# Addictive Synth

> Dynamic wavetable synthesizer for creating unique sounds and musical loops. (iPhone/iPad app by Harry Gohs.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addictive-synth/id447072653 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Harry Gohs](https://appshunter.io/developer/382428644)
- Category: Music
- Price: $6.99
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 15 App Store ratings · 114 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 6.0 · 47 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-07-24
- Data updated: 2026-06-09
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addictive-synth/id447072653/reviews.md

## What is Addictive Synth?

It was never so easy to create beautiful sounds and driving loops. The unique dynamic wavetable synthesis allows you to explore an unprecedented wide range of sonic territory. From acid loops, crystal clear percussions, realistic human choirs to complex musical soundscapes nothing seems impossible with only a handful parameters to tweak.

The new spectral noise generator adds a new dimension to the already huge sound universe of Addictive Synth. This generator is the first of its kind and allows for extraordinarily detailed control over the dynamic spectrum of the noisy part of sounds. Despite its complexity it's pretty easy to use and integrates naturally into the sound design philosophy of Addictive Synth.

Together with the intelligent randomizer for both sounds and arpeggios you will loose any sense of time and space while exploring unknown sonic territories.
Right from the beginning you'll understand why it's named Addictive.

***Best iPad Apps of the Week*** AppAdvice.com

"Addictive Synth fixes your craving for a massively customizable synthesizer experience on the iPad." - AppAdvice.com

"App Of The Week" at iDesignSound.com

Features:

Dynamic wavetable synthesizer

• Six dynamic wavetable oscillators per voice, up to 48 total.
• Continuous morphing between two oscillator sets.
• Realtime editing of up to 128 partials (overtones).
• Realtime editing of filter structure to create arbitrary body resonances.
• Extensive modulation possibilities using up to 4 LFOs and 4 Envelopes.
• Control matrix allows real time control of five parameters using the X/Y touch pad, the modulation wheel and the tilt sensors of the iPad. 
• Monophonic or polyphonic with 8 voices.
• 128 factory presets, unlimited user presets can be shared. 
• Up to three effects concurrently usable selected from: equalizer, phaser, flanger, chorus and stereo/cross delay.

Live 

• Play melodies live with the onscreen keyboard. Drag fingers for slides and vibrato. 
• With the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit you can use a CoreMIDI compatible MIDI Keyboard to control Addictive Synth.
• Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer compatible.
• Velocity sensitive keyboard.
• Select from dozens of scales and play them with scale optimized keyboard layout.
 
Full featured programmable Arpeggiator

• Uses programmable sequences with up to 32 steps. 
• Can trigger single notes and chords.
• Unique randomizer generates Arpeggios with 100% usability.
• 32 Arpeggios included, unlimited useer arpeggios possible.
• For each step you can program tie, accent, transposition and note order

Global

• Audiobus 2 compatible (Output) (requires iOS7 or newer).
• Inter-app audio compatible (Instrument/Generator)
• Export loops as audio and midi files.
• Audio pasteboard for exchange with other Apps
• Exchange user presets with File Sharing in iTunes.

## Key features

- Dynamic wavetable synthesis
- Spectral noise generator
- Intelligent randomizer for sounds and arpeggios
- Onscreen keyboard with live playing capabilities
- MIDI keyboard compatibility
- Programmable arpeggiator
- Audiobus and Inter-app audio support

## What do users think of Addictive Synth?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎵 Unique additive synthesis sound palette
- 🎛️ Intuitive and clean interface design
- 🎲 Randomizer/dice feature for creative exploration
- 🎹 Excellent arpeggiator with extensive customization
- ✏️ Ability to draw custom waveforms and filters
- 🔄 Flexible modulation matrix and control options
- 📱 Works well on older iPad models
- 🎧 High-quality, warm, and lush sound output
- 💾 Good preset selection and variety
- 🎬 Built-in looper for layering and recording
- 🎮 Fun and engaging to use
- ⚡ Low resource consumption
- 🎯 Great for ambient and pad sounds

**Cons**

- 🔊 Harsh, metallic, or shrill sound character
- 🐛 Crashes on certain iOS versions
- ⏱️ Tempo drift and synchronization issues
- 🎹 Small, difficult-to-use on-screen controls
- 📡 Poor MIDI latency and responsiveness
- 🔗 Bluetooth audio output not supported
- 🎚️ Inconsistent oscillator behavior
- 🎨 Limited visualization and feedback
- 📊 Confusing parameter organization
- 🔌 Unstable AudioBus integration
- 🎵 Presets can sound thin or hollow
- ⚙️ Unintuitive patch saving system
- 🎙️ Recording feature lacks flexibility

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes upon opening on iOS 15.1
- Static/audio glitches on startup
- Keyboard width inconsistency across pages
- Stuck notes with external MIDI controllers
- Audio playback at 2x speed when pasting from certain apps
- Backing track audio silences when switching apps
- Recording menu doesn't allow selection of new recordings
- Monophonic playback over virtual MIDI with chords
- Keyboard lag behind keystrokes
- Oscillator phase inconsistency
- Fundamental sine wave audible even when all harmonics disabled
- Flaky sequence saving functionality
- App crashes during audio recording/export

**Most requested features**

- MIDI learn functionality
- Audiobus and IAA sync support
- MIDI clock/start/stop synchronization
- Ableton Link integration
- White/pink noise generator
- Better patch/preset organization and banking
- Undo button for waveform/filter drawing
- WiFi and email export options
- Improved recording with flexible bar counts
- Drawable modulation signals
- Traditional filter types (LPF, HPF, BPF)
- MIDI volume control (CC7)
- Metronome on/off toggle
- Better visualization of harmonics/partials
- Evenly spaced harmonic controls
- Click track during looping
- Tempo saving with presets
- More modulation options and FM synthesis
- Hardware synth versions

## Recent user reviews (10 of 114)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addictive-synth/id447072653/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Static

*2025-08-22, version 2.6.0*

What happened? Bunch of static. Reloading didn’t help.

### 5/5 — Bringing new life to old gear

*2023-04-13, version 2.6.0*

While more than a decade old, I just purchased this app as part of an effort to keep my ipad2/alesis iodock combo viable. I initially bought Addictive Pro, assuming that because it lists iOS 9 as the minimum required it would work, but sadly it does not (so be warned.) I already had Cube Synth Pro, by the same developer, for a few years on my iPad8 and one might expect Addictive to provide the same sonic palette. But, unless I’m missing something, Addictive appears to offer more diverse and compelling sounds and possibilities.

### 5/5 — Still loving it

*2022-08-07*

Just roll the dice and you’ll get something you’ve never heard before. Nice presets too. One of my favorites.

### 3/5 — Crashes

*2021-11-27, version 2.6.0*

Using IOS 15.1 this app crashes upon opening. 😕

### 4/5 — Every sound is transposed up +1, not true to key

*2020-10-10, version 2.6.0*

Other than that, sounds are Fabtastic.

### 5/5 — Endless creativity

*2020-03-05, version 2.6.0*

I have many iOS synths and none of them give me the satisfaction of this instrument. Very easy to use

### 5/5 — Very unique and great sounding synth

*2020-02-15, version 2.6.0*

The ability to draw wave shapes as well as filter shapes combined with a randomizer makes this one of my favorite synths to date(and I own several). A killer step sequencer that is both fun to program and easy to use is the icing on the cake. This synth can make some very unique sounds!

I do wish that the export mode included both wi-fi and email rather than only I- tunes as it stands now. Please include this in the first update as well as an undo button on the wave/ filter drawing mode.

A great synth!

### 5/5 — Classic Virsyn

*2019-02-01, version 2.6.0*

Easy to use, great interface, spectacular sounds, tons of control and features, tons of fun. I could go on and on. I have only positive things to say. I love Virsyn apps. All their apps are great and I buy them without thinking and am never disappointed. Addictive Synth is a classic. I actually consider all the Virsyn apps as a collective classic. I have many excellent music making apps. Whenever I want to relax and make enjoyable sounds I open a Virsyn app. There are others that are great too but I find this collection to be the most enjoyable and fun to use. Anyone at any level if mysic will enjoy this app. Addictive is a good name. The sounds are so cool that you want to keep with it.

### 5/5 — Very different sound

*2017-03-09, version 2.6.0*

I've downloaded tons of synths.  This one is unlike all others.  Nice presets

### 4/5 — Amazing Synth, just needs updating

*2017-02-11, version 2.6.0*

This synth has really got some truly amazing sounds and an advanced arpeggiator. It would be one of my favourites if it was updated to have synchronisation via IAA sync/control, Ableton Link and MIDI clock/start/stop. The arpeggios that this synth is capable of would be better harnessed with such facilities added so that we could play these wonderful sounds in sync with other apps. This would be truly a 5-star app with these added.

## Frequently asked questions about Addictive Synth

### What kind of sounds can I create with Addictive Synth?

Addictive Synth allows for the creation of a wide range of sounds, from acid loops and clear percussions to realistic human choirs and complex musical soundscapes. Its dynamic wavetable synthesis and spectral noise generator offer extensive sonic exploration possibilities.

### How can I control Addictive Synth?

You can play melodies live using the onscreen keyboard, which supports slides and vibrato. For more advanced control, it is compatible with CoreMIDI compatible MIDI keyboards and the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer. The app also features a control matrix for real-time parameter adjustments using the iPad's X/Y touchpad, modulation wheel, and tilt sensors.

### Is Addictive Synth compatible with other music apps?

Yes, Addictive Synth is compatible with Audiobus 2 (Output) and Inter-app audio (Instrument/Generator), allowing seamless integration with other music production applications on iOS 7 and newer.

### Can I share my creations with others?

User presets and arpeggios can be shared through File Sharing in iTunes. Additionally, loops can be exported as audio and MIDI files, and the audio pasteboard facilitates exchange with other apps.

### What are the system requirements for Addictive Synth?

The app requires iOS 7 or newer for full compatibility with features like Audiobus 2. Specific hardware requirements for optimal performance may vary, but it is designed for iPad.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.6.0 — 2016-09-22

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- Preset sharing via eMail
- Send preset to Addictive Pro
- Bug fixes

### 2.5.2 — 2014-11-05

- Audiobus: AB Menu now on the right side
- IAA Bugs fixed
- Audiobus State Saving fixed.

### 2.5.0 — 2014-09-16

- Audiobus 2 with support of state saving

### 2.4.0 — 2014-04-26

- New preset management with categories
- New preset randomiser
- MIDI Clock Sync now with Start/Stop Arpeggio
- Easy Parameter Display
- Audiorecorder time limit bug fixed
- Cubasis IAA freeze bug fixed

### 2.3.0 — 2013-11-22

- Inter-app audio compatible (Instrument/Generator)

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## More apps by Harry Gohs

- [iVoxel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivoxel/id382428641)
- [iSyn Poly](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isyn-poly/id443141370)
- [Addictive microSynth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addictive-microsynth/id455651228)
- [Harmony Voice](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harmony-voice/id532501340)
- [AudioReverb](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audioreverb/id670248970)

All apps by Harry Gohs: https://appshunter.io/developer/382428644

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-09.*