Quarked is a standalone granular synthesizer for iPhone and iPad built around a native C-based audio engine. Users can capture audio directly via an integrated tape-style recorder or import existing samples, then zoom, slice, and re-texture the waveforms with granular controls. The interface takes a flat technical aesthetic. The core granular engine offers independent control over grain size, density, position, and scan speed. A note-level ADSR with exponential curves handles envelope shaping, and a reorderable FX chain covers delay, reverb, shimmer, and a 3-band EQ.
Here’s the problem: at $14.99, the app enters the price range of established granular tools on iOS but offers much less functionality and no AUv3 support. Without it, you cannot load Quarked as a plugin inside AUM or any other host — it is strictly standalone, which limits how it fits into a modern mobile production workflow. The granular engine covers the basics — grain size, density, position, scan speed — but does not go deeper into the territory that apps like GrainHeads, Bleass Granulizer, or imaginando GRFX cover at similar or lower price points. Without AUv3 integration and no pricing advantage, the case for picking Quarked over more capable alternatives is difficult to make. Worth checking again if AUv3 support and expanded granular controls arrive in a future update.
Key features:
- Granular Core: Independent control over grain size, density, position, and scan speed
- Integrated Recorder: Tape-style audio capture or sample import
- Dynamic FX Chain: Reorderable path with Delay, Reverb, Shimmer, and 3-band EQ
- Note-Level ADSR: Exponential curves for natural release tails
- Standalone Only: No AUv3 plugin integration
App price: $14.99. No in-app purchases.
Original release: May 2, 2026 | Latest update: May 2, 2026
