# Phase Monkey — Poly Synth — Digital synthesis made fun

> Polyphonic digital synthesizer with phase distortion engine and eight-stage envelopes. (iPhone/iPad app by Sketch Audio, LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phase-monkey-poly-synth/id6452880369 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Sketch Audio, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699093348)
- Category: Music, Music
- Price: $5.99 (on sale, was $12.99)
- Rating: 4.76/5 from 17 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 15 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2023-09-05
- Data updated: 2026-07-16
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phase-monkey-poly-synth/id6452880369/reviews.md

## What is Phase Monkey?

Phase Monkey is a polyphonic synthesizer inspired by the classic phase distortion synthesizers of the mid-1980s. However, instead of being a direct copy, Phase Monkey presents a fresh take on the classic sound engine, including the rare eight-stage envelopes. The result is a surprisingly versatile digital instrument that can produce anything from warm pads to shimmering leads to snarling basses. 

Whatever you do, don’t have fun with it!

Features:
- Focused, fun, and characterful synth engine
- Touch-first design, almost the entire screen is part of a control
- Runs standalone or as AUv3 plug-in (in compatible host)
- Universal purchase on Apple platforms: runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Presets synced across your devices via iCloud
- Hook up a MIDI controller to play with a keyboard (optional)

Details:
- Eight classic phase distortion waveforms
- Dedicated modulation oscillator for ring or noise modulation
- Three rare eight-stage envelopes
- Complex modulation of pitch and timbre possible via envelopes
- LFO with five waveforms for classic modulation sounds
- Master controls: portamento, random voice pan, onboard chorus, gain
- Key behavior modes: poly, monophonic retrig, monophonic legato
- Additional MIDI modulation sources: mod wheel, pitch bend, velocity, aftertouch (channel), key follow
- Includes 40 highly usable factory presets to get you started making music

Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sketchaudio
Read the manuals: https://sketchaudio.com/manuals/

## Key features

- Phase distortion synth engine
- Eight-stage envelopes
- Touch-first interface
- AUv3 plugin support
- Universal Apple purchase
- MIDI controller support
- iCloud preset syncing

## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phase-monkey-poly-synth/id6452880369/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Fast and easy phase distortion synthesis

*2025-01-30*

This synth is a breeze to use, which is important for both live performance and studio production.

**Developer response:** Thanks for the review, so glad you're enjoying Phase Monkey!

### 1/5 — Just what the doctor ordered.

*2024-02-21*

Still, years later, this developer has demonstrated their inability to fix both the broken pitch-bend as well as the broken modulation control on at least the iPhone 12. The app slides instead of the sliders. I will no longer support incompetent developers any longer.

**Developer response:** Hey Eriptron, thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to leave a review! Enjoy :)

### 5/5 — Amazing … or should I say… “BANANAS”

*2023-11-11*

There aren’t a lot of Phase Distortions synths on IOS…. as of 2023 we only have Shockwave and the vintage yet still excellent Phase84. The newest one, known as Phase Monkey, may be the best of the three.

The sound is excellent, no getting around it. If you’re a preset surfer, there aren’t a lot of built-in presets … but the ones there sound great. Now if you’re a sound designer like me, however, you’re gonna have a lot of fun with this little monkey. Creating patches is a breeze, and this fella is deep, yet set up in a way where it’s deceptively simple to use. 

Ooga Booga yourself to the ape store I mean AppStore and grab this synth posthaste… you’ll be glad you did

**Developer response:** Thanks for the kind words!

### 5/5 — Surprise

*2023-11-08*

The envelopes surprised me, because the interface doesn't immediately suggest the eight-parted nature of their function. In fact, this is something I wish the dev would rework. Fully visualizing the envelopes (perhaps tracking the timing visually, as the signal progresses), which are a key feature of the synthesizer, as it turns out, would call user attention to their use while making the synth easier to patch.

All that said, this Monkey sounds really good, with appropriate bite (all monkeys, as we know, bite - in fact, I have an appalling song with that name from some years ago). It is priced right, so everyone should go ahead and get in phase.

**Developer response:** Thanks for the review! Glad you're liking Phase Monkey.

Yes, the envelope interface is something we have received feedback on and may be able to rework in the future. :)

### 5/5 — Won’t Open, But problem was fixed!!

*2023-09-10*

I bought app and downloaded it but it does not open!?
P.S. Problem was fixed!  Developer responded right away and issue  of not starting was solved! App works smoothly, is very intuitive, fun to use, and sounds great! Highly recommend!

**Developer response:** Thanks for taking the time to update your review! So glad everything is working now. Enjoy!

### 3/5 — Only 40 Presets

*2023-09-07*

Sounds good but only 40 presets. Get some sound designers to make some packs @Sketch.

### 5/5 — Sounds great

*2023-09-06*

Such a beautiful electric sound,  mellow yet alive.

**Developer response:** Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to leave a review!

## Frequently asked questions about Phase Monkey

### What kind of sounds can Phase Monkey create?

Phase Monkey can produce a wide range of sounds, from warm pads and shimmering leads to snarling basses, thanks to its versatile digital synthesis engine and unique eight-stage envelopes.

### Does Phase Monkey have ads?

No, Phase Monkey does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application focused on providing a pure synthesis experience.

### How much does Phase Monkey cost?

Phase Monkey is available for a one-time purchase of $12.99 on Apple platforms. This is a universal purchase, meaning it runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

### Can I use Phase Monkey with a MIDI keyboard?

Yes, Phase Monkey supports MIDI controller input, allowing you to play with a keyboard. It also supports additional MIDI modulation sources like mod wheel, pitch bend, velocity, and aftertouch.

### On which Apple devices can I use Phase Monkey?

Phase Monkey is a universal app and runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It is also compatible with iPod.

### How often is Phase Monkey updated?

Phase Monkey was last updated on September 20, 2023, with version 1.0.2. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing support and development from the developer.

### What is the age rating for Phase Monkey?

Phase Monkey has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in music creation.

### Does Phase Monkey offer a free trial?

The provided data does not mention a free trial for Phase Monkey. It is available for purchase at $12.99.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.0.2 — 2023-09-20

New in version 1.0.2:
- Add a document picker to the preset manager for importing presets directly from Phase Monkey.
- Enable opening presets from the Files app.
- Add a latch mode to the in-app keyboard.
- Fix a bug where the app would crash when pressing extreme keys on the in-app keyboard.

### 1.0.1 — 2023-09-07

New in version 1.0.1:
- Add some helper labels to the envelope controls.
- Add an alert when overwriting an existing user preset.
- Fix a bug where the key follow target setting would not be applied correctly.
- Add a DC offset filter to the synth engine's signal path.
- Fix a bug causing the app to crash on launch on early versions of iOS 15.
- Add build number to app version code.

### 1.0 — 2023-09-05

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Phase Monkey

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Nambu - AUv3 Plug-in Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nambu-auv3-plug-in-synth/id1624422460) | 4.9 (48) | $19.99 | Music |
| [Lagrange - AUv3 Plug-in Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lagrange-auv3-plug-in-synth/id1479000758) | 4.8 (55) | $9.99 | Music |
| [Hilda Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hilda-synthesizer/id6447191659) | 4.9 (55) | $12.99 | Music |
| [Factory - Modular Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/factory-modular-synthesizer/id1458743434) | 4.9 (477) | Free | Music |
| [Salome - MPE Audio Sampler](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/salome-mpe-audio-sampler/id6468663356) | 4.8 (27) | $7.99 | Music |

## More apps by Sketch Audio, LLC

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All apps by Sketch Audio, LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/1699093348

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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 2026-07-16.*