GrainHeads

Granular sampler/synthesizer

Free · In‑App Purchases · Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS.

GrainHeads: granular synthesis with AUFX modular effects. Sculpt evolving textures, ambient soundscapes, and rhythmic loops from any audio source. GrainHeads is a granular synthesizer that turns any sound into something entirely new. Built for sound designers, musicians, and experimental producers who want deep, hands-on control over texture and motion. Multi-source granular engine Load material into four sample slots and deploy independent playheads — each targeting its own source. Blend, crossfade, or dynamically switch between samples using modulation. The result: rich, multi-layered textures that evolve continuously without repetition. Shape every grain Each playhead carries a full set of granular parameters — position, scan speed, grain size, pitch, chance — plus a drawable grain envelope. Sculpt transient character using splinter or Bézier curves for anything from soft clouds to sharp, percussive fragments. Modulate everything, from everywhere A summing modulation matrix lets multiple sources target the same parameter simultaneously. Assign LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer lanes to virtually any control — including sample slot selection, filter cutoff, and even other LFOs. Filter envelopes add per-step timbral motion in Sequencer mode. Sequencer with parameter lanes Go beyond note patterns. The step sequencer locks any parameter per step — pitch, position, filter, grain size — with polyrhythmic lengths and clock divisions. Each playhead runs its own sequence independently. Macros for expressive control Four macro axes map multiple parameters to simple X/Y gestures — Time Smear, Spatial Bloom, Degradation, Complexity. Combined with the 4-finger 2D touch pad controlling up to 8 parameters, GrainHeads becomes a performance instrument. Effects that reshape the signal A re-routable effects chain includes delay, reverb, lo-fi degradation, and filtering — with adjustable signal flow so effects interact in the order you choose. Key Features • AUv3 instrument and effect plugins — use standalone or inside your DAW • Up to 8 independent granular playheads • 4 sample slots with per-playhead source selection • Drawable grain envelope (splinter / Bézier curves) • Summing modulation matrix — multiple LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer lanes per target • LFO-on-LFO modulation for deeply nested movement • Step sequencer with parameter locking and polyrhythmic clock divisions • Filter envelope per step (Sequencer mode) • Per-playhead dual Moog-style ladder filter (self-oscillating, with overdrive) with link and mirror modes • 4 macro axes (X/Y pads) for multi-parameter gestures • Re-routable effects section (delay, reverb, lo-fi, noise, limiter) • Scale quantization — chromatic, major, minor, and exotic modes • Dice — one-tap randomization for instant inspiration • Ableton Link • Import/export presets • Customizable look and feel PRO version unlocks loading external samples and microphone recording. GrainHeads turns granular synthesis into a hands-on instrument — not a menu-diving exercise.

Ratings & Reviews

  • 4.6
    out of 5
    11 Ratings

• Fixed an issue with the AUFX module's second filter • Resolved a window resizing issue • Stability improvements and minor bug fixes

Version 3.9

In-App Purchases

The developer, Andrei Nevar, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

  • Data Not Linked to You

    The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

    • Purchases
    • Identifiers
    • Usage Data
    • Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

The developer indicated that this app supports the following accessibility features. Learn More

  • Supported Features

    • Dark Interface

    • Differentiate Without Color Alone

    • Sufficient Contrast

    • Reduced Motion

Information

Seller
  • Andrei Nevar
Size
  • 115.7 MB
Category
  • Music
Compatibility
Requires iOS 17.6 or later.
  • iPhone
    Requires iOS 17.6 or later.
  • iPad
    Requires iPadOS 17.6 or later.
  • Mac
    Requires macOS 14.6 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
  • Apple Vision
    Requires visionOS 1.3 or later.
Languages
English and 6 more
  • English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese
Age Rating
4+
In-App Purchases
Yes
Copyright
  • © 2026 Andrei Nevar
  • Developer Website
  • Privacy Policy

    • More by Andrei Nevar