# LayR-Multi Timbral Synthesizer > Massively polyphonic, multi-timbral synthesizer app for iOS with advanced sound design features. (iPhone/iPad app by Living Memory Software.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/layr-multi-timbral-synthesizer/id1155825562 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Living Memory Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1038887268) - Category: Music, Entertainment - Price: $24.99 - Rating: 4.50/5 from 95 App Store ratings · 104 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 20 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2017-03-07 - Data updated: 2026-07-04 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/layr-multi-timbral-synthesizer/id1155825562/reviews.md ## What is LayR? LayR is a massively polyphonic, multi-timbral synthesizer for iOS devices, optimized for modern 64 bit CPUs and capable of delivering up to 256 voices of rich, multi-layered and textured sounds. LayR's primary sound components are called Performances where a Performance is a set of Instruments and each Instrument is a set of Layers and each Layer is a complete synthesizer. A performance can consist of any number of instruments each with its own MIDI channel and crossfading keyboard span. Each Instrument can consist of any number of Layers to a maximum of 128. Each Layer has a dual oscillator that can morph with modulation between two shapes and phase states, two rich and warm state variable filters, a wave folder and a mixing section to blend oscillators and filters in any serial/parallel combination. For modulation (frequency, amplitude and phase) there are two Low Frequency Oscillators ranging from DC to audio frequency switchable to optionally follow keyboard pitch and restart phase when a note is started. Two loopable ADSR envelopes ranging from fractions of a second to over 100 seconds, an amplitude ADSR and a random number generator with a smoothing filter. With stereo delay, reverb and EQ on the output section LayR excels at not only emulating normal analog synth sounds but also at creating massive pads and huge spacy ambient textures with extremely long evolution cycles. Focused at keyboard players looking for a mobile synth that can be reliably used live on stage LayR is equally at home in the studio. An extensive selection of usable instrument and performance presets are included which can be loaded using MIDI bank select and program change messages in the same manner as hardware synths. LayR sports almost unparalled and extremely flexible MIDI control. Every parameter in the synth engine can be assigned to any MIDI Control Change number and parameters spread across multiple Layers can be grouped and controlled by a single MIDI cc with assignable range and direction. There is also an 8 track, 16 step Arpeggio Sequencer which can be used to create all sorts of exciting polyrhythmic looped patterns or even ambient generative music. Each track can have it's own speed, playback mode and length. On top of all that LayR has a MIDI Controller Mixer that can be used during performance to control the synth engine in real time and can also transmit MIDI cc's from LayR's output port to other destinations. Full IAA, Audiobus, Audio Unit and Link compatibility means LayR can be used with all hosts and other music apps on iOS and desktop DAWs. ## Key features - Massively polyphonic (up to 256 voices) - Multi-timbral sound design - Dual morphing oscillators - State variable filters and wave folder - Extensive modulation sources (LFOs, envelopes, random) - Stereo delay, reverb, and EQ - 8-track, 16-step Arpeggio Sequencer - Flexible MIDI control and mapping ## What do users think of LayR? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🎵 Exceptional sound quality and rich audio output - 🧩 Powerful layering system for complex sound design - 🎹 Versatile synthesis engine with unlimited creative potential - 📚 Comprehensive preset library with inspiring sounds - 🎛️ Intuitive interface for deep functionality - 🔗 Excellent MIDI control and integration capabilities - ⚡ Efficient CPU usage despite complexity - 📱 Works seamlessly on both iPad and iPhone - 🎼 Advanced arpeggiator and sequencer features - 👨‍💻 Responsive developer with consistent updates - 💰 Excellent value for price - 🎨 Beautiful and elegant UI design **Cons** - 🐛 Audio crackling and popping on newer iPad Pro models - 🔥 High CPU usage causing performance issues - 🎹 Small keyboard keys difficult to play on mobile - 🌑 Dark interface hard to read and navigate - 📵 Crashes when used as Audio Unit in DAWs - ⚠️ Steep learning curve for beginners - 🔋 Battery drain when app is backgrounded - 🎛️ MIDI assignment dialog pops up unexpectedly - 🔌 Latency issues when multiple instances used - ❌ Missing preset content in recent updates - 🖥️ No Mac/VST version available - ⏱️ Arpeggiator gets stuck on hold function **Commonly reported bugs** - Audio crackling and popping on iPad Pro 2018 and newer - App crashes when used as Audio Unit in DAWs - Unable to exit app on newer iPad models without workaround - Arpeggiator gets stuck on notes in hold mode - Contact support link not functional - Apple's status bar overlays control labels - Preset content disappeared after reload - Stuck notes when using step arp with other AUs - App freezes and stutters on some devices - Inter-app audio crashes immediately - Velocity switch setting not saved between sessions - MIDI assignment dialog pops up during parameter editing **Most requested features** - Built-in sampler with pitch and time shift - Mac version or VST/AU plugin - Preset tagging and favorites system - Rearrangeable preset slots - More presets and sound banks - Song mode to link sequences together - 32 or 64-step sequencer instead of 16 - Additional effects as in-app purchases - Better preset management and organization - Ability to adjust LFO rates with other mod sources - Global toolbar for better navigation - Wavetable generator ## Recent user reviews (10 of 104) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/layr-multi-timbral-synthesizer/id1155825562/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Like Dark Souls of synths—-very hard *2026-05-17* There’s lots of good reviews so it seems like people like this kind of high effort way to make a sound. ### 2/5 — What happened? *2026-05-10, version 1.52* I reloaded Layr and it’s empty! What happened to all samples/examples/performances? Well it was fun while it lasted. Deleted. ### 3/5 — As always, my reliable go-to instrument *2026-02-12* Update: Contact for Support does not seem to work saying Please Wait indefinitely . Update now causes Apple’s Idiot bar to persist, overlaying control labels and making it difficult to put Layr in the background ‘cleanly’. —- This, the Moog Model 15 and Audio Existence (AE) is at my beckoning. —— Layer (and Moog Music’s Model 15 with everything) is what time has shown to be all I need (I have all decent synths on iOS). Add imagination and an aural infinity is heard and begins an unWorldly creation. Thank you! ### 5/5 — Good very good *2026-01-21, version 1.51* Good very good ### 1/5 — Was ist los..... *2025-10-30, version 1.5* Wo sind die Sounds? ### 4/5 — Presets for Mac? *2025-10-23, version 1.5* oneof my fav Ipad synths...but where are the presets for Mac? exported a bank from my Ipad but I still canr seem to load them on my M3 MBP...i love this synth but im not prepared to start from nothing as far as presets go...especially since Ive alreadsy made a lot on my Ipad ### 5/5 — Super cinematic !! Thanks *2025-01-01, version 1.47* More presets ? Please ### 5/5 — Incredible! *2024-04-18* It’s true that this is an incredibly complex instrument, but once you finally figure out just a fraction of what it’s capable of… no doubt you’ll be in awe of its rich, sophisticated power. I sure hope this is still being developed. It’s a true diamond gem ### 3/5 — I wish I loved it *2024-03-07* The interface is too dark and dingy to make heads or tails out of. And the app does not lend itself to quick and easy use. Maybe I’m the wrong person for this app or this is the wrong app for me. ### 1/5 — Drained my battery while iPad was “sleeping” *2023-11-01, version 1.46* This things sucks…all the life out of your battery. Refunding. ## Frequently asked questions about LayR ### What is LayR-Multi Timbral Synthesizer? LayR is a powerful synthesizer application for iOS devices designed to create rich, multi-layered, and textured sounds. It offers massive polyphony, multi-timbral capabilities, and advanced sound design features suitable for both live performance and studio production. ### What are the key sound design features of LayR? LayR features dual morphing oscillators, state variable filters, a wave folder, and extensive modulation options including LFOs, ADSR envelopes, and a random number generator. It also includes stereo delay, reverb, and EQ for shaping the final output. ### How much does LayR cost? LayR is a paid application. The price is a one-time purchase, and there are no in-app purchases or advertisements within the app. ### What devices is LayR compatible with? LayR is designed for iOS devices. It supports full IAA, Audiobus, Audio Unit, and Link compatibility, allowing it to be used with various hosts and other music applications on iOS and desktop DAWs. ### Can LayR be used for live performance? Yes, LayR is specifically focused on keyboard players looking for a mobile synth that can be reliably used live on stage. Its flexible MIDI control and ability to load presets via MIDI messages make it well-suited for live performance scenarios. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.52 — 2026-04-17 General maintenance and fixing a potential race condition at startup. ### 1.51 — 2026-01-08 Fixing some issues with catalyst on Tahoe. Added more helpful startup text to explain where to find presets on first launch. Keyboard scroll bar is more visible. Adjusted default view size on Catalyst. ### 1.5 — 2025-10-19 LayR is now updated to run on Mac via Catalyst. ### 1.47 — 2024-12-22 Maintenance build for iOS 18 ### 1.46 — 2023-06-04 1.46: This is a maintenance update to ensure compatibility with the most recent compilers. Also fixes a few issues including … - Minimum iOS deployment target raised from 9.0 to 12.0 (XCode requirement) - Implemented some minor future proofing by replacing code that called into recently deprecated system functions . - Fixed dragging on keyboard MIDI channel selector was not working correctly. ## Apps similar to LayR | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cubasis 3 - DAW & Music Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cubasis-3-daw-and-music-studio/id1207839273) | 4.6 (3,336) | $49.99 | Music | | [AudioKit Synth One Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-synth-one-synthesizer/id1371050497) | 4.9 (26,820) | Free | Music | | [Synth Pro: Analog Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synth-pro-analog-synthesizer/id1635988723) | 4.6 (469) | Free | Music | | [Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-auv3-synth-fx-midi/id1668299428) | 4.8 (75) | Free | Music | | [Groovebox - Beat Synth Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/groovebox-beat-synth-studio/id1242847278) | 4.7 (4,555) | Free | Music | | [FRMS - Granular Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/frms-granular-synthesizer/id1381392223) | 4.8 (279) | $10.90 | Music | ## More apps by Living Memory Software - [Ostinator-looper,sampler](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ostinator-loopersampler/id1038887269) - [Auditor - Audio Editor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auditor-audio-editor/id1248284381) - [WaveFolder - Audio Unit](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wavefolder-audio-unit/id1289484131) All apps by Living Memory Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/1038887268 ## Related topics [layr](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/layr) --- *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 2026-07-04.*