# iSymphonic Orchestra — Virtual Orchestra Sound App

> Virtual orchestra sound module for musicians with realistic instrument sounds. (iPhone/iPad app by Christian Schoenebeck d/b/a Crudebyte.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isymphonic-orchestra/id892220800 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Christian Schoenebeck d/b/a Crudebyte](https://appshunter.io/developer/428367741)
- Category: Music, Education
- Price: $9.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.80/5 from 103 App Store ratings · 144 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 1.3 GB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-08-08
- Data updated: 2026-08-31
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isymphonic-orchestra/id892220800/reviews.md

## What is iSymphonic Orchestra?

The ultimate orchestra sound app for sophisticated musicians by award-winning sound designer Kurt Ader, designed as professional sound module for your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch by connecting an external MIDI keyboard, using the Apple USB camera adapter or another adapter supported by Apple.¹

Listen to the demo videos on our product website!

This app supports Audio Unit and Inter-App Audio for audio & MIDI connections from/to other audio apps, as well as Bluetooth LE MIDI !

iSymphonic Orchestra was designed with the goal to deliver you superb, extremely realistic and stunning orchestra sounds, instantly with the first key being pressed by you on your MIDI keyboard. Just select a sound and you are ready for your live performance or for a boost of creativity while composing new songs. The sounds used in this app were explicitly recorded to fulfill these requirements and involved several months of recording and post processing under supervision of Kurt Ader and included a variety of innovative, new recording techniques. So far these sounds were only available to very few, famous movie composers. Now they are finally available for the first time to everybody. The supreme quality of these sounds, combined with the unique way they were recorded and assembled, gives us confidence that you haven't heard anything comparable as of to date, even not on Mac or PC.

25 Sounds included with base App:
• Orchestra Strings Spiccato & Legato 1 - 4
• Orchestra Strings Slow 1 - 3
• Chamber Arco Strings
• Legato Orchestra Strings 1
• Full Sordino Strings 1 - 2
• Legato Orchestra
• Staccato Orchestra 1 - 3
• Tremolo Orchestra
• Pizzicato Strings
• Full Strings
• Tremolo Strings
• All Brass 1 - 2
• Trombone Section
• Cello & Woodwinds
• Horns & Strings
• Full Legato Orchestra

297 additional sounds available as 15 optional in-app purchase sound sets: „Pro-", „Arpa-", „Canto-", „Boato-", „Vento-", „Ottone-", „Voce-", „Varia-", „Perla-", „Aulos-", „Keys-", „Cupra-", „Organ-", „Tosca-" and „Corda Sound Set". You find a detailed sound list & demo videos on our product website.

General Features:
• Low latency disk streaming.
• Very efficient audio engine.
• Polyphony of several hundred stereo voices.²
• Audio latency down to 1 ms.
• Integrated effects with 18 presets.
• 16 parts.
• Scale Tuning & Master Tune.
• MIDI velocity response curve editor.
• App States: Save app's entire state as user presets.
• Interactive, easy & quick sound finder.
• App can keep running in the background, so you can play on your keyboard while e.g. using Safari or another app to display scores or surfing the Internet.
• Hermode Tuning: Imitates the tuning behavior of well educated musicians of i.e. orchestras and choirs.
• Audio Unit v3 Plugin included.
• Supports Apple's "Inter-App Audio" (IAA) system.
• Virtual on-screen piano keyboard with velocity support, scalable & scrollable.

MIDI Player / Recorder:
• Record, save and load your songs in standard MIDI file format.
• Share your songs easily as audio file.
• Unlimited amount of tracks.
• Configurable MIDI channel per track.
• Unlimited recording and playback length.
• Open MIDI (.mid) files directly from other apps (i.e. from Safari, Mail).
• Metronome
• Use the "Tempo Zoom" dial knob to i.e. slow down playback at any time and learn your favorite songs easily.

¹ For more information about supported adapters and MIDI keyboards, please visit our product website.

² Sounds are using several voices per note. Polyphony depends on the exact device model being used. You find a polyphony table on our product website.

Anti-Spy Commitment: We take your privacy very seriously. None of our apps contain so called „spy” behaviors and we committed ourself to a very high privacy standard. For more information read our „Privacy Policy for Mobile Apps”.

## Key features

- Realistic orchestral instrument sounds
- MIDI keyboard connectivity
- Audio Unit and Inter-App Audio support
- Low latency audio engine
- Integrated effects with presets
- MIDI recording and playback

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $9.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Sound Set | $11.99 | one-time |
| Arpa Sound Set | $8.99 | one-time |
| Canto Sound Set | $11.99 | one-time |
| Boato Sound Set | $11.99 | one-time |
| Vento Sound Set | $8.99 | one-time |
| Voce Sound Set | $11.99 | one-time |
| Varia Sound Set | $11.99 | one-time |
| Aulos Sound Set | $11.99 | one-time |
| Keys Sound Set | $24.99 | one-time |
| Cupra Sound Set | $16.99 | one-time |
| Corda Sound Set | $16.99 | one-time |
| Perla Sound Set | $11.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of iSymphonic Orchestra?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🎵 Exceptional sound quality and realistic orchestral samples
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🎹 Highly responsive to MIDI keyboard input and expression controls
- 🔌 Seamless integration with DAWs like GarageBand, Cubasis, and AUM
- 🎼 Wide variety of articulations and instrument combinations
- ✨ Beautiful reverb and effects processing
- 💪 Stable performance on iPad with proper setup
- 🎯 Versatile for multiple music genres and compositions
- 📱 Works well as both standalone app and audio unit plugin
- 🎸 Great for layering sounds across different instruments

**Cons**

- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases for additional sound packs
- 🐛 Crashes when used as AU plugin with multiple instances
- ⚠️ Random loud distortion artifacts at unpredictable times
- 🎹 On-screen keyboard is too small and difficult to use
- 🔊 Inconsistent volume levels across different notes and instruments
- ⏱️ Slow attack times on some sounds
- 🔌 Latency issues with long cables or unresponsive keyboards
- 📊 Limited control over attack, release, and delay parameters
- 🐛 Audio export issues and incomplete playback
- 💾 App crashes when deleting tracks, losing unsaved progress
- 🔄 Requires inter-app audio switching to access all sound banks
- 🎼 Some instrument tone changes every few keys
- 📱 Poor AU functionality compared to standalone version

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when using multiple AU instances in AUM
- GarageBand integration fails during export and audio merging
- Audio cuts out or plays only partially during export
- Track deletion causes complete app crash and data loss
- Reverberation artifacts on specific notes (C4, C5)
- Loud distortion spikes occurring randomly
- MIDI keyboard connection freezes or stops working
- Settings menu becomes garbled with accessibility features enabled
- App freezes when connecting to certain MIDI controllers
- Audiobus compatibility issues despite advertised support
- Sound packs fail to download or load correctly
- Stuck MIDI notes when changing channels with pedal depressed
- Glitching and connection loss in multi-instance setups
- Export functionality broken in GarageBand AU version

**Most requested features**

- Ability to hide unowned sound packs for easier navigation
- Zoom function for keyboard section
- Adjustable attack and release envelope controls
- Filter to show only owned sounds
- Dedicated save/record/play controls on main screen
- Bundle pricing option for all sound packs
- Separate woodwinds, horns, and strings-only IAP options
- Improved AU plugin UI closer to standalone version
- Microphone placement and mixing options like Spitfire Labs
- Favorites or custom sound folders
- Better orchestral percussion sounds
- Ability to import files from device without USB
- Export preset functionality between devices
- All-off MIDI signal for all channels simultaneously
- Cheaper entry-level sound pack bundle

## Recent user reviews (10 of 144)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isymphonic-orchestra/id892220800/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great orchestra app but

*2026-05-25, version 2.5.1*

I like the concept of the app and how it functions the only thing that bugs me is the prices like 15-36 dollars is a lot for one sound pack but I had to pay 90+ (probably 150) dollars I mean over time not t once just to get a proper range of instruments but apart from that I really appreciate it. Thank you for listening 😝

### 5/5 — Absolutely Stellar

*2025-11-17*

I use this app constantly on literally all my projects. It's an indispensable part of my workflow, whether I'm working on acoustic guitar tracks, basslines, synths, piano melodies, or even intense heavy metal jams.
The flexibility is incredible. I can easily run multiple instances in AUM to layer sounds across different instruments. I specifically use it with other apps like Synth Guitar 2, and it does an amazing job enhancing my guitar tones.
If you're looking for a versatile, powerful, and reliable sound app that works great on everything from orchestral arrangements to rock, this is it. I absolutely love what it can do!

### 4/5 — Super App jedoch zu teuer …

*2025-11-12*

Ich finde die App super doch ich Student und habe nicht so viel Geld dass ich mir jetzt die packs Leisten kann… also für mich ist der App Preis 9,99€ komplett  in Ordnung … aber für 19 Instrumente 19,99€ oder 12,99 zu zahlen und das mal 10 ( packs ) das finde ich irgendwie merkwürdig …. Weil in der Standard App sind ja 25 Instrumente und die ganzen aufnahmeoptionen oder App Funktionen erhalten … aber dann für 19 Instrumente 19,99 zu zahlen wenn 25 Instrumente und die App Funktionen nur 9,99€ bezahle . 

Ich finde auch komisch dass in dem Standard also Standard App ohne Packs zu kaufen nur orchestras oder mehrere Instrumente hat ohne dass man sie verändern kann.. also beispielsweise Horn und strings dass man da nicht einstellen kann das man nur Horn oder strings hat … denn nur in den Packs sind einzelne Instrumente womit man selber auswählen kann welche dazu kommen … 
Aber ansonsten ist die App sehr gut .
Vielleicht könnten sie dies berücksichtigen mit den Preisen für die Packs …..

### 5/5 — Still Cool

*2025-07-07, version 2.5*

This thing still blows me away. The only real Gripe i still have is we should be able to tick a box to Hide the ones we don't own, this would make navigating the sounds we do own easier, especially on the iPhone scroll.. This app is driven by expression, velocity and latency. IE, having a nice responsive keyboard hooked up makes All the difference. I've read complaints about poor sound sets and thats not true. The way this app responds to my keyboard is astounding. The euphoria you feel when it all rises is heart melting. Most mistakes people make using this app are poor keyboard choices that aren't responsive enough and using long cables that affect latency. This apps epic and I've cut plenty of stunning tracks with it.  UPDATE:  i started out with this App on an iPhone 5 x86 and i still love it on my iPhone 7 pro with iOS 15.8.4… please maintain support as long as you technically can  🤗

### 2/5 — Nice BUT

*2025-04-28, version 2.4.4*

Very little control over attack, attenuation, and delay. Also BEWARE:  This app “explodes” at times with a loud distortion that will knock you off your seat. Its random occurrence dismisses the app from being used in live performance. Stay away from it.

### 4/5 — Better than I could’ve hoped for.

*2025-03-15*

This is a fantastic app with pristine sound quality. It really just blows me away the full realistic quality of instrument samples, The keyboard is very responsive and easy to use despite its tiny size when enlarged. The basic sound bank is enough to create a masterpiece in your own right. The major complaint that I have, upon recording in additional tracks, if you delete that track, the app crashes, losing all of your progress along with way. Especially tedious, if you hadn’t saved the song. This has happened at least five times. The other suggestion I would add is please include a more accessible means to save record, play actively on the main screen instead of having to stop and cycle back and fourth.

### 5/5 — Mini Orchestra

*2025-03-12, version 2.4.4*

I finally got a five stars!

### 5/5 — great work and easy to use

*2025-01-08, version 2.4.3*

perfect to make a podcast from

### 5/5 — Great App

*2024-12-29*

Easy to use. There is a wide variety of quality and very cost effective orchestral instruments with useful articulations. The sound library integrates seamlessly in programs like GarageBand for composition.

### 4/5 — Great Potential, But Needs Critical Improvements.

*2024-12-13*

I’ve been using this app for a while, and while I appreciate its core functionality, the overall experience is frustrating due to several persistent issues.
Crashes Frequently: The app often freezes and closes unexpectedly, especially when performing complex tasks. This disrupts productivity and makes it unreliable.
Outdated Connectivity: It lacks support for modern connections and features, which makes integration with other platforms unnecessarily complicated.
Cumbersome Processes: Many tasks require unnecessarily complex steps, increasing the likelihood of errors and crashes. Streamlining these processes could significantly improve the user experience.

## Frequently asked questions about iSymphonic Orchestra

### What is iSymphonic Orchestra?

iSymphonic Orchestra is a virtual orchestra sound module designed for musicians. It provides extremely realistic and stunning orchestral sounds that can be accessed by connecting an external MIDI keyboard to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. The app is ideal for live performances or for enhancing the creative process of composing new songs.

### What kind of sounds does the app offer?

The base app includes 25 high-quality orchestral sounds, such as various string articulations (spiccato, legato, slow, pizzicato), brass sections, and combinations like cello & woodwinds. An additional 297 sounds are available through 15 optional in-app purchase sound sets, offering even more variety for your musical needs.

### How much does iSymphonic Orchestra cost?

The base application is free to download and includes a selection of 25 orchestral sounds. Additional sound sets, which expand the library to include 297 more sounds, are available for purchase within the app. This allows users to customize their sound library based on their specific requirements and budget.

### What devices is iSymphonic Orchestra compatible with?

The app is designed for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. It supports connections via the Apple USB camera adapter or other adapters supported by Apple. It also features compatibility with Audio Unit and Inter-App Audio for seamless integration with other music production apps.

### Can I use this app with other music software?

Yes, iSymphonic Orchestra supports Audio Unit and Inter-App Audio, allowing you to connect and use it with other compatible audio applications on your device. It also supports Bluetooth LE MIDI, offering flexible connectivity options for your setup.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.5.1 — 2026-01-19

•  Minor corrections.

### 2.5 — 2025-07-07

•  Fixes noise that could happen under certain conditions when switching sounds.
•  Improved download of sound sets.
•  Audio Unit: added audio rendering time statistics.
•  Audio Unit: detects audio dropouts and shows a warning in this case.

### 2.4.6 — 2025-05-12

Fixes a regression of previous update which caused a crash on some older devices.

### 2.4.5 — 2025-05-09

Fixes a crash with iOS 18.

### 2.4.4 — 2025-01-21

This update provides an important fix for App Store communication with iOS 18.2, and provides support for new iPad and iPhone models.

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## More apps by Christian Schoenebeck d/b/a Crudebyte

- [CMP Grand Piano](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cmp-grand-piano/id566874816)
- [MIDI Wrench](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-wrench/id589243566)
- [iCathedral Organ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/icathedral-organ/id925910220)
- [Oriental Strings](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oriental-strings/id945125583)
- [Heavy Brass](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heavy-brass/id1037802910)

All apps by Christian Schoenebeck d/b/a Crudebyte: https://appshunter.io/developer/428367741

## Related topics

[isymphonic orchestra](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/isymphonic-orchestra) · [symphonic](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/symphonic) · [sounds of the orchestra](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sounds-of-the-orchestra) · [orchestra](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/orchestra)

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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 2026-08-31.*