# AudioLayer — The mobile Sample Solution

> Advanced mobile multi-sampler for iOS music production and instrument creation. (iPhone/iPad app by Harry Gohs.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiolayer/id1381478666 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Harry Gohs](https://appshunter.io/developer/382428644)
- Category: Music
- Price: $12.99 with in-app purchases (on sale, was $24.99)
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 179 App Store ratings · 124 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 242 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-08-03
- Data updated: 2026-09-08
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiolayer/id1381478666/reviews.md

## What is AudioLayer?

AudioLayer satisfies the most sought after gap for contemporary music production on iOS devices. AudioLayer is a full featured open standard audio multi-sampler pushing the boundaries beyond what has been available even in the desktop music production worlds. And all this integrated in all relevant iOS production environments especially the emerging AUv3 AudioUnit standard.

- SSE - Streaming Sample Engine -
The ultra efficient Streaming Sample Engine SSE is capable of playing hundreds of voices of big multi-sampled instruments even in strictly resource limited applications like using multiple instances of AudioLayer in AudioUnit host environments. Innovative features like Sub Sample Looping for perfect loops even in the audible range extend the range of applications even further.

- Multiple storage options -
The consequent usage of the open file structure of the Files app makes organising even large sample libraries a breeze. Sample recordings and Instrument designs made with AudioLayer are seamlessly available across all your devices and desktop using either iCloud storage or external SSD. The iCloud option opens up new forms of collaborations with musicians all around the world to share your creations and work together.

- Multi Scope Editing -
To support the creation of complex multi-sampled instruments AudioLayer allows you to use a hierarchical structure of Layers and Zones each with it’s own sound manipulation parameters. A unique element of AudioLayer is the possibility to decide for each Zone at which Scope level your editing apply: For the all Zones in the Instrument, for the Layer only or individually for this Zone only. This opens a whole new world of creative options for sound mangling. For sound manipulation you can use a full set of Filters, Envelopes and LFOs to shape the pitch, timbre and level of the sound of each Zone.

SIS - Seamless Instrument Switching
The unique architecture of the Streaming Sample Engine allows for instant loading of even complex instruments and makes this switching from one Instrument to the next without cutting off the sound! And this includes of course also different effect settings

- Easy Design Workflow -
The built in audio sample recorder let you create Instruments on the fly in seconds. The Music Effect AudioUnit / Audiobus effect plugin of AudioLayer let you record multi-samples semi automatically directly inside your preferred host and instantly create an Instrument with the help of several Auto mapping options available. This includes file name based mapping of key ranges and velocities and automatic pitch detection. For the creatives we’ve also integrated a special “Single Cycle Waveform” detector making the use of this special files a breeze.

- Auto Sampler feature for easy creation of Sample Instruments from hardware synthesiser.

- Versilian Studio Sample Library ( VCSL/VSCO ) with excellent strings and orchestra samples for free download

- Exchange libraries with XinematiX App

Integration

• Stand-alone App
• Sample import for EXS24 and SFZ Format
• AUv3 AudioUnit Instrument and Music Effect
• Inter App Audio
• Audiobus 3 Input/Effect with state saving support.
• Audio recorder with share function.
• Ableton Link compatible.

## Key features

- Streaming Sample Engine (SSE)
- Hierarchical Layer and Zone editing
- Seamless Instrument Switching (SIS)
- Integrated audio sample recorder
- Auto Sampler for hardware synths
- AUv3 AudioUnit integration
- iCloud storage and collaboration

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $12.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SoundFont Import | $3.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of AudioLayer?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🎹 Powerful multi-layer sampling capabilities
- 📥 EXS24 and SFZ file import support
- 🎯 Round-robin functionality for realistic instruments
- ⚡ Efficient performance on older devices
- 🎚️ Comprehensive effects rack with quality sound
- 🔄 Auto-sampling feature for hardware synths
- ☁️ iCloud integration for cross-device sync
- 🎵 Closest iOS equivalent to Kontakt
- 🎧 Intuitive interface for sample mapping
- 📱 Works as standalone app and AUv3 plugin

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes across multiple iOS versions
- ⚠️ Stability issues in AUM and other hosts
- 🔌 High CPU/DSP usage causing performance spikes
- 🔋 Battery drain and device heating
- ❌ Missing undo function
- 📖 Poor or missing documentation/manual
- 🆘 Unresponsive developer support
- ⚙️ Complex UI with steep learning curve
- 🎛️ Limited MIDI control options
- 💾 File management system is cumbersome

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup (splash screen)
- Reverb and chorus effects cause sound to disappear
- Pitch resets to -24 after stopping Logic Pro playback
- Layer voice polyphony controls not working properly
- SFZ batch import distributes samples incorrectly across layers
- EXS24 import fails for complex instruments (pianos, drum kits)
- MIDI source names display as 'Unknown Name'
- Plugin window resizing required to access all controls
- Sample end marker positioning doesn't work in all view sizes
- Soundfont import module shows as missing despite purchase
- App becomes unresponsive when loading complex instruments
- Control Change 11 (Expression) not received
- Autosampler function button missing after update
- Settings not saved properly as AUv3 plugin
- Instrument loading defaults to first instrument in host
- Click/pop noises in sustain loops
- Inter-Audio (IAA) compatibility broken

**Most requested features**

- Time-stretching/pitch-shifting capability
- Program Change MIDI support
- Undo/Redo functionality
- GigaSampler .gig library support
- Soundfont SF2 import (now paid feature)
- MIDI learn for real-time parameter control
- Expression (CC11) and other CC support
- Multi-output support for individual zone routing
- Batch import and file management improvements
- Instrument selection screen persistence in MIDI mode
- Bit reduction effect for vintage sampler emulation
- Better local file management and folder organization
- Modulation wheel pitch control
- Transposition features
- Disk streaming for larger libraries
- Macro/customizable GUI support
- Purge unused samples function

## Recent user reviews (10 of 124)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiolayer/id1381478666/reviews.md

### 5/5 — A SERIOUS SAMPLER

*2026-03-19*

I still have my EMU sampler from the 90’s but I don’t know why. This blows it clean away in every way.

### 5/5 — Эдакий NI Kontakt на минималках))

*2026-01-12, version 2.1.2*

Приложение крутое! И, как это часто бывает с таковыми, требует к себе немного внимания для чтения мануала. Лично для меня оно стало незаменимым! Могу выделить 2 киллер фитчи этой проги - возможность семплирования round robin, что позволяет тонко настраивать акустические инструменты (я так портировал на айпад стаккато струнных из библиотеки Free orchestra от ПроджэктСэм’а. Перенес вавки из папки Samples, раскидал по слоям с функцией round robin - и вуаля, фирменные струнные на iOS). И еще одна фишка - назначать разные слои на колесо модуляции, например колесо вниз - стаккато, вверх - легато для быстрого переключения артикуляций инструментов. (Кстати, возможность назначать разные артикуляции на кейсвитчи, как в Контакте, тоже имеется). Замечено: если хочется создать навороченный инструмент, типа назначить несколько слоёв на колесо модуляции вниз, несколько на колесо вверх, то будет лагать, и это печально, ведь функционал программы позволяет наворачивать. Ещё из недостатков могу отметить отсутствие кнопки Undo, вот это иногда вводит в ступор, когда случайно смахиваешь какую-то зону/ноту и потом иной раз приходится гадать чего куда смахнул вместо того, чтобы просто отменить действие)) Ну и лично мне не хватает функции Time stretch для подгона сэмплов под темп проекта, как это сделано в BM3. Пару слов про импорт exs - простые тембры импортирует норм, если что-то посложнее (exs рояля или ударной установки - инструмента, где много слоёв), то импорт часто некорректный и нужно будет допиливать/ досэмплировать.
 В итоге получаем классный сэмплер с широкими возможностями, который в потенциале может стать идеальным. Спасибо разработчикам!

### 5/5 — GigaSampler!

*2025-12-20*

Please, add GigaSampler .gig libraries full support like Safta Consulting have done with G-Player.

A lot of those wonderful libraries are still relevant today and are just waiting a reader to be used again, now that an iOS/iPadOS device can have 1 or 2 terabytes of storage and more than decent reading time access.🙏

### 1/5 — iPad Pro M5

*2025-12-04, version 2.1.2*

Purtroppo su iPad Pro M 1 funzionava cambiato iPad con pro M5 non funziona più reinstallato ma non si apre

### 1/5 — Does not work well with VG Trumpet

*2025-11-09, version 2.1.2*

I bought so I could run VG Trumpet on my iPad. The problem may be I have an older iPad that uses OS 17. But I cannot load VG samples.

### 3/5 — Problem with reverb efx also after last update

*2025-11-08, version 2.1.2*

On my iPad M4 18.7.1 I have problem with reverb efx. When I add to a preset the dsp increase suddenly and there isn’t sound. If I power off the reverb the sound returns.

### 3/5 — quite buggy, but almost without competition

*2025-09-25*

Still new in the mobile section of music creation. Quite shocked about the lack of good AUv3 samplers, specifically when it comes to multi-sampling instruments! Maybe it’s not in demand, who knows. As far as I can see there’s only one competitor on the market for the task of multi sampling and that one cannot import .exs files. But Audio Layer really sucks when it comes to automation or mapping MIDI controls. So I’ll go and try the other one…

### 1/5 — Buggy and abandoned

*2025-09-21*

Great feature set, but has bugs, does not seem to be maintained, support enquiries were ignored

### 5/5 — Best Sampler in IOS & For Live on Stage Playing!

*2025-08-16, version 2.1.2*

First, this Sampler is absolutely a must have for anyone who wants to backup their virtual or hardware synths.  I love how simple and intuitive it is for sampling your hardware synths as well as software synths you own. 
For me, instead of having to haul my beloved old Korg Trinity V3 to church for worship on Sundays, I made AudioLayer instruments and all the samples are in my iPad or iPhone! No need to haul my heavy beloved Synth anymore! 

Thank you Mr. Developer for continuing to support such an amazing App! 

The built in effects are top pro level and make your presets sound complete and ready for the stage!

One wishlist which would really make this a game changer for live on stage playing: 

Could you allow to have the Instrument Select Screen to remain Open when the app is being controlled via a midi keyboard? This would allow me to switch instruments instantly especially when playing live with a band. Currently, it closes once an instrument is selected, which forces me to open the instrument select screen again. This is a no go for live situation. 

I truly hope this request isn’t too difficult to code. But I thank you in advance as this amazing app truly opens a whole new world for gigging musicians! 

In summary, AudioLayer is truly a blessing for me as I can now have all my favorite hardware or software sounds on my iPad or iPhone and be playable with a midi controller on stage ready to worship the Lord Jesus Christ Amen!

I highly recommend this app!

MM4C

### 1/5 — Als auv3 Plugin nicht geeignet

*2025-07-25*

Für den Gebrauch nicht sunday keys ungeeignet, da Einstellungen nicht richtig gespeichert wurden… für meinen Einsatzzweck ist die App nicht zu gebrauchen, leider konnte ich die App nicht zurückgeben..

## Frequently asked questions about AudioLayer

### What is AudioLayer?

AudioLayer is a comprehensive mobile multi-sampler designed for iOS music production. It allows users to create, manipulate, and play complex sampled instruments with advanced features that rival desktop solutions. It integrates with various iOS production environments, including the AUv3 AudioUnit standard.

### What are the key features of AudioLayer?

Key features include an ultra-efficient Streaming Sample Engine (SSE) for playing hundreds of voices, multi-scope editing for hierarchical instrument design, Seamless Instrument Switching (SIS) for instant loading without audio cuts, an integrated audio sample recorder, and an Auto Sampler for creating instruments from hardware synths. It also supports iCloud for storage and collaboration.

### How does AudioLayer handle storage and collaboration?

AudioLayer utilizes the open file structure of the Files app, making it easy to organize large sample libraries. Samples and instrument designs are seamlessly available across devices using iCloud storage. This iCloud integration also enables new forms of collaboration with musicians worldwide, allowing for the sharing of creations and joint work.

### Is AudioLayer compatible with other music production apps?

Yes, AudioLayer is designed to integrate with relevant iOS production environments, especially the emerging AUv3 AudioUnit standard. It also offers a Music Effect AudioUnit/Audiobus effect plugin that allows for semi-automatic multi-sampling directly within your preferred host application.

### What is the cost of AudioLayer?

The application is available for free with in-app purchases. This model allows users to explore the core functionality and then acquire additional features or content as needed, providing flexibility for different user needs and budgets.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.1.2 — 2025-05-05

- Fixed MPE in AUv3
- Fixed issue with Reverb FX on Sound switching

### 2.1.1 — 2024-12-10

- Fixes bug accessing XinematiX external storage

### 2.1.0 — 2024-08-26

- MIDI learn for Instrument Pitch/Filter/Level parameter
- AU Parameter for Instrument Pitch/Filter/Level access
- Copy/Paste layers fixed
- Limit #Voices per instrument fixed
- Crash on search in XinematiX library fixed
- Sample loop edit problem with XinematiX sounds fixed

### 2.0.0 — 2024-04-20

- fixed compatibility issues with XinematiX sound libraries

### 1.9.9 — 2024-04-18

- ensure Compatibility to XinematiX version 2 sound libraries

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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 Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addictive-synth/id447072653)
- [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

## Related topics

[sample audio](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sample-audio) · [samples audio](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/samples-audio)

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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 2026-09-08.*