# Crystal Synth > Semi-modular synthesizer for creating evolving soundscapes on mobile devices. (iPhone/iPad app by Green Oak Software.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crystal-synth/id406895308 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Green Oak Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/355342717) - Category: Music, Music - Price: $0.99 - Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 40 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2010-12-15 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crystal-synth/id406895308/reviews.md ## What is Crystal Synth? Crystal is a full featured semi-modular synthesizer, ideally suited to creating lush evolving soundscapes. Long a popular synthesizer on the desktop, it is now available for the iPad and iPhone. For videos and information about Crystal, visit: http://www.greenoak.com == Features == Browse through the included sounds and use the 2 octave keypad to trigger notes to produce evolving, rhythmic, or melodic sounds. Create your own sounds with a single button press using the breed feature. When using an iPad, you can delve into a tweakers dream by using the extensive editing features to sculpt sounds to your heart's content (editing features are only available when used on an iPad). Crystal features both subtractive synthesis and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis. It offers abundant modulation control with over 90 parameters which may be modulated, multi-stage envelopes with graphical editors, extensive tempo sync of envelopes/lforates/delay times, built-in effects for chorus/flanging/comb filtering/echoes, and a band splitter for effects processing by frequency band. Not only that, Crystal has wave sequencing and granular synthesis. The musical applications for Crystal are literally boundless. == Different Versions == There are two different versions of Crystal to choose from, Crystal and Crystal XT, so you can select the one that is best for you. Crystal is the basic version. With this version you can browse sounds, play notes, and create new sounds, taking advantage of its powerful semimodular synthesis engine. Crystal XT (also available in the app store from Green Oak Software) adds MIDI keyboard input, sharing of sounds with the desktop version and other audio apps, and background audio so you can play Crystal from midi controller apps. == Notes == Important note for iPhone users: Crystal runs on both the iPad and the iPhone. Because of the limited screen space on the iPhone however, the editing pages which contain the edit controls are not available when running on that device. But on the iPhone you can still browse sounds, play notes from the keypad, and create new sounds with the Breed and Design features. ## Key features - Semi-modular synthesis engine - Subtractive and FM synthesis - Breed feature for sound creation - Extensive editing features (iPad) - Over 90 modifiable parameters - Tempo-synced envelopes and LFOs - Built-in chorus, flanger, echo effects ## Recent user reviews (10 of 12) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crystal-synth/id406895308/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Crystal Synth *2016-12-22, version 1.9.1* Desktop version is free. ### 4/5 — Way worth it *2016-09-25, version 1.9.1* This is a complex, powerful, yet very flexible synth. IMO one of the most underrated synths of VSTland. Here's hoping that Glen is finally reaping a reward for all those freebies given away. ### 5/5 — Worth buying twice *2014-04-08, version 1.9.1* I have found crystal synth to be an absolute essential to my process. Worth running on every device and it's really worth it spending the time on the desktop creating patches for import into crystal xt. ### 5/5 — Mature synth, lots of features; three voices; works great! *2012-06-07, version 1.8* Musicians take note: Crystal has been a mainstay of the VST synth world for several years, and it has been regularly updated as time goes by. On the iPad it is a stand-alone synth (not a plugin) has a broad range of features: modulation matrix, six LFOs, three voices (each with its own filter and amplitude envelope). This iPad version makes good use of finger gestures, for example, on the envelope drawing pictures. It comes pre-loaded with quite a few patches. A fun feature is the "Breed" button which generates a random patch. ### 3/5 — Needs a better selection of scales *2012-05-28, version 1.6* How about Blues scales? Pretty popular these days greenoak. ### 4/5 — Nice,...but.... *2011-03-21, version 1.2* Probably my fault, but I did not know that you could not save the patches you create in this regular version of Crystal. it IS apparent that you can do so with the xt version, but it would seem that the basic version of Crystal is playback only. you CAN create some beautiful and interesting sounds but you have no way of saving in this basic version... If you'd like to save your patches, spend the extra money and avoid disappointment!!! ### 3/5 — Sounds great; wish full VST envelopes were available on iPhone/itouch *2011-02-04, version 1.0* If only I had an iPad... I love the full PC version of Crystal and there are so many sounds out there that it is great the the full version can import those. I just wish the cool color-coded dragndrop envelopes were also on a screen on the light version - although the Breed buttons do help, even if their UI is buggy. If the Breed select buttons worked better like the drop down arrow suggests then in would be more intuitive. All in all a great thing that Crystal is now on IOS :) thanks Greenies! ### 5/5 — Great *2011-01-04, version 1.0* This has the same great sounds as the Desktop plug in and the Ipad app. I love using it and making up great sound textures. Great for song intros and bridges and endings. Mood setting sounds! Great I'm very happy that Crystal is now on a mobile platform. ### 5/5 — Universal App *2010-12-22, version 1.0* Sounds Decent. 5 Stars Just for being a Universal App. Working on both my iPhone & iPad. Full Review coming soon. Happy New Year! ### 1/5 — iPhone disappointment *2010-12-18, version 1.0* The description should make it more clear that you cannot edit patches on the iPhone. I'm sure this is cool for iPad owners but it's not worth it if you are just on the iPhone. It's basically a monophonic preset synth. You'd better hope you like those presets because it's all you get. Very sad. ## Frequently asked questions about Crystal Synth ### What kind of music can I create with Crystal? Crystal is ideal for creating lush, evolving soundscapes, rhythmic patterns, and melodic sounds. Its semi-modular synthesis engine and extensive modulation capabilities allow for a wide range of electronic music genres and experimental audio. ### What are the differences between Crystal and Crystal XT? Crystal is the basic version, allowing sound browsing, note playing, and sound creation. Crystal XT adds MIDI keyboard input, sound sharing with desktop versions and other audio apps, and background audio support for playing from MIDI controller apps. ### Can I edit sounds on my iPhone with Crystal? While Crystal runs on iPhone, the extensive editing pages are not available due to limited screen space. On iPhone, you can still browse sounds, play notes, and create new sounds using the Breed and Design features. ### What synthesis methods does Crystal use? Crystal features both subtractive synthesis and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis. This allows for a diverse palette of sound generation possibilities, from classic analog warmth to complex digital textures. ### Does Crystal have built-in effects? Yes, Crystal includes built-in effects such as chorus, flanging, comb filtering, and echoes. It also offers a band splitter for applying effects to specific frequency bands, providing further sound sculpting options. ### How often is Crystal updated? The latest version of Crystal is 2.1.8, which was last updated on April 1, 2017. While this indicates a significant gap between updates, the app has been stable and highly rated since its release. ### What devices does Crystal support? Crystal is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It leverages the capabilities of these devices to provide a powerful synthesis experience on the go. ### What is the price of Crystal? Crystal is a paid application, available for a one-time purchase of $0.99. This price grants you access to its full feature set for creating and manipulating sounds. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.1.8 — 2017-04-01 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Fix for locked screen orientation bug. ### 1.9.1 — 2013-10-08 ios7 support and new feature: Ring Modulation - Please send any problem reports via email to crystalsynth@gmail.com We cannot reply to problem reports in reviews. Positive reviews are always welcome and encourage us to provide updates! ### 1.8 — 2012-06-06 New scales: Chromatic and Blues. - Please send any problem reports via email to crystalsynth@gmail.com We cannot reply to problem reports in reviews. Positive reviews are always welcome and encourage us to provide updates! ### 1.6 — 2012-04-19 - Added CPU meter, bug fixes. - Please send any problem reports via email to crystalsynth@gmail.com We cannot reply to problem reports in reviews. Positive reviews are always welcome and encourage us to provide updates! ### 1.5 — 2011-12-15 - Bug fix update: fixed crash launching when an app holding a midi input is in the background. - Please send any problem reports via email to crystalsynth@gmail.com We cannot reply to problem reports in reviews. 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User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*