# NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 — Virtual Analog Synthesizer > Virtual analog synthesizer inspired by classic hardware, with extensive sound design features. (iPhone/iPad app by AudioKit Pro.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) - Category: Music, Entertainment - Price: $5.99 (on sale, was $6.99) - Rating: 4.90/5 from 1,342 App Store ratings · 146 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 14.4 · 242 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2024-04-11 - Data updated: 2026-08-27 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews.md ## What is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3? Inspired by the classic sounds of the Nord Lead A1** This is not a Rompler. This is a SYNTH.  "I’m impressed. The sounds are FAT, the effects are LUSH, and the interface is a JOY to use."  – Audio News Room "This is not a clone, this is BEYOND the hardware, it's a completely new, fantastic beast" – Jade Starr, How to App "An excellent release...app captures the soul of the Nord Lead A1 Synthesizer"  – Synth Anatomy "An iOS-based homage to a virtual analogue classic!" – Music Radar / Keyboard Magazine Not imitation, it's Innovation! https://audiokitpro.com/redsynth With Nerd Synth, you’ll have access to all 40+ of the classic lead A1 waveforms! Plus, we gave it some RAW MODERN POWER. FULLY LOADED w/ 550+ presets by Analog Matthew, Electronisounds, DMT Cymatics, Moby Pixel, Red Sky Lullaby, and more NOTE: This is a synth, and contains no hardware preset samples. All presets are completely original. One low price includes Lifetime License and all Features Easy to use. Easy to get great tone! NERD SYNTH A2X: • 64-voice, Retro VA-Synth • Include all 40+ of the Nord A1 waveforms • Arpeggiator! Classic Hardware-style Arp, with extra features • Vintage-style Step Sequencer that can be routed to specific layers • A proper filter envelope ADSR! • NEW: 2x Oversampled Oscillators • 3 LFOs. Fun Routings. LFOs can modify other LFOs • Microtonality, World Scales and Western Scales! • TouchPads! 2 fun assignable pads, -= Create NORD-style SUPER SAWS =- ++ Four-voice Unison with the tap of a button ++ 3 different algorithms: Regular, HYPER, and BEAST! "Astoundingly great sounding and intuitive synth app!" – The GarageBand Guide Modeled sound: It's like a time-capsule. Imagine if there were iPads in 2003? Complete with that "cold" VA sound that ruled the dance floors and stages ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • FX: Glorious Reverb, Analog Tape Delay, Distortion, Flanger, Chorus, Crush, and more. • On board "Record" button, no external hardware required • Works with a MIDI Keyboard EXCLUSIVE TO THIS APP: • "SUPER FM" wild pitch drop controls! Modeled after digital VA-Synths, complete with vintage digital aliasing for old-school vibe! • Crazy aggressive RING MODULATION distortion – It's like robots talking, or fighting? You decide! COOL: • iPad version has "stacked" views for maximum onscreen control! Tap the current Nav Button at the top to change the bottom view • This is a Premium App: No iAP, No Ads, No subscriptions! Use as a plug-in in DAWs like GarageBand & Logic for iPad, Cubasis, AUM, and more! NOTE: This is not a hardware clone, it's a completely new synth. If you're looking for a ROMpler like the "Stage" series, this app may not be for you. This is a SYNTH, not a rompler. All the presets here are new and original. Giving you fresh new sounds that are completely tweak-able This is not a 1:1 clone and will not load hardware presets. Please note that this app's sound is closer to the A1, which is a different sound from the NL1/NL2X. ** This app has no affiliation or endorsement by Clavia DMI AB. This app is not a clone of any their synths, including the Nord Lead and Nord Lead A1. While we were inspired by their wonderful and iconic work, this app is not trying to copy those synths. We created something completely new. It's a synth for synth nerds :) LEGAL STUFF: All product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with the creators of this app, including AudioKit, AudioKit Pro, LLC, and the other contributors. Any use of these names and images does not imply any cooperation or endorsement by Clavia Digital Musical Instruments. Nord Lead, Nord Lead 2X, Nord, and Nord Lead A1 are Clavia trademarks and properties. We appreciate their amazing work in creating such classic and inspiring instruments. ## Key features - Virtual Analog Synthesizer - 40+ Classic Waveforms - Arpeggiator - Step Sequencer - Lush Effects Suite - Four-voice Unison - AUv3 Plugin Support ## What do users think of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - ⭐ Outstanding synth - 👍 Very nice and rich sounding - 🎨 Great presets and sound design - 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive - 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments - 🎹 Inspiring and expressive to play - 💰 Excellent value for the price **Cons** - 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic - 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible - 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish - 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support **Commonly reported bugs** - Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad - Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller **Most requested features** - Dark mode option - Undo/redo functionality - Improved Logic Pro integration - Ability to change color scheme ## Recent user reviews (10 of 146) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Love it! *2026-08-15* This is hands down my favorite soft synth. I can sit and play for hours. Works even better with an external controller- I got a used Akai MPK Mini and highly recommend it or similar to really unlock the full potential of this monster app. ### 5/5 — Lovely *2026-07-27, version 2.0.1* I own all the audio kit apps I feel they are better than some of the other big named synth brands both digital and hardware and for the price they don’t compare . This is a steal I am glad I got them before they raise the price cause it’d. still be worth it , other software companies charge 10-100 xxxtimes more $$$$ my arturia prophet 5 vs audio kit prophet 5 I’m taking audio kit I love my arturia cant use them any more I love my audio kits more and cofounder Matthew Fecher is college professor or whatever he does this for love of synth not prophet margins . ### 5/5 — A must have Monster Synth *2026-07-27* I was looking for another scent for my iPad and I have to say this is one of the best sense on the market. The sounds are amazing they were so many to choose from you guys can’t go wrong with this program. Get it today. ### 5/5 — Superb *2026-06-27* Excellent synth. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2026-06-15, version 1.9.7* I’m using beatmaker3 thought it was going to work with beatmaker3 nope it’s a waste of time and money ### 5/5 — Enjoy this great synthesizer, and all you need is an iPad. *2026-03-19, version 1.9.3* This app has lots of strange. Sounds lots of fun and you could enjoy one of the great synthesizers of the world synthesize really enjoyed this program. ### 5/5 — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ *2026-03-15, version 1.9.3* Great sounds, worth getting the app! ### 5/5 — Hands down the best *2026-03-07, version 1.9.3* I’ve used a lot of software synths, even paying tons for instruments from Korg and Roland. NERD Synth is hands down the best sounding and versatile, approachable instruments anywhere. It just sounds so good! My only request is that it be possible to run it on my Mac Studio Apple Silicon machine in Logic Pro. For this and the J8. That would make me very happy :) ### 5/5 — Amazing *2026-02-23* I love everything synth that I have downloaded. Amazing sounds, quality in every way, if not free they are super cheap. Thank you Audiokit ### 5/5 — 强大的声音，不可思议！ *2025-12-22* 在已经有lead A1跟Lead 4两台硬件合成器，还能感受到lead 初代1的声音，软件界面非常简单好用，声音干净切具备高质量的声场，可玩性非常高！ ## Frequently asked questions about NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 ### What kind of sounds can I create with this app? This app is a virtual analog synthesizer, meaning it emulates the sound of classic analog hardware. You can create a wide range of electronic music sounds, from fat basses and soaring leads to atmospheric pads and aggressive textures, inspired by the classic Nord Lead A1. It features over 40 classic waveforms and a variety of sound-shaping tools. ### What are the key features of this synthesizer app? Key features include a 64-voice retro VA synth engine, over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, a vintage-style step sequencer, three LFOs with fun routings, and touchpads for expressive control. It also offers a four-voice unison mode for creating super saws and a comprehensive FX suite including reverb, delay, and distortion. ### How much does this app cost? The app is a premium application with a one-time purchase that includes a lifetime license and all features. There are no in-app purchases, ads, or subscriptions required. ### Can I use this app with other music software? Yes, this app supports AUv3 plugin functionality, allowing you to use it within DAWs like GarageBand, Logic for iPad, Cubasis, and AUM. It also works with a MIDI keyboard for hands-on control. ### Is this app a clone of existing hardware? No, this app is not a hardware clone. While inspired by the sounds of classic synthesizers like the Nord Lead A1, it is presented as an original creation with new presets and innovative features. It is a synth, not a rompler, and does not load hardware presets. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.0.1 — 2026-07-08 THANKS EVERYONE! • IMPROVED: World Scales work better. The following scales were fine-tuned by experts: Chinese (Pentatonic), Çargâh, Hicaz Ascending (Turkish), Hicaz Descending (Turkish), Huseyni (Modern / Arabic), Hüseyni Ascending (Turkish), Hüzzam, Karcıǧar, Nikriz Ascending, Rast Ascending v1, Rast Ascending v2, Rast Descending v2, Saba (Arabic), Şedaraban (Turkish), Sikah (Arabic), Segâh (Turkish), Suznak [Basit] (Arabic), Pahadi Raga • IMPROVED: LFO Timing • IMPROVED: Scala import • Plus, lots of other small fixes! ### 2.0 — 2026-07-02 NERD SYNTH v2.0 IS HERE! FREE UPGRADE: Enjoy New Oscillators, Microtonality, Scales and more! • NEW: 2x Oversampled Oscillators Saw, Sine, Triangle, Square, and PWM oscillators are now 2x oversampled for bigger lows, cleaner highs, and a more polished sound. • NEW: Hardware-Inspired PWM A brand new PWM algorithm gives pulse-width sounds a more alive, hardware-like feel. • NEW: MICROTONALITY Explore new sonic territory with 150+ curated microtonal scales, including North Indian scales, Hexanies, and scales by Irv Wilson, Marcus Hobbs, and more. • Import Scala .scl tuning files and bring your own custom scales into the app. • NEW: WORLD SCALES Explore 60+ international scales with selectable root keys. Choose from Arabic, Egyptian, Eastern, and other world scales, then pick the base key that fits your song. Special thanks to Aram from TAQS.IM for the world scales! • NEW: WESTERN KEY + SCALE SUPPORT Choose a key like C minor, Bb, F minor, and more. Select from Major, Minor, Blues, Pentatonic, and other familiar scales. Keep your arps, sequences, and external MIDI locked to a Western scale, world scale, or go fully microtonal. • NEW: PRESETS SAVE THEIR KEY AND SCALE Want Preset #17 to always load in D minor? Now it will. Save presets with the correct key and scale for songs, live sets, and performance patches. • NEW: AUv3 STATE SAVING FOR TUNING AND SCALE Your tuning and scale settings are now saved properly inside AUv3 sessions. • NEW: TUNE LOCK Tune Lock button starts unlocked, so presets can load with their saved tuning. Tap the lock icon to keep the same tuning while changing presets. • NEW: PROGRAM CHANGE MIDI MAPPING You can now use a custom MIDI CC to change presets. Go to the About Page [i], tap “MIDI Mapping,” then “Add/Edit Mapping.” Choose “Program Change,” then enter the CC you want to use. • NEW: Pre-made MIDI map for Bass Station II hardware. Find it in the MIDI Maps section. • NEW: Recalls last used preset Bank when re-opening app PLUS: More improvements under the hood. Thanks for supporting the app. Analog Matthew ### 1.9.7 — 2026-05-19 THANKS EVERYONE! • NEW: MIDI Clock In can now be toggled off Tap the Tempo readout to turn MIDI Clock In on/off NOTE: Tempo readout turns green when MIDI Clock is controlling it • iPhone AU View improvements • Fixes sequence sound cutting out while scrolling presets & lfos MORE FREE UPDATES TO COME! BETTER & BETTER! ### 1.9.6 — 2026-05-05 Thanks everyone! Quick fixes & updates for AUv3 LFOs! ### 1.9.4 — 2026-04-29 THANKS EVERYONE! Big improvements: • NEW: MIDI Clock Input. Get your Tempo from a MIDI source! (In Standalone mode. AUV3 hosts should have their own timing) • AUV3 Timing: Sequencer/Arp Starts on First Beat in Cubasis • LFO/Tempo Sync Timing More Accurate • Fix for MIDI Learn crashes in iOS 26 This app will keep getting Better & Better! ## Apps similar to NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [AudioKit Synth One Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-synth-one-synthesizer/id1371050497) | 4.9 (26,818) | Free | Music | | [Sunrizer synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunrizer-synth/id443663267) | 4.7 (183) | $12.99 | Music | | [Synth Pro: Analog Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synth-pro-analog-synthesizer/id1635988723) | 4.6 (544) | Free | Music | | [Zeeon synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zeeon-synth/id1230960440) | 4.8 (209) | $14.99 | Music | | [King of Digital D1: Epic Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/king-of-digital-d1-epic-synth/id6467825289) | 4.9 (1,248) | $7.99 | Music | | [Lorentz - AUv3 Plug-in Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lorentz-auv3-plug-in-synth/id1016055431) | 4.8 (24) | $8.00 | Music | ## More apps by AudioKit Pro - [AudioKit Synth One Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-synth-one-synthesizer/id1371050497) - [HOUSE: Mark I](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/house-mark-i/id1481734663) - [AudioKit Hey Metronome](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-hey-metronome/id1492023479) - [Jam with Jordan](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jam-with-jordan/id1524167609) - [AudioKit Reverb](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-reverb/id1601314353) - [AudioKit Drum Pad Playground](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-drum-pad-playground/id1606714449) All apps by AudioKit Pro: https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645 ## Related topics [opl auv3 fm synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/opl-auv3-fm-synth) · [audiokit synth one](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/audiokit-synth-one) --- *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 2026-08-27.*