# microTERA — Waveshaping Synthesizer > Waveshaping synthesizer with random patch generation and advanced sequencing. (iPhone/iPad app by Harry Gohs.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microtera/id819266128 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Harry Gohs](https://appshunter.io/developer/382428644) - Category: Music - Price: $1.99 (on sale, was $2.99) - Rating: 4.90/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 14 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 24 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2014-02-24 - Data updated: 2026-08-09 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microtera/id819266128/reviews.md ## What is microTERA? Waveshaping Synthesis is a type of distortion synthesis that can create dynamic spectra in a controlled way. In waveshaping, it is possible to change the spectrum with the amplitude of the sound. A simple example of this method is the clipping caused by overdriving an audio amplifier. These simple method creates an astonishing variety of sounds which are very unique and can't be reproduced by any other contemporary synth! microTERA gives you also a method of getting randomly generated sound patches in a way you never experienced before: roll the dice! Every single try gives you a new unique sound patch, really every try, promised… Waveshaping Synthesis • Wavehaper with user programmable shape • Spectral shape specification • Three sine oscillators • Feedback input for noise components • 4 Low frequency oscillators • 4 Envelopes with tempo sync • 64 time/level segments per envelope • Monophonic or polyphonic with 16 voices. • Over 150 factory sounds • Uses programmable sequences with up to 32 steps.  • Can trigger single notes and chords. • Unique randomizer generates Arpeggios with 100% usability. • 32 Arpeggios included, unlimited useer arpeggios possible. • For each step you can program tie, accent, transposition and note order Effects • Chorus • Phaser • Distortion (Tape/Tube/...) • Echo/Delay • Reverb Global • Audiobus compatible (Input slot) with state saving • Support for Ableton Link. • Inter App Audio compatible. • CoreMIDI / Virtual MIDI • Audio recorder with Metronome. • Upload to SoundCloud and File Export. • Audio pasteboard. ## Key features - Waveshaper with user programmable shape - Random sound patch generation - Sequencer with programmable steps - Built-in effects (Chorus, Phaser, Reverb, etc.) - Over 150 factory sounds - Audiobus and Ableton Link compatible ## Recent user reviews (10 of 14) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microtera/id819266128/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Yes, one more great one! *2019-06-06* This one needs a little getting used to, but once you grasp the concept, your off to undiscovered countries! ### 5/5 — The little monster *2015-03-19* This is a part of my synth rig forever.peace Christo ### 3/5 — The sound of a thousand train spotters talking *2014-08-29, version 1.1.0* I hate to be negative but this is one of the flattest sounding synths I've ever bought, I feel completely disappointed. All the elements are there, nice simple intuitive layout, a very usable arpeggio page and local randomisation to each page. The envelope page is particularly interesting and one of the most novel I've come across, but the actual tone quality is what let's it down. All the sound presets speak with one voice and it's a slightly dreary boring voice. They rely quite heavily on reverb to thicken the sound. I'm not a synthesis expert but the initial sound is based solely on sine waves which are dull and sleep inducing at the best of times. Surely this is the root of the problem? I hope the developer can resolve this as it has many good points. ### 3/5 — Almost perfect with one big fault *2014-07-31* This is probably one of my favorite sounding synths. The sounds are just amazingly thick and rich compared to all the others I've tried. It also has a pretty nice arpeggiator/sequencer. Too bad all that power is almost a waste, as there is no midi out. I would consider buying (and rating higher) their other apps if it weren't for this one major shortcoming. Perhaps one day I'll wake my iPad to an update adding this functionality, and then this will be app i can can take seriously. Until then, this will sit in the folder of 'novelty' music apps on my iPad. ### 5/5 — Great sounds! *2014-07-17, version 1.1.0* Very versatile, easy to use but it has depth too, and it is capable of some amazing sounds. Virsyn do some terrific synths and this is up there. ### 5/5 — Beautiful sounds and easy on older devices *2014-05-27* I'm just a big a fan of VirSyn's programs (which probably means I'll own Cube Synth at some poitn to complete my "trilogy" with this one and Addictive Synth). The flat graphics and non-sexy (even dated, perhaps) interface belies a very deep and rich sounding synthesizer app with a TON of features. It has AudioBus and is one of the few apps I can reliably use with IAA. It has MIDI capability, and that was expanded with this version 1.1 update. microTERA (and the other VirSyn) apps seem to work great without demanding a large file size or heavy CPU usage. The default presets include 45 leads, 30 basses, and so on, and they sound great. The "dice" button, however, creates a randomized sound, which you can tweak further or save as a preset if you really like it. It's really quite a bit of fun, even if you have no clue what you are doing. Some of my favorite VirSyn features are here, including the ability to set up the keyboard so it only has notes of a particular scale/mode (go to the "ENV" menu). I also really like the effects panel, which allows you to add just a little bit of grit, saturation, or ambience to your base sound. This is a very good synthesizer. ### 5/5 — That is what I am talking about. *2014-05-27* With MIDI learn, this is gold. ### 5/5 — Fantastic instrument(s) *2014-05-09* Get all the VirSyn synths. ### 5/5 — Wonderful! *2014-03-26, version 1.0* Another virsyn product, i have them all and they never disappoint! ### 1/5 — Bad Customer Service *2014-03-11* One star for awful customer service. I contacted Dev one day after release, about bugs and still have got no response. There is no excuse for this. Good app but terrible customer service. ## Frequently asked questions about microTERA ### What is waveshaping synthesis in microTERA? Waveshaping synthesis is a distortion technique that allows for dynamic spectral changes based on sound amplitude. It can produce unique sounds not easily replicated by other synthesizers. ### How does microTERA's randomizer work? The randomizer in microTERA generates entirely new and unique sound patches with every use. It also offers a unique way to generate usable arpeggios. ### What effects are included in microTERA? microTERA features a range of effects including Chorus, Phaser, Distortion (Tape/Tube), Echo/Delay, and Reverb to further shape your sounds. ### Can microTERA be used with other music apps? Yes, microTERA is compatible with Audiobus (Input slot) and Inter App Audio, allowing seamless integration with other music production applications on your iPad. ### Does microTERA support MIDI? Yes, microTERA supports CoreMIDI and Virtual MIDI, enabling you to connect external MIDI controllers or use it with other MIDI-enabled apps. ### What is the price of microTERA? microTERA is available for a one-time purchase of $1.99. ### How often is microTERA updated? The latest version, 1.5.1, was released on December 8, 2024, indicating active development and updates. ### Does microTERA have ads? No, microTERA is ad-free, providing an uninterrupted creative experience. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.5.1 — 2024-12-08 - Fixes issues with iOS18 ### 1.5.0 — 2018-12-07 - Preset sharing with iCloud compatibility ### 1.4.1 — 2018-11-16 - Crash on MIDI Learn fixed - Bluetooth MIDI added ### 1.4.0 — 2018-03-15 - AUv3 AudioUnit with parameter automation (requires iOS10) - Audiobus 3 support ### 1.3.1 — 2017-02-21 - Reverb FX was broken ## Apps similar to microTERA | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [EvolverFX AUv3 Audio Plugin](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/evolverfx-auv3-audio-plugin/id1507897381) | 4.7 (35) | $7.99 | Music | | [EG WaveSHAPER](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eg-waveshaper/id1445356061) | 4.8 (23) | $5.99 | Music | | [Elastic OSC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elastic-osc/id6478936836) | 4.7 (35) | $19.99 | Music | | [WoodSynth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/woodsynth/id1538126998) | 4.0 (26) | $15.99 | Music | | [MeloVox - Vocal Harmony](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/melovox-vocal-harmony/id6544800478) | 5.0 (4) | $14.99 | Music | | [ShockWave - Synth Module](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670) | 4.6 (185) | $19.99 | Music | ## More apps by Harry Gohs - [iVoxel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivoxel/id382428641) - [iSyn Poly](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isyn-poly/id443141370) - [Addictive Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addictive-synth/id447072653) - [Addictive microSynth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addictive-microsynth/id455651228) - [Harmony Voice](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harmony-voice/id532501340) - [AudioReverb](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audioreverb/id670248970) All apps by Harry Gohs: https://appshunter.io/developer/382428644 --- *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 2026-08-09.*