# shapesynth > Polyphonic synthesizer with drawable oscillator waveforms and extensive modulation. (iPhone/iPad app by Erik Sigth.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapesynth/id431097161 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Erik Sigth](https://appshunter.io/developer/385275335) - Category: Music, Entertainment - Price: $4.99 - Rating: 4.90/5 from 24 App Store ratings · 39 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 9.0 · 8 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2011-05-02 - Data updated: 2026-08-30 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapesynth/id431097161/reviews.md ## What is shapesynth? Shape is a polyphonic synthesiser allowing the user to draw the shape of the oscillator waveform. The first half of the oscillator is represented by 32 blocks and the second half is its mirror, generating all sorts of possible raw retroish sounds. 16 pages per oscillator allows to interpolate between different shapes. Add effects like arpeggio, stereo delay and a resonant filter and record your sounds on a classic tape. Modulate any parameter with keyboard, MIDI MPE or the device accelerometer. Connect to other apps with AudioBus, IAA, AUv3 and midi. +++ 16 voice polyphony +++ 2 oscillators, draw your own shape +++ 3 oscillator mixing functions (add, subtract or multiply) +++ Lfo modulation with ADSR: envelope, pitch, duty cycle, square, page or filter +++ Record on tape with infinite overdubs (save, load, import, export) +++ Arpeggiator +++ Stereo delay +++ Resonant filter (low, band and high pass) +++ Modulate any parameter using keyboard, MIDI MPE or accelerometer (Built in or Sphero) +++ Mini linear sequencer with euclidean rhythm +++ On screen 25 key stylophone style keyboard +++ AudioBus, Inter App Audio and AUv3 +++ Ableton link or AUv3 host sync +++ CoreMIDI, IAA MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI, limited MPE and MIDI out +++ Audio Paste, files app drag’n drop or open with ## Key features - Draw custom oscillator waveforms - 16-voice polyphony - Arpeggiator and stereo delay - Resonant filter - Parameter modulation via keyboard, MPE, accelerometer - Tape recorder with infinite overdubs - Inter-app audio and AUv3 support ## Recent user reviews (10 of 39) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapesynth/id431097161/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Legendary Dev *2025-02-03* a legendary dev who created legendary gameboy homebrewz ### 3/5 — Disappointed *2023-08-22* Was expecting to get evolving SoundScapes. Instead, all the app seems to produce is variations on a theme. ### 5/5 — Nice Update and now AU! *2019-12-14, version 4.2.0* Glad to see this go AU. Get all of this devs apps. They are excellent! UPDATE 11/2018: The controls are somewhat cryptic but once you know what they do (as the on-screen hints indicate) you will find these are very cool apps. This update makes this much more fun. Nice crazy sounds. Get it! ### 5/5 — raw indeed! *2018-04-11* If you're a fan of raw waveform synthesis (no filtering - raw) you will love shapesynth. You can create chip type sounds, but shapesynth is capable of far more than that. Being able to draw waveforms is brilliant. The add, subtract, and multiply functions create some very interesting sounds as well. A very flexible sound creator. The sequencer is unusual. Lots of fun. Brilliant. The tape recorder function is very useful. Record the sequencer, or play in the notes with the built in keyboard directly to tape recorder. slow down or speed up the tape. tape recording can be synced to other apps!! very good delay/echo which can be synced or unsynced. If the grit/aliasing is too much for you ( i love it ), simply use the filter to remove. shapesynth with a fuzz, waveshaper, distortion, overdrive function would make it untouchable, but I'm being greedy. I'll use AUM or audiobus to add that ;-) Thank you for the great instruments humbletunes/Erik. ### 5/5 — Minimal, Beautiful, Essential *2017-07-20* Start of with a simple waveform Add some colour Rich deep ocean of sound generated Add it to your host e.g. Aum, Modstep - Voila!! ### 5/5 — Erik The Great does it again! *2017-06-01* First class updates to a first class app from a first class developer. Get them all! What are you waiting for? ### 2/5 — Snap Crackle Pop *2016-11-17* Absolutely love the concept here, but I'm getting all sorts of crackling static sounds when playing any note. Tried closing all other apps and it still crackles. I'm using an iPhone 6s. Can you fix it Erik? ### 5/5 — Unique *2016-08-17* I love Erik Sigth a.k.a. Humbletunes' apps. Imaginative, inexpensive, innovative and like nothing else on iOS. Buy them all. ### 5/5 — Great Synthesizer *2016-06-14* Nice Interface, sounds fantastic! REALLY nice arp! ### 3/5 — Almost there... *2016-04-10* Nice sounds an some of the features are almost there but it is a horrible design and colour scheme. The interface is confusing and limited. It has a long way to go, at the moment it's a good concept. Not a good synth yet... Back to work... ## Frequently asked questions about shapesynth ### What is ShapeSynth? ShapeSynth is a polyphonic synthesizer that allows users to draw the shape of their oscillator waveforms. It generates retro-style sounds and offers a wide range of features for sound design and music creation. ### What are the key features of ShapeSynth? Key features include drawing custom oscillator shapes, 16-voice polyphony, multiple oscillator mixing functions, LFO modulation, a tape recorder for recording sounds, an arpeggiator, stereo delay, a resonant filter, and extensive modulation options via keyboard, MIDI MPE, or the device's accelerometer. ### How much does ShapeSynth cost? Based on the provided information, ShapeSynth is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or ads, indicating a one-time purchase model. ### What platforms is ShapeSynth compatible with? ShapeSynth supports integration with other apps and hardware through AudioBus, Inter App Audio (IAA), and AUv3. It also offers CoreMIDI, IAA MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI, and limited MPE and MIDI out capabilities. ### What are some common use cases for ShapeSynth? Common use cases include creating unique retro-inspired synth sounds, designing custom oscillator waveforms, composing electronic music, experimenting with sound design, and integrating the synthesizer into existing digital audio workstations (DAWs) or mobile music setups. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.2.13 — 2026-06-26 +++ Fixing issue with preset menu scrolling to the top on open, in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 ### 4.2.12 — 2025-03-16 +++ Fixing issue resulting in no sound seen by some users in GarageBand. ### 4.2.11 — 2025-02-02 +++ Fixing touch issues seen along edges when running as AUv3 in some hosts. +++ Minor bug fixes. ### 4.2.10 — 2022-05-04 +++ Exposing user presets to AUv3 host. +++ Minor UI fixes. ### 4.2.9 — 2022-01-25 +++ Fixing arpeggio issue introduced in last build. ## Apps similar to shapesynth | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [K7D - Tape Delay](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/k7d-tape-delay/id1460245991) | 4.6 (79) | $3.99 | Music | | [Phonolyth Cascade](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonolyth-cascade/id6447491322) | 4.9 (30) | $7.99 | Music | | [Riffer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/riffer/id1435691909) | 4.0 (87) | $6.99 | Music | | [Fluss - Granular Playground](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluss-granular-playground/id6443472888) | 4.8 (70) | $13.99 | Music | | [BLEASS Shimmer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bleass-shimmer/id1512190577) | 4.9 (35) | $6.99 | Music | | [BLEASS Delay](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bleass-delay/id1448509525) | 4.7 (50) | $6.99 | Music | ## More apps by Erik Sigth - [Sinusoid](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sinusoid/id416624795) - [ström](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strom/id495549899) - [nils](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nils/id579955189) - [voice bot](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/voice-bot/id654025530) - [e-l-s-a](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/e-l-s-a/id833671355) All apps by Erik Sigth: https://appshunter.io/developer/385275335 --- *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 2026-08-30.*