# Attack Drums > Synthesizer for drum sounds, vocals, and more with a pattern sequencer and effects. (iPhone/iPad app by Waldorf Music.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/attack-drums/id956450390 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Waldorf Music](https://appshunter.io/developer/516565566) - Category: Music - Price: $14.99 - Rating: 4.40/5 from 23 App Store ratings · 73 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 97 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2015-06-12 - Data updated: 2026-09-08 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/attack-drums/id956450390/reviews.md ## What is Attack Drums? Attack Drums is a synthesizer designed mainly for drum sounds, but the powerful sound engine can also be used for everything else - including vocals. Based on the Waldorf Attack VST PlugIn from 2001, it consists of a 24-part sound engine, now packed with a pattern sequencer and a versatile effects section. One highlight of the effects section is the new Phrase Vocoder, a vocoder that uses written text instead of spoken words. Lyrics in - song out, adjust gender as you have always wanted! Just like Waldorf Nave, Attack Drums is a seriously in-depth musical instrument - easy and fun to use, but a sonic beast at its core! Specifications: -24 Sounds -Four independent effect slots with selectable effect: *Delay *Equalizer *Overdrive *Phaser *Flanger *Chorus *Phrase Vocoder -Reverb -Compressor -Pattern Sequencer -999 Patterns -Polyphonic steps - up to 8 notes per step -Fractional track/step timing -Audiobus 3 -Inter-App Audio -MIDI Settings -MIDI Sync -Loop function -Export song to audio file -AudioCopy / AudioPaste -Content control via iTunes File Sharing -Trigger Pads -Mixer -Recording ## Key features - 24-part sound engine - Pattern sequencer - Phrase Vocoder (text-based) - Versatile effects section - Inter-App Audio & Audiobus 3 support - MIDI Sync - Export song to audio file ## What do users think of Attack Drums? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🎶 Amazing sound quality - 💡 Deep sound design capabilities - 🎹 Versatile synth engine - 🎧 Great for electronic music - ✨ Organic sound character - 🚀 Powerful for sound creation - 🎵 Comprehensive drum machine - 🎛️ Extensive sound modification **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent crashes - 🐌 Poor performance on older devices - 🔌 Sync issues with other apps - 🐞 MIDI implementation problems - 🚧 UI scaling issues on some devices - ⏳ Long loading times - 💸 Overpriced for functionality **Commonly reported bugs** - Crashes when loading own samples - Lag with MIDI clock sync - Inconsistent MIDI response and routing - Low velocity response - Transport controls not showing in DAWs - App crashes on startup - App won't open on iOS 9 - Display scaling issues on iPad mini - Sound designer page not working on iPad 2 - Copy bug - Sequencer limited to one bar - Random velocity on pads - Crashes with Audiobus - Screen doesn't fit on iPad mini - Controls not working on iPad mini - Sound cut out - Locks up on iPad 2 - Not compatible with iPad 2 - Sluggish and slow performance - App closes for no reason - Display on iPad mini scaled incorrectly **Most requested features** - Ableton Link support - Improved MIDI sync - Smoother IAA and MIDI integration - More pattern steps (64+) - Support for triplets and higher note divisions - Dropbox integration - Disable opening animation - Separate outputs in iOS - Auto-envelope setting for samples - Parameter automation - MIDI CC parameter control - MIDI port/channel selection - Looping multiple patterns for jamming - Subfolders for samples - Interface facelift - Live tweaking of FX, rolls, stutters - Parameter locks - Triplet grids option - Ability to export MIDI patterns ## Recent user reviews (10 of 73) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/attack-drums/id956450390/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Awesome possibilities *2020-11-21, version 1.1.2* First off this needs an update. It cracks and pops on my pro4 which is a shame because with a bit of effort you can create epic kicks and bass . I’ve had this since it came out and honestly fiddled with it for a bit and them put it to bed as I struggled to get the sounds I wanted ( I hate presets and like to make my own sounds ). Fast forward to the present I decided to treat myself to an iPad Pro during lockdown and loaded all of the apps I have collected over the years on to it and then spend a bit of time with each of them to reassess what I’ve got. I like big unusual kick bass sounds and have spent years chasing the latest app releases in search of this very thing. I should point out that I now have a good understanding of synthesis (been playing with synths for 30yrs or so) and upon opening attack my god here it is the sounds I’ve been chasing all this time. Massive sounds. I only use this for sound design (which it’s awesome at) and not it’s drum machine complete track abilities which it’s capable of. Waldorf make great synths and always have and this is no different. Spend a bit of time with attack and be rewarded. Definitely a 5 star app if it gets an update ### 4/5 — Very, very good. *2020-06-13* Its perfectly capable to provide a wide array of drum and percussions sounds, as well as pretty decent vocader and sequencer, particularly for electronic artists and so still stands the test of time. But some More updates and new sound banks are always welcome. Just needs some tlc, mktg and this will become top of the pile. 4/5 ### 3/5 — 5 for sound, 1 for support *2020-02-25, version 1.1.2* Seems to be abandoned at this point which is a shame because its truly an awesome synth. Not much would be needed to bring this up to modern standards. Please Waldorf, Attack is incredible... show it some love. ### 5/5 — Please add Ableton Link 😎👍 *2019-12-16, version 1.1.2* I LOVE this app, but really wish it would sync better with other apps. The MIDI clock isn’t cutting it and even with an app like MIDILinkSync i still notice lag that can’t be fixed in any way. This is such a wonderful drum app, but it would be so much better if it would sync better with the rest of my apps. Ableton Link would most definitely be the key and it would make this app so much more useful for the majority of iOS musicians. Still 5 stars to let the developer/support know there are still fans out there of this app. Don’t be demotivated by the few haters in this review section. Keep ATTACK alive please with some long awaited updates. This app has such incredible potential still and with a few tweaks could become just as much of a must-have as Nave is! 😁👍👍 ### 3/5 — Could be classic *2019-01-12, version 1.1.2* If you stick to the basics it works but load your own sample, play with the envelope control next to the key track switch and within a few turns with the sequencer on it crashes. Also when a sample is loaded you have to play with the controls to make it useable. Is it possible the envelopes could be auto set for when samples are used. ### 4/5 — Outstanding, beautiful, organic, but flawed *2018-12-21, version 1.1.2* First and foremost, Attack is one of the best sounding synthesizers I have ever used, hardware or software, iPad or otherwise. Not sure what kind of DSP magic Waldorf managed to stuff into their modeling algorithms here, but I can say with absolute certainty that I never could have imagined an iPad to be capable of generating sounds with this degree of organicity. The oscillators, modeled filters and drive circuits all share this same quality - if it weren't for the giant screen in front of my face, I could easily forget that I'm playing something digital. I have honestly had more pure fun just messing around with and getting lost in this synth than I have with almost any other, and some of the things it spits out are genuinely unbelievable. It is capable of generating a much broader range of sounds than just percussion. Unfortunately, it is for this precise reason that it pains me to concede that I am unable to give Attack the 5 star rating it otherwise completely deserves, due to its barely functional implementation of MIDI support. It can't follow an incoming clock without losing time almost immediately, and any externally triggered notes experience intolerable lag, regardless of the internal buffer size settings. I have tried many times and with several different controllers and devices, but have thus far been unable to find any way around it. This is a huge bummer for me, since it functionally limits my musical usage of this otherwise wonderful synth to sampling only. Waldorf, if one of your developers manages to find some spare time one of these days, please do have them try to fix this application. Condemning it to semifunctional bug-laden limbo for the rest of all eternity is /not/ the way I want to see this beautiful synthesizer go out. ### 5/5 — Hat’s off to Waldorf the God Send *2018-11-18, version 1.1.2* Truly feeling blessed with this release!! Absolutely loved, the intro video. Brings back memories and is inspiring :) The sound is probably the best I’m hearing on a software platform of any kind that is not sample based. Most advanced and acute sound modification system.. and certainly more to add to the magic of sound!! Cheer’s Waldorf Team, Thank you ### 5/5 — Underrated *2018-02-11, version 1.1.2* As a standalone app, this is an excellent drum machine and a very deep and very capable song machine. On the downside, it’s been two years since the last update! It still works, but it needs modernisation with Ableton Link, smoother IAA & MIDI, and a few bugs need squashing (it does crash on the odd occasion). Please, Waldorf, PLEASE keep this excellent app alive! ### 2/5 — Inter App Audio Instrument not supported *2017-02-19, version 1.1.2* The manual clearly says that when plugged into cubasis you will have transport controls show up in Attack but this is not the case. It does not sync to a daw in any way. The manual lies, lies,i tell you! It is a real pain to integrate into a workflow. If Ableton Link were implemented that would change everything! ### 2/5 — Stoked at First, Disappointed at Last *2017-01-08, version 1.1.2* Pros: it's a 24-voice/48 oscillator monster synth that's great for drum creation. The internal sequencer is pretty good, and the effects are fun. Cons: It doesn't play well with other apps. I spend about 20 hours trying to incorporate Attack with Modstep, Cubasis, and AUM. I've never been so frustrated at software before. MIDI response and routing are inconsistent as it gets, and when I can get it to communicated with other apps, eventually it breaks down like a teenager who wears too much eyeliner and listens to The Cure. Heck, even bouncing samples out of it is a pain. There's so much potential here, that it's a shame to toss it into the rubbish bin, but $20 is the least valuable thing I wasted on this. ## Frequently asked questions about Attack Drums ### What is Attack Drums? Attack Drums is a powerful synthesizer inspired by the Waldorf Attack VST plugin. It's primarily designed for creating drum sounds but features a versatile sound engine capable of producing vocals and other instrument sounds. It includes a pattern sequencer and a comprehensive effects section. ### What are the key features of Attack Drums? Key features include a 24-part sound engine, a pattern sequencer with polyphonic steps, a unique Phrase Vocoder that uses text input, and a versatile effects section with delay, EQ, overdrive, phaser, flanger, chorus, and reverb. It also supports Inter-App Audio and Audiobus 3. ### How much does Attack Drums cost? Based on the provided information, Attack Drums is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a one-time purchase model. ### What can I use Attack Drums for? You can use Attack Drums to create a wide range of drum sounds, synthesize vocals using its unique text-based vocoder, and design other electronic instrument sounds. Its pattern sequencer allows for building complex rhythms and melodies, making it suitable for electronic music production. ### Is Attack Drums compatible with other music apps? Yes, Attack Drums is designed for integration with other music applications. It supports Audiobus 3 and Inter-App Audio, allowing you to route audio and MIDI between Attack Drums and other compatible apps on your device. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.2.1 — 2025-08-07 - Expose ‚Attack‘ folder or easier import / export of sample or song files - Update Tempo on IAA / MIDI clock - Fixed switch between IAA apps not working - Fixed audio artifacts when playing any sound - Fixed app becomes mute occasionally when loading songs or sets  - Updated Links - Further Bug Fixes and Maintenance ### 1.1.2 — 2015-11-26 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. New in version 1.1.2: - fixed critical MIDI bug - iPad Pro ready - minor bugfixes - AudioBus SDK 2.3 New in version 1.1.1: - minor bugfixes - Audition for sounds - acts as an Inter-App audio generator that can be controlled via different MIDI inputs and channels New in version 1.1.0: - iOS 9 fix - MIDI settings for in- and outgoing connections - MIDI sync - IAA control view - loop mode - Audiobus SDK 2.2.2 - AudioCopy SDK 3.1 - Adjustable preferred buffer size Please be so kind to update your ratings and reviews - tap the "i" button on the upper right corner and then "Rate on iTunes". Thanks! ### 1.1.1 — 2015-11-19 New in version 1.1.1: - minor bugfixes - Audition for sounds - acts as an Inter-App audio generator that can be controlled via different MIDI inputs and channels New in version 1.1.0: - iOS 9 fix - MIDI settings for in- and outgoing connections - MIDI sync - IAA control view - loop mode - Audiobus SDK 2.2.2 - AudioCopy SDK 3.1 - Adjustable preferred buffer size Please be so kind to update your ratings and reviews - tap the "i" button on the upper right corner and then "Rate on iTunes". Thanks! ### 1.1.0 — 2015-11-10 - iOS 9 bug fixed - MIDI Settings for in- and outgoing connections - MIDI Sync - IAA Control View - Loop Mode - Audiobus SDK 2.2.2 - AudioCopy SDK 3.1 - Adjustable preferred buffer size - and much more… Please don’t forget to update your ratings and reviews. Thanks in advance! ### 1.0.1 — 2015-06-24 - fixed graphics bug that only appears on iPad 2 and on the first generation iPad Mini - fixed AudioPaste bug ## Apps similar to Attack Drums | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [VAPolyFMv2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapolyfmv2/id6751489154) | 4.5 (6) | $5.99 | Music | | [EchoFlower](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echoflower/id6742573030) | 4.6 (5) | $9.99 | Music | | [Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/testere-supersaw-synth-auv3/id6747269039) | 5.0 (1) | $7.99 | Music | | [Big Swarma](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/big-swarma/id6747882165) | 5.0 (6) | $14.99 | Music | | [VAPolyTZFM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapolytzfm/id6747690642) | 5.0 (3) | $5.99 | Music | | [MIDILODY](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midilody/id6744967473) | 4.1 (9) | $4.99 | Music | ## More apps by Waldorf Music - [Nave](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nave/id596036905) - [Blofeld](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blofeld/id6742895365) - [Streichfett](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/streichfett/id6746478754) All apps by Waldorf Music: https://appshunter.io/developer/516565566 --- *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 2026-09-08.*