# Branches - Semi-modular synth — Standalone & plugin

> Semi-modular synthesizer for standalone use or AUv3 plugin with MIDI input. (iPhone/iPad app by Willow & Oak AB.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/branches-semi-modular-synth/id1520212093 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Willow & Oak AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/314685948)
- Category: Music
- Price: $5.99
- Rating: 3.90/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.6 · 3 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2020-11-01
- Data updated: 2026-06-07
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/branches-semi-modular-synth/id1520212093/reviews.md

## What is Branches?

Branches is a semi-modular synthesizer inspired by classics of the past. It runs both as a standalone instrument with support for external MIDI input or as a plugin (AUv3) in your favorite DAW app.

Audio from the oscillators are permanently hardwired into the lowpass gates and the default patch is setup to receive MIDI and trigger the lowpass gate for the complex oscillator. This way you can get up and running fast and are then free to experiment with your own patching.

Branches is utilizing what is sometimes referred to as a "west coast" style of processing which in this case means timbre is adjusted by adding harmonics to a basic sine wave. One of the oscillators does this by fading between multiple waveforms freely, the other does it by employing a wave folder and blending it with another user selectable waveform. The first one can also modulate either frequency or amplitude of the second.

Branches support MIDI input on two channels. This allows you to control each oscillator and low pass gate individually if you please, acting as a duophonic synthesizer.

Utilizing the rest of the modules opens up a world of different possibilities - generative random melodies, timbre changing over time, modulation from your host app etc.

## Key features

- Semi-modular synthesis engine
- Standalone app and AUv3 plugin support
- West coast style sound processing
- Duophonic synthesis with dual MIDI channels
- Generative melody capabilities
- Waveform fading and wave folding

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/branches-semi-modular-synth/id1520212093/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Previous version

*2023-03-18, version 2.1.4*

Is the previous version before the latest version still available. It was very useable - Since the upgrade I no longer use it because of the changes and I find it difficult to navigate

### 3/5 — Wait ...No Presets???

*2022-06-04*

Neat West Coast-type synthesizer. Good sound quality and well suited toward the experimental. Think Buchla synth. Probably not the best synthesizer for imitative synthesis and pop music. 

But wait. I can't find any way to save a patch. Does Branches really not have a preset management capability??? If so that totally eliminates this synth for performance applications IMO.

**Developer response:** Hi

Thanks for the comment! Currently it's possible to save and load presets via a DAW host app, think AUM on iPadOS or Logic Pro X for macOS for example. Presets for the standalone mode is the next thing on the todo list. :)

### 5/5 — Very good implementation of popular hardware

*2021-06-23*

Feels a lot like playing with my semi modular synth and it’s sister controller minus some parts but with a few added. Very good software implementation. A lot of fun. Good modular sounds.

### 2/5 — Broke audio

*2020-11-07*

This app looks great and look forward to using it, but I’m not going to touch it for a few updates. In my first session with it, it broke my iPad Pro’s audio engine! (iOS 13.6.1). I was working with the random module and there was a “pop!” and no audio. Anywhere. Not iTunes, not YouTube, not any other music app. Fortunately, it all came back after rebooting. But I’m not going to touch this app again for a while!

### 5/5 — So far it’s great...

*2020-11-07*

It took a lil learning, and I know not what I’m doing. Sounds amazing though. Hails to the branch

### 5/5 — Good starting point.

*2020-11-03, version 1.0.1*

Screen size issues fixed.

This is a good starting point for those who would like to take a look at Modular Synthesis.

The potential of growth in this app are considerable.

### 3/5 — Cool potential but needs work.

*2020-11-01*

I was excited for this, but it’s not quite ready IMO. First, the screen is cut off on both sides of my iPad Pro 10”. 

Second, I can’t make a connection for the life of me. Touching and dragging from a related output to a related input does not work. I was able to delete the initial patch cables, but haven’t been able to make a new one yet. 

And it’s odd that there’s no presets. Unless they are being cutoff. So the initial patch that came with it is gone and until it’s fixed, I can’t patch anything new...

**Developer response:** Thanks for your feedback, the UI should fit better in the just released v1.0.1. I will make sure to investigate the connection issues as soon as possible, sorry for the inconvenience.

### 5/5 — Bravo!

*2020-11-01*

First modular (or semi) I’ve been able to kind of grasp before losing interest.  The two channel system allows for easy side by side comparison since you can route everything on channel 2 exactly like channel 1, then start makes small adjustments to see how the sounds differ.  So beautiful!

The online user manual is also very well done.

Two big thumbs up here!

**Developer response:** Thanks for your nice words!

### 3/5 — Sounds OK very unresponsive as au or stand alone.

*2020-11-01*

The app is cropped. Can't see the full app in stand alone mode. I don't think this was tested properly before releasing it.

**Developer response:** Thanks for your feedback, the UI should fit better in the just released v1.0.1. Will look into performance issues!

## Frequently asked questions about Branches

### What is Branches?

Branches is a semi-modular synthesizer inspired by classic hardware. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 plugin within your digital audio workstation (DAW).

### What kind of sound design does Branches offer?

Branches utilizes a "west coast" style of synthesis, where timbre is adjusted by adding harmonics to a basic sine wave. It features oscillators with waveform fading and wave folding for complex sound manipulation.

### Can Branches be controlled with external hardware?

Yes, Branches supports external MIDI input on two channels, allowing for individual control of its oscillators and low-pass gates, enabling duophonic synthesis.

### What devices is Branches compatible with?

Branches is available for macOS and iPad, making it suitable for both desktop and mobile music production setups.

### How much does Branches cost?

Branches is a paid application, priced at $5.99. This one-time purchase grants you full access to its features.

### Does Branches have ads?

No, Branches does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an uninterrupted user experience.

### How often is Branches updated?

The latest version of Branches is 2.2, last updated on February 13, 2026. This indicates a commitment to ongoing development and improvements.

### What is the age rating for Branches?

Branches has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in music creation.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2 — 2026-02-13

* Better handling of different window sizes across DAWs.
* General stability and performance improvements

### 2.1.4 — 2022-06-15

General bug fixes & improvements

### 2.1.2 — 2022-06-14

This is a maintenance fix with improvements under the hood.

### 2.1 — 2022-06-08

* Indicators for signals to improve visual feedback
* Quantizer now sends a trigger when the quantized note change
* Support for pitch bend via MIDI, automatically sent with normal pitch, but can be manually patched anywhere as a modulation source
* On screen keyboard now sends pitch bend and modulation on drag
* General bug fixes and improvements

This update also includes the new major v2.0 updates:

* A refreshed interface that looks better and fits better on a variety of screen sizes
* Easier interaction for disconnecting specific cables (tap jack, then tap trash can icon on each specific cable)
* A simple built in clock is available for use when running in standalone mode
* Two function generators with CV control
* Delay has been integrated in the audio unit & CV control as been added - send some modulation and prepare for crazy
* Reverb has been integrated into the audio unit & CV control as been added
* Clock is now received as 16th notes, but can easly be divided back to 4ths with the trigger divider
* More divisions available in the trigger divider for better rythmic control
* CV Sequencer now sends a trigger on each step
* Better handling of "self patching" and input edge cases
* Multiple general tweaks and bug fixes

### 2.0.1 — 2022-06-02

* Fixes an that could cause pitch issues under certain circumstances
* Lowers the required iOS requirement to v13.0

This update also includes the new major v2.0 updates:

* A refreshed interface that looks better and fits better on a variety of screen sizes
* Easier interaction for disconnecting specific cables (tap jack, then tap trash can icon on each specific cable)
* A simple built in clock is available for use when running in standalone mode
* Two function generators with CV control
* Delay has been integrated in the audio unit & CV control as been added - send some modulation and prepare for crazy
* Reverb has been integrated into the audio unit & CV control as been added
* Clock is now received as 16th notes, but can easly be divided back to 4ths with the trigger divider
* More divisions available in the trigger divider for better rythmic control
* CV Sequencer now sends a trigger on each step
* Better handling of "self patching" and input edge cases
* Multiple general tweaks and bug fixes

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## More apps by Willow & Oak AB

- [GRPS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grps/id6502950232)

All apps by Willow & Oak AB: https://appshunter.io/developer/314685948

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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 2026-06-07.*