalline Mini costs $2.99 and Async Sampler $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Async Sampler holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 18 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of Crystalline Mini's written reviews are positive against 78% of Async Sampler's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Crystalline Mini ships an update every 6 months, Async Sampler every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Crystalline Mini | Async Sampler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$2.99** | $14.99 |
| Rating | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crystalline-mini-shimmer-fx/id950830797/reviews) | **[4.5 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/async-sampler/id6453162970/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **18** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 77.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 3 MB | 235 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Holderness Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/431020308) | [Sergei Zhulkov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1698376336) |

## What reviewers say

### Crystalline Mini

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crystalline-mini-shimmer-fx/id950830797)

This app creates unique shimmer reverb and delay effects for various sound sources. It transforms instruments, vocals, and synths into lush, ambient textures with pitch-shifted delays and classic 80s shimmer tones. MIDI control and extensive compatibility make it a versatile tool for musicians and sound designers.

**Highlights:** Shimmer reverb and delay effects, Pitch-shifted delay modes, MIDI Learn for controller assignment, Audiobus and Inter-App Audio support, Stereo output modes, Delay/Reverb Ducking

**In-app purchases:** none


### Async Sampler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/async-sampler/id6453162970)

Create captivating sound collages, dynamic textures, and rhythmic patterns with this powerful musical instrument. It offers asynchronous and synchronous playback modes, a versatile LFO, and an effects processor to elevate your sound design.

**Highlights:** Standalone and AUv3 versions, Three independent samplers, Extensive sample library, Upload your own samples, Asynchronous and synchronous playback, Flexible LFO system, Effects processor

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Crystalline Mini free?

Crystalline Mini costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Async Sampler free?

Async Sampler costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Crystalline Mini or Async Sampler?

Async Sampler is rated higher. Crystalline Mini averages 4.2 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Async Sampler averages 4.5 from 18 ratings.

### Do Crystalline Mini or Async Sampler have ads?

Neither Crystalline Mini nor Async Sampler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Crystalline Mini or Async Sampler?

Crystalline Mini ships an update every 6 months, and Async Sampler every 2 weeks. Most recently, Crystalline Mini was updated on September 21, 2026 and Async Sampler on September 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*