# AudioLayer — user reviews > 124 indexed App Store user reviews of AudioLayer by Harry Gohs, rated 4.40/5 from 179 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiolayer/id1381478666/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiolayer/id1381478666.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 136 · 4★ 10 · 3★ 10 · 2★ 6 · 1★ 17 ## 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 ## Newest reviews (10 of 124) ### 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… ### 3/5 — Control change Problem *2025-06-20, version 2.1.2* Not receiving control change 11 Expression please update! ### 4/5 — FX bugs *2025-05-07, version 2.1.2* Hello! I use iPad Pro 11 (M4). There is a problem in the effects block. The sound disappears when the reverb and chorus effects are turned on. Your latest update does not fix this bug. I really hope for your help. ### 3/5 — Looked good but light support and hard to figure out *2025-02-18* I've been trying to map multiple samples to a midi keyboard for a couple of weeks now. Not that intuitive and nowhere to contact Virsyn for support except for their X account, and that's a waste of time. I had great hopes for this app. Example: trying to sample 3 instruments from Everything Counts by Depeche Mode and map them to separate non-overlapping zones on my external keyboard. Still working on it 2 weeks later - it should be way more intuitive - please make a video or something! ### 2/5 — Manual? *2024-11-15* Did latest update and manual disappeared. Useless without. ### 3/5 — Audiolayer,Xinematix, macOS *2024-10-09* Audiolayer and Xinematix do not work on macOS. The combination only works on the IPad. How do I get the sounds from Audiolayer from the IPad into Logic Pro on the Mac? ### 4/5 — Nice clean sound *2024-08-26* I purchased the AudioLayer and the XineMatrix library for my iPad and am pleased with them both. AudioLayer is well designed and sounds great. I did notice a minor issue. In AudioLayer and XineMatrix Settings, active MIDI Sources are listed as "Unknown Name" instead of each apps name. MIDI input seems to be working correctly, but source names missing from the MIDI Sources menu. Rebooting does not fix the issue. ### 5/5 — Best sfz sound font player *2024-01-20* Gives a very live feel for instruments and sampling ### 1/5 — In App PURCHASE - HELP *2023-12-30* I purchased the SoundFont Import (7,99€) but it does not work. I recieved a Message that I am ready to go but in the in App purchase there isnt a checkmark and when I am Train to Import a SoundFont Instrument it saß that the Module is missing. Please HELP. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 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. ### 1/5 — Buggy and abandoned *2025-09-21* Great feature set, but has bugs, does not seem to be maintained, support enquiries were ignored ### 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.. ### 1/5 — Import not working *2025-01-15* Despite attempting to load samples and sound fonts for several hours, it fails every time, along with multiple crashes. Deleted. ### 1/5 — Soundfont import 9.99 app is unfit for purpose. *2024-12-31* Should have been there from the start . Tip…convert to sfz And import, unless that’s cynically been removed. Yes it been crippled. Words can’t describe how poor and unstable this app is, irs simply unfit for fkn purpose. 2024 It gets worse crashes zenbeats . Absolutely useless , more interested on money grabbing on pointless iap’s. ### 1/5 — Pitch *2024-11-04* Logic Pro M4 iPad Pitch alters to negative 24 after stop playing tracks in logic. Pain in the but having to keep going back to Audiolayer instruments and adjusting pitch back to 0 ever sing time. Fix please. ### 1/5 — Soundfont import 9.99 app is unfit for purpose. *2024-08-22* Should have been there from the start . Tip…convert to sfz And import, unless that’s cynically been removed. Yes it been crippled. Words can’t describe how poor and unstable this app is, irs simply unfit for fkn purpose. ### 1/5 — APP IS BROKEN!! *2024-05-25* Tried to report via Website and got this on submitting "Not Found The requested URL was not found on this server. Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request." So posting info here: App will not start - crashes every time on splash screen. iOS 17.5 , iPad Pro 3rd Generation Please Fix. Thanks ### 1/5 — Modulo import sound font risulta sempre non installato, soldi spesi per perdere tempo *2024-05-22, version 2.0.0* Non c’è modo di fargli capire che è stato acquistato ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 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.🙏 ### 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 ### 5/5 — Can’t download purchased sound packs *2025-04-05* Unable to download the sound packs after reinstalling the app. Hope it will be fixed soon ### 5/5 — Super *2024-12-26* Bravo 🎉🎊🍾🎈 ### 5/5 — Brilliant. *2024-10-07* Seems a lot of outdated reviews on here… So far I’ve found it a really nice app, for me the main downsides are; it makes my old device hot and drains battery fast, so it’s frustrating when I have to use a different sampler when out and about (frustrating because AudioLayer is a favourite). AudioLayer seems to concentrate more on being a sampler so although some other iOS samplers have a lot more features they aren’t features that benefit the actual sampler. You can always you other plugin’s to get better results so I don’t see it as a problem. AudioLayer stays more focused on being a sampler and as a result you get a better sampler. It’s got a lot of control over your samples and is a fantastic tool. ### 5/5 — Layer Polyphony Issues - Latest Update *2024-07-13* *Updated Review* I’ve updated my review from 1 Star to FIVE Stars because this developer is actually very responsive, and updates their app in response to issues! I absolutely love this app, but just one request. The latest 2.0 update caused an issue where the layer voice polyphony controls no longer work properly…allowing your device to simply accrue voices until the app crashes! (Try sliding down the keyboard with the sustain pressed and you will see what I mean…). This is a KEY feature for us live players who need to be able to limit voice counts so our iPads don’t crash on stage. Also there is a minor issue not allowing you to copy layers between instruments, can you address this as well? This is great for being able to transfer damper/sustain/articulations between different sampled instruments. Overall though, this is a great app! Love all the work this developer does! Keep it coming! My original review is still listed here below. I used to LOVE this app! Closest thing to Kontakt for the iPad! But with this latest update, it no longer allows me to load custom exs24 or sfz instruments? It gives me this error that says samples are missing? I’m not sure why this just started happening after I updated, but if youguys can fix this, then 5-Star rating for sure! Sorry for the bad review, but this is going to be a killer if this issue never resolved! Please let me know if youguys can fix this. Thank you! PS. Midi Volume control in the future would be a nice feature I think. ### 5/5 — Works with brand new 2024 iPad Pro 13“ *2024-05-19, version 2.0.0* The app works great with the brand new iPad Pro 2024 13" model. This is my go-to Sampler so I am happy to report that it remains a top-notch product! ### 5/5 — Pretty incredible *2024-04-09, version 1.9.6* Love it --- *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.*