# synthQ — The Queueing Synthesizer > iPad subtractive synthesizer with a customizable module queuing system. (iPhone/iPad app by Chris Niven.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthq/id950094378 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Chris Niven](https://appshunter.io/developer/471645351) - Category: Music, Education - Price: $5.99 - Rating: 4.23/5 from 13 App Store ratings · 25 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 78 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2015-01-01 - Data updated: 2026-06-01 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthq/id950094378/reviews.md ## What is synthQ? Introducing the queuing synthesizer for iPad. SynthQ has been designed from the ground up with the touchscreen interface in mind. SynthQ is a subtractive synthesizer with a customizable interface. A unique module queuing system, resizable multi-octave keyboard, and intuitive cable-based modulation controls offer a truly dynamic music-making experience for iOS. Each part of the synth is separated into units called modules. Each module snaps into place along a scrollable surface above the keyboard. Control the number of modules shown on the screen at any time. Control which modules appear for each sound. Tap a button on the module menu to launch a module and add it to the queue. Drag a module up and release to remove it from the queue. Drag a module down to move it within the queue. Add variability to your sound by connecting different modules using virtual cables. Alter the sound with synthQ's movable keys. SynthQ provides an intuitive and engaging way to get started creating your own sounds, and is ideal for production, performance and music education environments. Full feature list: MODULES: —three oscillators — sine, triangle, saw, square, pulse and resonant noise waves —three adsrs — amp, filter and modulation envelopes —filter with lowpass, hipass, bandpass, band-reject and peak filter modes —glide —frequency modulation oscillator —ring modulation oscillator —eight modulation bays with virtual cables enable interactions between modules —three tempo-syncable LFOs with sine, triangle, saw, reverse saw, square, random curve and random step waves —two XY matrix pads —XY keys module turns the keyboard's movable keys into modulation sources —sequencer module with Ableton Link support and built-in arpeggiator mode —vocoder using microphone or Inter-App Audio Effect input —two FX slots with chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb, tremolo, distortion, delay and bitcrush —analog simulation with soft clipping and random pitch wavering —midi module with pitch bender, modwheel and velocity —master volume control INTERFACE: —multi-octave resizable keyboard with 10-voice polyphonic, monophonic and legato modes —optional "sticky keys" mode locks each key to your finger after being pressed —when used as a modulation source, sound can be altered by moving the keys in different directions —unique rearrangeable module queuing area defines which controls are present per preset —fully featured preset menu system with options to share and import via e-mail or iTunes File Sharing —import presets directly from iOS mail by tapping and holding the attachment and pressing "Open in synthQ" —functional graphic design and layout eliminates screen switching by keeping the control modules and keyboard in constant view OTHER FEATURES: —Audiobus 3 support with Inter-App Audio —A=432Hz, A=440Hz and A=444Hz tuning modes —44100k Hz, 32000 Hz and 22050 Hz sampling rate modes —MIDI input and output per channel —basic recording feature to save, play, loop, and share recordings —import .WAV files from iTunes File Sharing for playback —parallax motion effects Follow @synthQ on Twitter for latest announcements and free preset packs, updated regularly! Share your presets with the developer for a chance to get them added to an official update! ## Key features - Customizable module queuing system - Virtual cable-based modulation - Resizable multi-octave keyboard - Extensive module library (oscillators, envelopes, filters, FX) - Ableton Link support - MIDI input/output - Preset sharing and import ## Recent user reviews (10 of 25) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthq/id950094378/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Nice update! *2023-10-05* I wonder if auv3 can be realized? ### 5/5 — Awesome, deep and no steep learning curve *2020-05-03, version 1.741* Brilliant synth designed to be played on the iPad not emulating hardware layouts which are great in the real world but don’t work on a touch screen. Really well thought out, great sound and easy. No menu diving, u want 3 oscillators, touch em, u want modulation sources, touch em. Simple yet highly efficient design, great work 👍🏾 ### 5/5 — I like weird... *2020-04-09, version 1.740* And this synth is as good as weird can get. It’s raw. Vicious. Wish that the IAA audio effect would be made available as an AUv3 because it sounds great as an audio effect! ### 3/5 — Could use an update *2019-04-03* The interface is great and worth preserving, if it ran more smoothly. Sometimes the sound is glitchy, and stutters occasionally. ### 3/5 — Grrrr… *2019-03-27* Sequencer sorted Thanks App support links to Facebook!! Come on really? iPad Pro 12.9 iOS 12.1 and now 12.1.1. If I touch anything but play in the sequencer section the app crashes. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thank you ### 5/5 — Super deep for an easy price *2019-03-23* There are a lot more expensive synth apps out there that are a lot known and much more expensive, but this insanely deep music making tsunami is an affordable sound designers dream that leaves others int the dust! ### 2/5 — Crowded house *2019-02-27* This interface is so crowded it always makes me feel uninterested in using it like it’s approach to sequence entry is too encrusted and not very welcoming . It just needs a face lift . For me anyway. Peace Christo ### 5/5 — It is super cool, and quirky. *2018-01-05, version 1.517* This is really excellent. It is supposed to sound a little wonky and occasionally in your face. The only think I might like would be an option to create a bit of a moodier, slightly less candy cane visual vibe...but that is moot. Watch the videos of the developer making sound patches, especially if you know very little about synthesis and what is going on with sound design. Some of the reviews are just counterproductive and quite ignorant. Let them have all Korg Gadgets, lol... ### 1/5 — Deleted in 2 Minutes *2018-01-02, version 1.516* While I have great respect for anyone who can create such an intricate app, the sound was just yucky, offensive to my ears. ### 5/5 — If you want out there real fast, this is the one! *2017-04-10* Dead easy modular style without the guessing games headache use, inspires experimentation, great sounding synth, very expressive keybed controller. It can be used conventional but that's not the specialty of this one. ## Frequently asked questions about synthQ ### What devices does synthQ support? synthQ is designed exclusively for iPad. It is not available on iPhone or other Apple devices. ### How much does synthQ cost? synthQ is a paid application, priced at $5.99. This is a one-time purchase. ### What is the age rating for synthQ? synthQ has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. ### How often is synthQ updated? synthQ was last updated on October 4, 2023, with version 1.742. This indicates regular maintenance and feature additions. ### Can I share presets with other synthQ users? Yes, synthQ features a fully functional preset menu system with options to share and import presets via e-mail or iTunes File Sharing. You can also import presets directly from iOS mail. ### Does synthQ have Ableton Link support? Yes, the sequencer module in synthQ includes Ableton Link support, allowing for synchronized music creation with other compatible applications and devices. ### What kind of oscillators are available in synthQ? synthQ offers three oscillators with sine, triangle, saw, square, pulse, and resonant noise waves, providing a versatile foundation for sound creation. ### What are the available filter modes in synthQ? The filter module in synthQ supports lowpass, hipass, bandpass, band-reject, and peak filter modes, offering extensive control over the tonal characteristics of your sounds. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.742 — 2023-10-04 — Increased polyphony voice count from 4 to 10 — New MIDI Menu — New preset group "xy fun" to demonstrate xy keys feature — Fixed Modulation cable graphics — Fixed IAA MIDI Input for applications such as AUM — Maintenance and bugfixes ### 1.741 — 2020-05-02 — Fixed an issue where MIDI CC messages would not get written to the current preset ### 1.740 — 2019-11-24 — Three new effects: comb filter, mverb ("Miller verb", created by Miller Puckette), delay2 (delay line with rhythmic beat divisions) — All effects are now stereo — Bug fixes ### 1.720 — 2019-02-24 — Fixed a crash caused by editing sequencer steps on iOS 12 — Fixed lag when switching to the patterns page or loading a pattern in the sequencer — FIxed issue where sequencer steps would stop lighting up — Fixed a potential crash on startup ### 1.7 — 2018-12-12 - New BILL JOBS preset pack - Keys light up with MIDI input - controls bound to MIDI update visually - added vocoder to MIDI learn controls - fixed issue where individual MIDI binds could not be deleted by long-tapping ## Apps similar to synthQ | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Mini Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-synthesizer/id1126845799) | 3.5 (12) | $4.99 | Music | | [JAX SR : Chorus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jax-sr-chorus/id1636821650) | 5.0 (1) | $19.99 | Music | | [ERS_250](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ers-250/id1584339422) | 4.3 (6) | $13.99 | Music | | [GrainProc: granular synthesis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainproc-granular-synthesis/id572380905) | 4.1 (17) | $2.99 | Music | | [VAPolyQuad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapolyquad/id6504518079) | 4.4 (5) | $5.99 | Music | | [Midiflow Channels (Audiobus)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midiflow-channels-audiobus/id1224840760) | 2.3 (3) | $1.99 | Music | ## More apps by Chris Niven - [76 Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/76-synthesizer/id471645148) All apps by Chris Niven: https://appshunter.io/developer/471645351 --- *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 2026-06-01.*