# Grainstorm

> Sampler / Looper/ Synthesizer based on Granular Synthesis

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/me.rocks.grainstorm](https://chrome-stats.com/d/me.rocks.grainstorm)

## Overview

- **ID:** `me.rocks.grainstorm`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** The Secret Laboratory
- **Category:** MUSIC\_AND\_AUDIO
- **Downloads:** 237,844
- **Rating:** 4.55 / 5 (1,153 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.9.5
- **Last updated:** 2026-05-26
- **First published:** 2013-10-30
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 13 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-11
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.rocks.grainstorm)
- **Website:** [https://rocks.me/apps/grainstorm](https://rocks.me/apps/grainstorm)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://thesecretlaboratory.com/apps/grainstorm/policy](https://thesecretlaboratory.com/apps/grainstorm/policy)

## Description

Grainstorm is a powerful Chrome extension designed for musicians and sound designers who want to explore granular synthesis. It functions as a sampler, looper, and synthesizer, providing a dynamic toolset for experimental music creation.

Key features include a fast and lightweight interface, four tracks for versatile layering, stereo mode for enhanced audio richness, and support for sound files up to seven minutes in any audio format. Users can enhance their sound with effects like Convolution Reverb, Channel Vocoder, and Phase Vocoder. The extension starts with its audio engine turned off to save battery and offers straightforward controls: power on, eject/load sound files, and play. A free version acts as a demo, with in-app purchases unlocking recording capabilities and additional features. Check out the [manual](https://grainstorm.rocks.me) for detailed instructions.

## Rankings

- #146,315 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.android.vending.CHECK_LICENSE`
- `me.rocks.grainstorm.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `me.rocks.grainstormunlocker.READPERMISSION`

## Review summary

Users praise Grainstorm for its deep, powerful granular synthesis and creative potential, while repeatedly citing stability, learning curve, battery drain, and missing save/export features as the main drawbacks. Despite flaws, many find it essential and value its updates and price, with active development and strong inspirational use.

### Pros

- Powerful, deep granular synthesis and broad sound-design capabilities on mobile.
- Extremely inspiring and creatively rewarding for daily practice and exploration.
- Active development with frequent updates, bug fixes, and ongoing support.
- Excellent value; the full version is worth the price.
- MIDI control over loop playback enables experimental sampling and advanced workflows.

### Cons

- Stability issues across devices: crashes, freezes, and unreliable loading.
- Steep learning curve with limited built-in tutorials or help.
- High battery drain even when not actively used.
- Missing core workflow features like save/export (and related workflow gaps).

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/me.rocks.grainstorm)