# VS – Visual Synthesizer — Audio / MIDI reactive visuals

> Audio and MIDI reactive visual synthesizer for music projects and live performance. (iPhone/iPad app by Imaginando Lda.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vs-visual-synthesizer/id1560330289 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Imaginando Lda](https://appshunter.io/developer/895445015)
- Category: Music, Photo & Video
- Price: $24.99 with in-app purchases (on sale, was $27.00)
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 125 App Store ratings · 51 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: +4
- Requires: iOS 16.1 · 787 MB
- Released: 2021-06-14
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vs-visual-synthesizer/id1560330289/reviews.md

## What is VS?

VS provides a creative way to generate beautiful graphical representations of your music projects. Driven by both audio and MIDI data, VS is the visual equivalent of a traditional synthesizer.

VS takes the concept of music visualisation to a whole new level of customisation and expression, putting you in control and giving you the power to perform however you want.

VS is powered by 8 flexible layers which can use shaders, images or videos, allowing you to create generative graphics that you can interact with and layer on top of each other to create complex evolving visuals. With customizable parameters, a modulation matrix and an array of blend modes, use your audio and/or MIDI to trigger and manipulate your layers accordingly with your music. You can even import and create your own shaders to give your visuals a more personal feeling.

As the name suggests, VS - Visual Synthesizer can be played live like an audio synthesizer; use your MIDI keyboard to make each layer come alive with the concept of ‘polyphonic visual voices’. 

As well as a standalone app, VS includes an AUv3 plugin version, so you can run it directly inside your favourite iOS DAW programs like AUM, Drambo, BAM, Cubasis, Loopy Pro, Groove Rider 2, Logic Pro etc. You can now give your existing projects a visual touch of creativity. Simply route the MIDI and audio of your tracks and watch the magic happen.

You can connect your mobile device to an external screen or projector for a live visual performance. If you prefer to create a video for your music, the built-in recorder lets you capture both visuals and audio. Record in landscape or portrait mode, with multiple output resolutions available.

We partnered with new media artist ‘Perplex On’ to bring you a factory preset bank full of amazing interactive visuals you can start using right away to create dazzling animations and make your music move in a whole new medium. With an ever growing collection of expansions, you can further augment your visual arsenal with preset packs created by handpicked new media art talents.

Features:

- 8 Polyphonic visual layers (with blend modes)
- 4 voices per layer
- 32 built-in material effects
- Layer material can be a shader, image or a video
- Background layer with solid color/image/video
- 4 LFO’s with SIN, SQR, TRI, SAW, S&H and filtered S&H
- 2 EG’s with ADSR controls
- 4 Dual-mode Audio Modulators (envelope and frequency band detection)
- Modulation matrix
- Full Screen mode
- HDMI output for external screen/projector
- NDI output
- Built-in audio player with MIDI support
- Built-in video recorder
- Built-in material code editor for custom material creation
- Exclusive factory presets by Perplex On

## Key features

- 8 polyphonic visual layers
- Shader, image, and video materials
- Modulation matrix
- AUv3 plugin support
- Live performance output
- Built-in video recorder
- Custom shader editor

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $24.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Retina Refill Preset Pack | $17.99 | one-time |
| Textural Memories Preset Pack | $17.99 | one-time |
| Cyber Spells Preset Pack | $17.99 | one-time |
| Retro Riot Preset Pack | $17.99 | one-time |
| Raw Reflections Preset Pack | $17.99 | one-time |
| Noir Cuts Preset Packs | $17.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of VS?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- ✨ Awesome audiovisual workflow
- 💡 Powerful yet easy to use
- 🎨 Great for getting vibes out
- 🌟 Expands musical aspirations visually
- 🎛️ Easy to work with (Imaginando apps)
- 🎛️ Modulation matrix is a breeze (with FRMS)
- 🚀 Super performance shaders (potential)
- 💰 Worth every penny
- 👍 Excellent developer support
- ✨ Spectacular updates
- 👂 Developers listen to users
- 🎶 Perfect for combining beats with graphics
- 💡 Innovative app
- 🧑‍🎨 Great for visual artists and performers
- ✨ Interesting and cool visuals
- 🎶 Reacts to audio and MIDI input
- 🎛️ LFOs and envelopes for movement
- 🎨 Customizable GLSL shaders
- 🖼️ Video as texture maps
- 🎵 Supports AIFF files
- 🌟 Great for live performance visuals
- 💡 Unique audio-visual station
- 🎛️ Well-designed instrument
- 📂 Native file system integration
- ✨ Impressive features and abilities
- 🤩 Makes music sound better
- 🚀 Smooth performance on older devices
- 💡 Visual ROMpler concept
- 👍 Good start and long-sought feature
- 💯 Amazing app
- 🌟 Unique tool in iOS music ecosystem
- 👍 First-rate quality tutorials
- 🚀 Daring and fresh to iOS music
- 🎨 Great for designing layers
- 💡 Great for real-time audio/MIDI visuals

**Cons**

- 🐛 No elegant way for live synchronized video out
- 🔌 Popout to external displays only in standalone app
- 🚫 Standalone app can't run in background
- 🎛️ Doesn't work well plugged into looper or DAW
- ❌ Not fun at all
- 🔊 No live sounds
- 🖼️ No quality visuals (user opinion)
- 🖱️ No easy interface (user opinion)
- ❓ Bought but can't download
- 🐛 Video record export issue (long duration)
- 🐛 NDI stream not working
- 📉 Crashes frequently
- 🗄️ Can't cope with large MP3 files
- ⏯️ No way to seek in audio files
- ❌ Doesn't support .aiff files (only .aif)
- 🚫 Missing Bluetooth MIDI
- 🐌 Not smooth, freezes
- ❌ No MP3 support
- 🐌 Jaggy and slow performance with video background
- 🐌 Unresponsive interface with HD video
- ❓ Not the easiest app to understand
- ❓ No step-by-step tutorial
- 🔌 Can't link audio and use IA
- 🔌 Not seen as plugin or IA option
- 🚫 Doesn't work in other DAWs
- ❓ Can't import own audio (user opinion)
- 🤔 More of a play thing than a visualizer
- 📱 Can't access half GUI in AUv3 on iPhone
- ❌ Online documentation for desktop version
- 🚫 In-app help doesn't work
- 🖼️ AUv3 mode covers whole display, destroying aesthetics
- 🤔 Preset materials can become boring
- 🐛 Apt help doesn't work

**Commonly reported bugs**

- No elegant way to get live synchronized video out
- Popout to external displays only in standalone app, which can’t run in background
- Video record export issue: videos are 30+ minutes when recorded for shorter duration
- NDI stream not working
- App crashes frequently
- Cannot cope with 'large' MP3 files (around 10MB)
- No way to seek to anywhere but the beginning of audio files
- Does not support .aiff files (only .aif)
- Missing Bluetooth MIDI support
- App is not smooth and freezes
- No MP3 support
- Jaggy and slow performance with video file background and one material layer
- Unresponsive interface and frame rate drops with HD video
- In-app help does not work
- AUv3 mode displays AUM stuff and app menus, destroying aesthetics

**Most requested features**

- Integrate an audio tool for Spotify/other audio sources
- Allow using any graphic or photo content as a layer
- Hope for Metal rendering for super performance shaders
- More ways to interact between layers (displacement, feedback)
- Post-processing effects (luma key, feedback, kaleidoscope, mirror)
- Option to load videos and images in layers other than B layer
- More flexible/bigger choice of MIDI controllable artifacts
- Use MIDI to trigger pre-programmed words
- Ability to change font size in materials code editor
- Pause and resume feature for audio playback
- Ability to set play cursor anywhere in the middle of the file
- iCloud file sharing
- HDMI output for live use
- Save audio file with the patch in standalone mode
- Deeper mutating possibilities for items
- Other textural possibilities with imported images
- More mod sources for audio reactivity, device tilt, camera brightness, gestures
- Option to create own materials from scratch (shader coding)
- Cover the whole display in AUv3 mode (e.g., two-finger double tap)
- Add shaders to the library

## Recent user reviews (10 of 51)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vs-visual-synthesizer/id1560330289/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Limited output

*2026-02-22*

The audiovisual workflow is awesome. It has a great amount of depth that makes it powerful but easy to use if you’re comfortable with synthesizers. Very good at getting the vibes out of your head.

Unfortunately, there isn’t an elegant way to get live synchronized video out of the app. I had imagined using it as a reactive component of live performance, but popout to external displays is only supported in the standalone app, which can’t run in the background. 

This version is good for live play on its own as a video synth or for pre-rendering video, but it doesn’t work well if you try to plug it into a looper or DAW and play it alongside instruments.

### 1/5 — Big no

*2026-01-19*

Not fun at all no live sounds no quality visuals no easy interface

### 5/5 — Sieht cool aus

*2025-12-12*

Alles Top. Bitte noch ein Audio Tool integrieren damit auch keine MIDI Files sondern wenn Mann Spotify hört schöne Gafiken dazu bekommt. Danke

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung! Wir nehmen Ihren Vorschlag gerne zur Kenntnis ☺️
Mit freundlichen Grüßen

### 5/5 — Entering Visual Ecstasy

*2025-12-04*

If you are looking for a way to expand your musical aspirations into a visual experience this is a great app for you it can take you in many directions, from customised GLSL shaders all the way to video as texture maps. It is easy to work with as are all Imaginando apps. If you use FRMS the modulation matrix will be a breeze. Give it a whirl you won’t be disappointed, trust me 😊

**Developer response:** What an amazing review! Thank you very much for praising VS and for recommending it 😁 We hope you continue enjoying VS’s visual ecstasy trip 😁

### 5/5 — Connects to MPC Live 3

*2025-10-16*

I’m super excited to get this working on my new MPC Live 3 and connect it to my iPad Air! It’s going to be so much fun making hip-hop beats with my own visuals. It’s going to be on another level!

**Developer response:** We're glad you're exited to use VS with your MPC! They pair very well indeed =) We have a tutorial on our instagram page on how to use the MPC with VS if you're interested. Thank you for your review!

### 5/5 — Fantastisch

*2025-09-16*

…genau was ich gesucht habe. Nach einer gewissen Einarbeitungszeit gelingen tolle Visualisationen mit persönlicher Note. Kann ich nur empfehlen!

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank für deine 5-Sterne-Bewertung und dafür, dass du VS weiterempfiehlst! Wir haben VS so entwickelt, dass es einfach zu bedienen ist und gleichzeitig genug Leistung bietet, um dir die volle Kontrolle über deine Visuals zu geben – damit sie genau so aussehen, wie du es dir vorstellst. Wir freuen uns, dass dir die Nutzung Spaß macht! ☺️

### 1/5 — Bought it but can’t download??

*2025-02-20*

I just bought the app but it won’t let me download it? :( please help! IOS

**Developer response:** Hi again. Is your problem solved. Have you tried again since then. Can you please confirm to us? Thank you! Best regards

### 5/5 — Hope they’re able to use Metal rendering

*2024-12-16*

I’m aware that they weren’t using Metal in the past because rebuilding shaders for Metal wasn’t worth the effort as it would be zero use to their large Windows based installs. I’m hoping that Apple’s new porting options provides them a way to get super performance shaders on the iPad easily.

**Developer response:** Hi. That should be a simple fix. We will open issue and fix it on the next version. Thank you for reporting. If possible get in touch with our customer support through our website so we can have your email and attach it to the issue. Thank you! Best regards

### 5/5 — amazing

*2024-12-15, version 1.7.0*

great visuals for recreational and professional use, worth every penny, srsly

### 5/5 — Tim

*2024-11-23*

Amazing company!

**Developer response:** Thanks for your review and feedback. Best regards

## Frequently asked questions about VS

### What does VS – Visual Synthesizer do?

VS – Visual Synthesizer creates graphical representations of your music projects that react to audio and MIDI data. It functions as a visual synthesizer, allowing for deep customization of layers, effects, and parameters to create evolving visuals.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include 8 polyphonic visual layers with blend modes, the ability to use shaders, images, or videos as layer materials, a modulation matrix, AUv3 plugin support for DAWs, HDMI and NDI output for external displays, and a built-in video recorder.

### How is this app monetized?

The application is free to download and use, but offers in-app purchases. These likely include expansion packs for presets and potentially other features or content to augment the visual capabilities.

### What devices is VS – Visual Synthesizer compatible with?

The app is available for mobile devices and includes an AUv3 plugin version that can be run inside iOS Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) programs. It also supports external screen output via HDMI.

### Can I use this for live performances or to create music videos?

Yes, the app is designed for both live performance and video creation. You can connect your device to an external screen or projector for live visual performances, and the built-in recorder allows you to capture both visuals and audio for music videos in various resolutions and orientations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.9.1 — 2025-11-27

- Added VS virtual midi port to the standalone version
- Fixed crash when downloading Noir Cuts expansion pack
- Fixed patch import
- Fixed matrix panel parameters when changing patch
- Fixed matrix opening while adjusting parameters
- Fixed layer material preview when reseting patch
- Fixed bad state when reverting default patch
- Fixed help page link
- General bug fixes and improvements

### 1.9.0 — 2025-03-14

- New Expansion Pack 'Raw Reflections'
- Improves video playback performance
- General bug fixes and improvements

### 1.8.1 — 2025-02-27

- Fixed missing values of layer MIDI filter slider
- Fixed state loading
- Fixed recording parameter automation when performed from host
- Fixed consistency between brightness slider and brightness knob
- Purge temporary files when app closes (this should free space occupied by VS app)
- Always use native video encoder, regardless of the device (aims to fix problems with recordings on some devices)
- Added render quality setting in AUv3 version
- General bug fixes and improvements

### 1.8.0 — 2025-02-07

- New preset pack 'Retro Riot'
- New four audio audio/MIDI demos
- New Mapping Manager panel
- New layer info panel

- Optimised rendering engine for a stability and performance
- Improved built-in recording for a better synchronisation between audio and video
- Improved audio recording with different buffer sizes and high sample rates (192k)
- Improved MIDI trigger settings with multi-channel and note range per layer

- Added font-size option to material editor
- Added setting to stop recording when player stops
- Added visual warning when FPS drops from the desired frame rate
- Added horizontal interaction in knob parameters
- Added FLAC audio files support
- Added audio to NDI stream

- Fixed audio file browser player playing after closing panel
- Fixed frozen frame when changing presets with video
- Fixed loading indicator not appearing when loading audio/midi
- Fixed previous patch button MIDI learn
- Fixed single file bank import
- Fixed NDI on AUv3

### 1.7.1 — 2025-01-30

- Added horizontal interaction in knob parameters
- Added flac audio files support
- Fixed iPhone layout issues
- Fixed layer media persistence
- Fixed NDI on AUv3

## Apps similar to VS

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-auv3-synth-fx-midi/id1668299428) | 4.8 (79) | Free | Music |
| [Sunrizer synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunrizer-synth/id443663267) | 4.7 (183) | $12.99 | Music |
| [Mela Classic (AUv3)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-classic-auv3/id1612218703) | 4.9 (52) | $4.99 | Music |
| [AudioKit Synth One Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-synth-one-synthesizer/id1371050497) | 4.9 (26,818) | Free | Music |
| [EG Nodes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eg-nodes/id6466639463) | 4.8 (93) | $14.99 | Music |
| [OCTACHRON MIDI Drum Sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octachron-midi-drum-sequencer/id1453137215) | 4.5 (104) | $9.99 | Music |

## More apps by Imaginando Lda

- [TKFX - Traktor Dj Controller](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tkfx-traktor-dj-controller/id898838871)
- [LK - Ableton & Midi Controller](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lk-ableton-and-midi-controller/id944972221)
- [DRC - Polyphonic Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drc-polyphonic-synthesizer/id973055710)
- [DLYM - Chorus & Flanger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dlym-chorus-and-flanger/id1381246923)
- [FRMS - Granular Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/frms-granular-synthesizer/id1381392223)
- [K7D - Tape Delay](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/k7d-tape-delay/id1460245991)

All apps by Imaginando Lda: https://appshunter.io/developer/895445015

---

*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 2026-09-01.*