# Primer synth — Synthesizer (from Syntorial)

> A versatile subtractive synthesizer app for iPad with essential controls. (iPhone/iPad app by Audible Genius.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primer-synth/id1438692125 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Audible Genius](https://appshunter.io/developer/956861239)
- Category: Music, Music, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.62/5 from 26 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 22 MB
- Released: 2018-10-20
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primer-synth/id1438692125/reviews.md

## What is Primer synth?

Primer is a synth equipped with the most essential controls and nothing more. Created by Audible Genius, it is an exact replica of the synth used in their award-winning synthesizer training app, Syntorial. As such, Primer contains the most common controls found on most subtractive/analogue synths, allowing for a wide variety of patches and sounds, while presenting a simple and easy-to-understand interface and layout.

Included with the Primer app is the AUV3 App Extension, allowing you to open multiple instances of Primer inside popular DAW apps like Garageband, Cubasis, and AudioBus.

Details:

- Subtractive synthesis.
- Three Oscillators (Two with Waveform, Pitch, Pulse Width, and Mix controls, and a Sub oscillator with Waveform and Volume controls).
- Saw, Pulse, Triangle and Sine waveforms.
- FM knob.
- Noise Oscillator.
- Oscillator Sync.
- Filter (Low, Band and High Pass) with Resonance and Key Tracking.
- ADSR Filter Envelope.
- ADSR Amp Envelope.
- AD Modulation Envelope.
- LFO with four waveforms, seven destinations, rate, amount, trigger, and mono/poly modes.
- Mono, Legato and Poly Voice Modes.
- Portamento.
- Unison with Voice, Detune and Spread controls.
- Ring Modulation.
- Distortion, Chorus, Phaser, Delay, and Reverb effects.
- Mod Wheel, Pitch Wheel and Velocity controls.

## Key features

- Subtractive synthesis engine
- Multiple oscillators with waveform control
- Comprehensive filter and envelope options
- LFO with multiple destinations
- Built-in effects (distortion, chorus, delay, reverb)
- AUv3 App Extension support
- Mono, Legato, and Poly voice modes

## Recent user reviews (10 of 15)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primer-synth/id1438692125/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Free and worthy

*2023-04-03*

This pairs well with a free synth app called Primer.
Both free ,both great for synth enthusiasts.

### 2/5 — Keeps crashing

*2022-06-28*

Keeps crashing on iPad, not much use

### 2/5 — Ability to record?

*2021-05-21*

I don’t seem to be able to record the audio?

### 4/5 — Good synth, annoying keyboard

*2020-10-18*

Surprisingly good synth, but rendered a bit annoying by the very short keyboard and unnecessary dead-zone at the bottom of the keys. Considering there’s a whole load of unused space at the top of the screen the keys could be a lot more playable (see the Korg apps for great playable keyboards). Also lacks a Bluetooth button, so I have to go via a different synth app, D1, to connect to my external keyboard.

### 5/5 — Dope

*2020-09-29, version 1.1.900*

Great sounds

### 5/5 — Deceptively powerful

*2020-05-16, version 1.1.900*

Under the guise of being a “beginners’” digital synthesis application, it is far more than that. It’s a good ol’ fashioned 2-oscillator synthesizer with effects, but also has a nice unison expander with 2 or 4 voices. Flexible and powerful, it nicely compliments my temporary my-last-computer-basically-exploded-so-I’m-trying-to-produce-an-album-on-my-ipad-while-I-wait-to-buy-a-new-computer GarageBand workflow. It fills the gap the GarageBand has of not having an actual honest-to-goodness synthesizer.

### 5/5 — Purchased my Minimoog in 1973

*2020-05-04, version 1.1.900*

I have been writing, composing, playing, recording and have 4 albums out globally. One more album to be released in May and another in June. I am only saying this because I have been playing synthesizers for 47 years. This synth isn’t just for beginners, although it’s a great one to use for that purpose. I love it. I am writing my own presets, but the factory presets are great. Nice gift to have and nothing negative to say about it. Thank you!

### 2/5 — Great but..

*2020-04-16, version 1.1.900*

It would be nice to be able to transfer presets from primer on the pc to iPad also how do I load presets once I export them?

**Developer response:** Thanks for the feedback. Email us via our website and we can clarify the exporting and loading process.

### 5/5 — Great basic synth

*2019-10-16*

Great basic synth, easy to work with!

### 5/5 — Pro sounding, more than basic synth

*2019-09-12*

What’s not to like? 
Thanks for this great synth.
Respect to the Developers 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

## Frequently asked questions about Primer synth

### What kind of synthesis does Primer use?

Primer utilizes subtractive synthesis, a common method found in many analog and digital synthesizers. This allows for shaping sounds by filtering and modifying harmonic content.

### Can Primer be used with other music apps?

Yes, Primer includes an AUv3 App Extension. This enables you to use Primer as a plugin within compatible Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) apps like Garageband and Cubasis on your iPad.

### What sound-shaping controls are available in Primer?

Primer offers three oscillators, a versatile filter with resonance and key tracking, ADSR envelopes for both filter and amplitude, and an LFO with seven destinations. It also includes effects like distortion, chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb.

### How does Primer's interface compare to other synths?

Primer is designed with a simple and easy-to-understand interface. It focuses on the most essential controls found on subtractive/analogue synths, making it accessible for a wide range of users.

### What devices does Primer support?

Primer is designed specifically for the iPad. Its features and interface are optimized for the tablet's screen size and touch capabilities.

### How often is Primer updated?

The latest version of Primer was released on October 28, 2021. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, this indicates it receives ongoing maintenance and potential feature additions.

### What is the age rating for Primer?

Primer has an age rating of 4+. This suggests it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content.

### Does Primer have ads?

No, Primer is ad-free. As a free application with no in-app purchases, you can use it without interruptions from advertisements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.902 — 2021-10-28

Bug fix: Freezes/Crashes on the iPad Mini 6

### 1.1.900 — 2019-04-15

• New feature: 157 new presets by Spidericemidas, including Basses, Drums, FX, Keys, Leads, Pads, Plucks, and Stabs!
• Bug fix: When using bluetooth headphones, audio is stuck in mono.
• Couple other minor bug fixes

### 1.1.802 — 2019-01-29

• New feature: You can now export your User Presets in the Standalone version. From the Preset menu, select "User Presets", and then tap "Export" at the bottom. You'll then be able to access the latest version of your presets via the Files app on your iPad, or iTunes File Sharing on your computer.
• Bug fix: center "About" popup partially blocking controls above it

### 1.1.801 — 2018-10-25

We released our inaugural version and you guys got your hands on it and sniffed out a handful of bugs. If bugs were truffles, you'd be pigs. And we mean that as the highest compliment. Anyway, fixed ‘em. And they are......

- Preset Menu was partially offscreen when in half-screen view
- Some values in Mod Env Dest dropdown menu were un-selectable
- Some values in Unison Voices dropdown menu were un-selectable
- Standalone version in one channel only
- AUv3 version not recalling last settings when re-loading host
- Not responding to host automation

Pending Fixes
- When tapping a dropdown, some users are experiencing a flickering menu that only opens for an instant and then closes. If you're experiencing this one please email us at support@syntorial.com.
- In some hosts, when going full screen, Primer is only half-visible until you touch a control

### 1.1.8 — 2018-10-19

No release notes.

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## More apps by Audible Genius

- [Syntorial](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/syntorial/id956861240)
- [Syntorial en Español](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/syntorial-en-espanol/id1358845775)

All apps by Audible Genius: https://appshunter.io/developer/956861239

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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 2026-06-10.*