# Core Synth HD

> Monophonic synthesizer app for iPad with advanced sound shaping features. (iPhone/iPad app by Core Engine Apps.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-synth-hd/id446631941 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Core Engine Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/382236096)
- Category: Music
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.40/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 62 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 10 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-07-02
- Data updated: 2026-06-08
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-synth-hd/id446631941/reviews.md

## What is Core Synth HD?

Top free iPad music app in 5 countries, top 10 in more than 50!

Get your groove on with Core Synth HD, the definitive monophonic synthesizer for the iPad. With tons of features packed into a small package, Core Synth is great for live performing. A Pitch Wheel replicates perfectly the real thing!

This free app has the following features:

- Pitch Wheel
- 2 Octave keyboard
- Keys light up in different colors when pressed

Oscillator Module
- Dual overlapping oscillators
- Four wave patterns: Square, Triangle, Sawtooth and Reverse Sawtooth
* Select from 5 octaves
* Adjust glide between notes
* Fine tune Oscillator 2 with option to sync with Oscillator 1

Volume Envelope Shaper
- Edit ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release)

Low Pass Filter Module
- Adjust Cutoff and Resonance
- Edit ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release)

Upgrade to the full version within the app for the following additional features:

- 7 Octave Keyboard
- Octave control to move along entire range
- Modulation Wheel

Patches Module
- Save an unlimited number of individually named patches
- Browse through your collection before applying patch
- Delete unwanted patches

Modulation Module
- Four wave patterns: Square, Triangle, Sawtooth and Reverse Sawtooth
- Modulate Filter, Pitch or Wave
- Adjust LFO Rate and amount

Arpeggiator Module
- Arpeggio moves up to 5 octaves
- Four step modes: Up, Down, Up/Down, Random
- Adjust rate

Many more exciting enhancements to follow! Core Synth HD includes open source code from MobileSynth developed by Allen Porter.

## Key features

- Dual overlapping oscillators
- Four wave patterns
- Low Pass Filter with ADSR
- Volume Envelope Shaper (ADSR)
- Arpeggiator with multiple modes
- Save unlimited patches

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version Upgrade | $1.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 62)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-synth-hd/id446631941/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Disappointing - no sound

*2020-06-24, version 1.5.1*

This appears useless. The interface is OKish, but there’s no sound on my iPad Pro. Not an inducement to “upgrade” even for only £1.99.

I hope the developer will get this working on the latest iOS, then I might change this review.

### 1/5 — Look elsewhere

*2019-10-07, version 1.5.1*

Seems very limited. I don't like the keys becoming coloured when pressed. Initial impressions were not good and first few sounds before I deleted it were very basic.

### 5/5 — Retro...

*2019-08-31, version 1.5.1*

Simple retro style mono synth, that has always worked ok. One of my first apps. Worth a couple of pounds for the full version. There are more complex synths available, some more, some less in price, but this is a nice emulation of a basic (they were all pretty basic back then) mid 70’s synth.

### 1/5 — No sound

*2019-05-26, version 1.5.1*

No sound on iOS 12.

### 3/5 — ok.

*2017-04-22, version 1.5.1*

free version is super obnoxious with the ads. i kind of liked the sound though, so i upgraded to pro. not much in the way of extra features there. still like the base sound synthesizer, so as a simple noisemaker it is kind of fun, but it has a LOT of that microclickiness/glitching at the start/end of sounds played, regardless of attack setting, making it of limited use. feels a little slopped together overall. the sound is cool enough that it could be a good app with a bit of developer TLC, but in its current state ... eh.

### 1/5 — No sound since last update

*2017-01-28, version 1.5*

This was a great little synth andf I decided to purchase the full version a fews weeks ago but since last update I get no sound from it. I tried to contact the developer but the web address return a 403 error- forbidden. This is not good news. I want a full refund.

### 1/5 — Do. Not Upgrade

*2017-01-22, version 1.4*

Bought Update ,program doesn't start anymore.

### 1/5 — An add blocks like a fourth of the view of the app

*2016-08-31, version 1.3.3*

Not exactly but it's blocking enough of what is essential to synthesis. I recommend the moog model 15 for 30 dollars if you want to get into some synthesis that you can actually see. I get that it's a free app and all but come on with the add blocking that much of the screen is that really necessary? There are plenty of free apps that don't over spam with ads.
And I am not rating this one star. Negative one would be more accurate.

### 1/5 — Very boring sound. Poor controls.

*2016-07-17, version 1.3.3*

Don't buy it. The sound is so dull. The controls are poor. The envelopes are far too restrictive. The filter is rubbish. Even putting aside the ad that covers part of the upper control, this is just a very poor synth.

### 1/5 — Terrible Ads

*2016-07-02, version 1.3.3*

I would consider buying the pro version except I can't actually get a feel for the free version as there is a constant, incessant and irrelevant ad coving everything above the pitch wheel. Renders this app completely useless, big thumbs down :(

## Frequently asked questions about Core Synth HD

### What is Core Synth HD?

Core Synth HD is a monophonic synthesizer application designed for the iPad. It allows users to create and manipulate sounds using a variety of modules, including oscillators, filters, and envelopes. The app is designed to be both powerful for sound design and intuitive for live performance.

### What are the key features of the free version?

The free version of Core Synth HD includes a Pitch Wheel, a 2 Octave keyboard with color-changing keys, a dual oscillator module with four wave patterns and octave selection, a volume envelope shaper (ADSR), and a low-pass filter module with cutoff, resonance, and ADSR controls.

### How can I access more features?

Additional features are available through an in-app upgrade to the full version. This upgrade unlocks a 7 Octave Keyboard with octave control, a Modulation Wheel, a comprehensive Patches Module for saving and managing sounds, and a Modulation Module for advanced sound shaping. An arpeggiator is also included in the free version.

### What kind of music can I create with this app?

This app is ideal for creating electronic music, synth-pop, ambient soundscapes, and experimental electronic sounds. The versatile oscillator and filter modules, combined with the arpeggiator, allow for a wide range of sonic possibilities suitable for various electronic genres.

### Is Core Synth HD compatible with other music software?

While the description doesn't explicitly mention MIDI or DAW integration, the app's focus on sound design and live performance suggests it can be used as a standalone instrument. Users can explore saving and recalling patches, which can be a useful workflow for integrating with other music production tools.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.5.1 — 2017-04-02

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

Bug fixes

### 1.5 — 2017-01-25

Bug fixes

### 1.4 — 2017-01-16

iOS 10 Compatibility

### 1.3.3 — 2013-09-13

- Added octave labels on every 'C' key
- Decreased pitch range by one octave so it's possible to get lower notes, whereas the previous upper registers were not audible
- Corrected oscillator octave markings, 8' is concert pitch

### 1.3.2 — 2013-04-09

- Added Restore button
- Optimizations

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All apps by Core Engine Apps: https://appshunter.io/developer/382236096

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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 2026-06-08.*