# Patch Base vs KORG iWAVESTATION

The clearest difference is price: Patch Base at Free against KORG iWAVESTATION's $29.99. Patch Base also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months). KORG iWAVESTATION's advantage is rating (4.2 vs 3.4) and review sentiment (69% vs 53%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Patch Base is free to download; KORG iWAVESTATION costs $29.99 up front. Patch Base sells 31 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and KORG iWAVESTATION sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

KORG iWAVESTATION holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 85 and 132 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Patch Base's written reviews are positive against 69% of KORG iWAVESTATION's.

Patch Base ships an update every 3 weeks, KORG iWAVESTATION every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Patch Base | KORG iWAVESTATION |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $29.99 |
| Rating | [3.4 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patch-base/id1070270299/reviews) | **[4.2 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-iwavestation/id1118072618/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 85 | **132** |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | **69.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 65 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Coffeeshopped LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/316294867) | [KORG INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/363714046) |

## What reviewers say

### Patch Base

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patch-base/id1070270299)

This app allows users to visualize, edit, and organize patches for a wide range of hardware synthesizers. It offers real-time parameter editing, patch bank management, and the ability to create random or initial patches. Users can also test sounds with an on-screen keyboard.

**Highlights:** Visualize synth patches, Real-time parameter editing, Manage patch banks, Create random patches, On-screen keyboard for sound testing, Extensive synthesizer support

**In-app purchases (31)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Patch Base: Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| All Access: Annual | $59.99 | per year |
| Casio CZ-101 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-6r | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX7 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TX7 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Ensoniq ESQ-1 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Volca FM | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg microKorg | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JD-Xi | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Minilogue | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-1080 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Waldorf Blofeld | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-50 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-05 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland D-110 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Novation Bass Station II | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX100 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Access Virus TI Snow | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TG33 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-1010 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha SY77 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland XV-5050 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha TX81Z | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-1000 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Korg Volca FM2 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Oberheim Matrix-6 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha DX7II | $29.99 | one-time |
| Roland JV-880 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Yamaha Reface DX | $29.99 | one-time |
| All Access | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and logical interface design
- 🎛️ Comprehensive parameter editing for supported synths
- 💾 Excellent patch management and librarian features
- 📱 Works seamlessly across iPad and Mac
- 🔄 iCloud integration for patch backup and sync

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 High pricing model ($30 per synth or subscription)
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- ❌ No free trial without subscription commitment
- 📖 Poor documentation and lack of tutorials
- 🔌 Inconsistent MIDI connectivity and configuration

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iOS 14.2 and other versions
- MIDI buffer full errors with DX7IIFD
- Sysex transfer stalls and timeouts
- Cannot access operators 4-6 on Volca FM
- Algorithm changes crash app

**Requested features**

- MFB Dominion 1 editor
- Arturia Microfreak randomizer
- Novation Circuit Tracks support
- Korg Wavestate editor
- Roland MKS-70 and MKS-80 controllers


### KORG iWAVESTATION

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-iwavestation/id1118072618)

This app recreates a legendary 1990s synthesizer, offering time-varying timbre creation and advanced vector synthesis. Experience its unique sound-shaping potential with a renewed graphic interface and touch-based operation for iOS devices.

**Highlights:** Faithful reproduction of original WAVESTATION sound, Graphical wave sequence view with touch control, 1,500 sounds, 700+ waveforms, 55 effects, Powerful random sequence engine, AUv3 support for Logic Pro and GarageBand, Integration with KORG Gadget DAW

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Expansion Card Pack | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎹 Classic synth sounds
- 👍 Improved interface over hardware
- 🎨 Excellent sound design capabilities
- 🎉 Randomize feature for inspiration
- 🔌 Gadget integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Lack of preset search/organization
- 🔊 Weak filter capabilities
- 🔌 No MIDI channel selection
- 🔌 Limited MIDI control options

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when saving user presets
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add AUv3 support
- Improve preset management and browsing
- Enhance MIDI functionality (channel selection, more CCs)
- Expand filter options (high-pass, band-pass)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Patch Base free?

Patch Base is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is KORG iWAVESTATION free?

KORG iWAVESTATION costs $29.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Patch Base or KORG iWAVESTATION?

KORG iWAVESTATION is rated higher. Patch Base averages 3.4 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while KORG iWAVESTATION averages 4.2 from 132 ratings.

### Do Patch Base or KORG iWAVESTATION have ads?

Neither Patch Base nor KORG iWAVESTATION shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Patch Base or KORG iWAVESTATION?

Patch Base ships an update every 3 weeks, and KORG iWAVESTATION every 5 months. Most recently, Patch Base was updated on October 10, 2026 and KORG iWAVESTATION on October 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*