# Patch Base vs FM Synthesizer

The clearest difference is rating: Patch Base at 3.4 against FM Synthesizer's 1.7. Patch Base also leads on review sentiment (53% vs 25%) and ratings volume (87 vs 6). FM Synthesizer's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Patch Base sells 31 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and FM Synthesizer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Patch Base holds the better App Store score, 3.4 against 1.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Patch Base has 87 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Patch Base's written reviews are positive against 25% of FM Synthesizer's.

Patch Base ships an update every 3 weeks, FM Synthesizer weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Patch Base | FM Synthesizer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.4 (87 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patch-base/id1070270299/reviews)** | [1.7 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fm-synthesizer-piano-keys/id1563962952/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **87** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **52.9% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 67 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Coffeeshopped LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/316294867) | [Stanislav Duplinskiy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529735040) |

## 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


### FM Synthesizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fm-synthesizer-piano-keys/id1563962952)

Explore sound synthesis with adjustable parameters to create unique audio. Access new presets monthly, utilize multi-genre synths, and manage effect groups. Record and share your musical creations with others.

**Highlights:** Adjustable synthesis parameters, Monthly new presets, Multi-genre synths, Effect group settings, Session recording, Share recordings

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro access and monthly updates | $4.99 | per month |
| Pro access and monthly updates | $9.99 | per month |
| Effects & Recording | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Patch Base free?

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

### Is FM Synthesizer free?

FM Synthesizer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Patch Base or FM Synthesizer?

Patch Base is rated higher. Patch Base averages 3.4 out of 5 from 87 ratings, while FM Synthesizer averages 1.7 from 6 ratings.

### Do Patch Base or FM Synthesizer have ads?

Neither Patch Base nor FM Synthesizer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Patch Base or FM Synthesizer?

Patch Base ships an update every 3 weeks, and FM Synthesizer weekly. Most recently, Patch Base was updated on October 24, 2026 and FM Synthesizer on October 6, 2026.

---

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