# SynthStation

> Mobile music production studio with virtual synthesizers, drum kits, and sequencer. (iPhone/iPad app by Akai Professional.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Akai Professional](https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 2.30/5 from 178 App Store ratings · 305 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 4.3 · 91 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-06-17
- Data updated: 2026-09-09
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724/reviews.md

## What is SynthStation?

Low $1.99 price extended!

Compatibility:  Requires iOS 4.3 to iOS 6.1.3

Features
• Three virtual-analog synthesizers, each with three oscillators
• More than 50 drum kits, plus a built-in sequencer
• Create melodic and accompaniment parts using arpeggiator with preset patterns
• Core MIDI-compatible: works with any Core MIDI device as a synth module on your iOS device
• Real-time recording
• Unlimited creativity with effects and filters
• Compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch
• Requires iOS 4.3 or later

Transform your iPhone into a music production studio. SynthStation transforms your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a portable music production studio for mobile music creation. SynthStation gives you three powerful synthesizers for creating and modifying sonic textures used for melodies, chords, and bass lines. Built around Akai Professional’s history in synthesis and drawing on the newest MINIAK synth, SynthStation sounds great and offers wide-ranging sonic flexibility with its virtual analog synthesis.

From the moment you start SynthStation, you'll know your way around. It is jam-packed with tools to help you create music with the convenience of your touch screen and each section works the way you work. With SynthStation, you can create and save sequences and complete songs. The app contains three different three-oscillator synths and a range of drum kits you can sequence and mix right in the SynthStation. For creating melodic and accompaniment parts, the SynthStation contains an arpeggiator with preset patterns, built-in effects and filters, and an XY touch control interface for expressive control of key parameters.

PERFORM
Play with keys, XY and arpeggiator controls. This is perfect place to make magic happen because it gives you access to all the common controls you’ll need in a performance or creation setting.

SYNTH
Complete synthesis controls from oscillators to LFOs, envelopes, and more. You can control a wide range of filters to dial in exactly the sound you need. Choose from Sine, Triangle, Square or Sawtooth on your VCO and start creating your own signature sounds from scratch. Filter Cutoff and Resonance are just two taps away.

DRUMS
In addition to SynthStation's three synthesizers, we've included drum kits and a visual representation of the most iconic beat making tool in the world - MPC pads. Just pick your kit and start tapping beats anywhere, anytime. Includes:

Drum Kit – select the drum kit and play it with onscreen pads.

Drum Edit – tune, mix, and customize your drums.

SEQUENCER
Keyboard grid – see your keyboard sequencing and edit notes easily.

Drum grid – build and modify drum tracks with a visible sequencer grid.

SONG/SEQUENCE
Select and save your Song/Sequence projects. You can recall your Songs and work on them later, and even export them for further editing in your desktop audio applications.

CONTROL
XY – two axes of control for hands-on, real-time control. Just like a joystick, the XY controller can snap back to the zero point.

Tempo – control tempo and even tap in the tempo you want.

MIXER
The Mixer in SynthStation includes touch-controlled faders for each of the three synthesizers and the drum section as well as FX send for each. 

Mixer – mix all the levels of the parts and effects. Just like a hardware mixer, there are faders, mutes, and effect routing.

Effects – select and control FX type and parameters.

SynthStation Studio enables you to create and produce music anywhere on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

## Key features

- Three virtual-analog synthesizers
- Over 50 drum kits
- Built-in sequencer
- Arpeggiator with preset patterns
- Core MIDI-compatible
- Real-time recording
- Effects and filters

## What do users think of SynthStation?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🚀 Powerful synth engine
- 👍 Authentic Akai sound
- 💡 Versatile drum kits
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 👍 Great value for money

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🔧 Outdated and neglected by developer
- 🔧 Lacks essential features like audio export
- 🔧 Complicated workflow

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- No sound output
- Midi connectivity problems
- Incompatible with latest iOS versions
- Saved projects not loading properly

**Most requested features**

- Audiobus/Inter-App Audio support
- More synth/drum samples
- Ability to save custom sounds
- Improved sequencing capabilities
- Easier audio export options

## Recent user reviews (10 of 305)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724/reviews.md

### 1/5 — DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP

*2026-06-30, version 3.2*

What exactly? Akai really ought to keep their Apps alive .. after all they’re just the MPC60 in various guises because the S900 / S950 and original MPC are the only Akai products worth bothering with .. the S1000/ 1100 series was a step backwards from the S900 / S950 which was a work of genius and sounded great .. this App is toast because Akai haven’t updated it .. no point buying anything else because it’s all same same ..

### 1/5 — Another waste of money on Retronyms!

*2025-12-19, version 3.2*

I wasted money on apps from Retronyms and later on I regretted since that developer isn’t any good at all. I have seen independent developers doing way better than this company.

### 1/5 — Horrible app

*2024-10-20, version 3.2*

Do not buy this app, it crashes every time even when it’s docked via iPad on synth49 and sadly this app been over neglected by Akai!

### 1/5 — Mise à jour ?

*2023-02-17*

Bonjour,
Toujours pas de mise à jour… cette application a pourtant du potentiel !
Akai n’a pas les moyens ???

### 5/5 — I miss this app!!

*2023-02-09, version 3.2*

I wish Akai would update this app and make it work with iOS. It was a great synth, one of the best ever on iOS!!

### 5/5 — 復活を希望します

*2021-11-27*

HW所有の為本ソフトの復活を希望します

### 1/5 — Akai = loser

*2021-06-03, version 3.2*

So sad they decided to discontinue this app not long after I had purchased it. It was awesome until the iOS update and now it won’t open. Shady move AKAI, shady move....

### 1/5 — Update pls

*2021-03-23, version 3.2*

Come on

### 5/5 — UPDATE IMMEDIATELY

*2021-02-16, version 3.2*

I can’t use it anymore. It’s incompatible with the new versions of iOS. The sounds in this are incredible. If you do I’ll get a Grammy.

### 5/5 — Can u guys update the iOS system please

*2020-08-21, version 3.2*

I bought this app like six years ago. N I never had a problem with. The app up until I went n purchased me a brand new iPad hitch has all the updated versions installed so I can’t use this app.i love it and would like to be able to use what I paid for if u catch my drift. Please can u guys take a few minutes out of your busy day and update your iOS for this app I mean when the last time u guys updated your iOS for this app was back on the iOS 3.2 system .

## Frequently asked questions about SynthStation

### What does SynthStation do?

SynthStation transforms your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad into a portable music production studio. It provides three virtual-analog synthesizers, over 50 drum kits, and a built-in sequencer for creating melodies, bass lines, and drum beats.

### What are the key features of SynthStation?

Key features include three three-oscillator synthesizers, a wide range of drum kits, an arpeggiator with preset patterns, Core MIDI compatibility for external devices, real-time recording capabilities, and extensive effects and filters for sound manipulation.

### How much does SynthStation cost?

SynthStation is available for a low price of $1.99. This one-time purchase grants access to all the app's features for mobile music creation.

### What devices and iOS versions are compatible with SynthStation?

The app is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. It requires iOS 4.3 to iOS 6.1.3, meaning it is designed for older iOS versions.

### Can I export my music created with SynthStation?

Yes, you can save your sequences and complete songs within SynthStation. The app also allows you to export your projects for further editing in desktop audio applications.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.2 — 2012-10-13

Fixed SynthStation25 communication problem.

### 3.1 — 2012-10-12

Fixes metronome sound for iPhone.
Corrections for Help text on iPhone.
Improves iOS6 compatibility .

### 3.0 — 2012-07-02

New v3.0 Update!

SynthStation v3.0 is all about streamlined workflow. You’ll find a totally refreshed user interface that’s easy to navigate and instinctual to use. Optimized for the larger screen of your iPad, the new UI spreads out the controls, dramatically reduces the need to shuffle through menus, and lays out all the synth parameters on a single screen. The leading music production app just got more powerful.

### 2.1 — 2011-11-15

★ What's new in version 2.1

This version adds iOS 5 compatibility to SynthStation.


★ What's new in version 2.0

Updated based upon user feedback, SynthStation v2.0 contains the most requested enhancements and capabilities from SynthStation enthusiasts everywhere and is now an even more powerful app for creating music on the go. Featuring CoreMIDI support, real-time recording, a customizable metronome, the ability to preview sounds in the sounds page and numerous stability improvements and bug fixes, SynthStation v2.0 is ready to produce whether you're using it directly on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, or using it in combination with the powerful SynthStation25 (<--hyperlink to SynthStation25) portable controller. 

CoreMIDI Support: SynthStation v2.0 works with any CoreMIDI compatible device, meaning you can use it on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch as a synth module for your favorite controllers or integrate SynthStation v2.0 with your CoreMIDI compliant hardware and software sequencers. 

Real-time Recording: Now you can record in real-time as you improvise and create tracks directly on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, or when using the versatile SynthStation25 portable controller. 

Customizable Metronome: More than just a time-keeping click track, SynthStation v2.0's all new metronome is now fully customizable, allowing you to set the volume and use any sound you desire. 

Sound-Preview Ribbon: Find the right sound faster with SynthStation v2.0's new sound-preview ribbon. This simple feature will streamline your portable music production and save you tons of time. 

For more information, check out the SynthStation website at www.synthstationapp.com.

### 2.0 — 2011-06-30

New v2.0 Update!

Updated based upon user feedback, SynthStation v2.0 contains the most requested enhancements and capabilities from SynthStation enthusiasts everywhere and is now an even more powerful app for creating music on the go. Featuring CoreMIDI support, real-time recording, a customizable metronome, the ability to preview sounds in the sounds page and numerous stability improvements and bug fixes, SynthStation v2.0 is ready to produce whether you're using it directly on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, or using it in combination with the powerful SynthStation25 (<--hyperlink to SynthStation25) portable controller.

CoreMIDI Support: SynthStation v2.0 works with any CoreMIDI compatible device, meaning you can use it on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch as a synth module for your favorite controllers or integrate SynthStation v2.0 with your CoreMIDI compliant hardware and software sequencers. 

Real-time Recording: Now you can record in real-time as you improvise and create tracks directly on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, or when using the versatile SynthStation25 portable controller.

Customizable Metronome: More than just a time-keeping click track, SynthStation v2.0's all new metronome is now fully customizable, allowing you to set the volume and use any sound you desire.

Sound-Preview Ribbon: Find the right sound faster with SynthStation v2.0's new sound-preview ribbon. This simple feature will streamline your portable music production and save you tons of time. 

For more information, check out the SynthStation website at www.synthstationapp.com.

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## More apps by Akai Professional

- [iMPC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impc/id584548447)
- [MPC Legend](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mpc-legend/id606439617)
- [iMPC for iPhone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impc-for-iphone/id677356259)
- [iMPC Pro 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impc-pro-2/id1294928298)
- [iMPC Pro 2 for iPhone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impc-pro-2-for-iphone/id1413887036)

All apps by Akai Professional: https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727

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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 2026-09-09.*
