Comparison

K Machine audio visual engine vs VS

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

K Machine audio visual engine

Create dynamic and vibrant audio-visual animations with this powerful instrument. It combines a sound sample sequencer with a vertex shader sequencer for live-oriented audiovisual composition. Import your own sounds and visuals to craft unique experiences.

Highlights
  • Audio sample sequencer
  • Vertex shader sequencer
  • Import custom sounds (WAV, AIFF)
  • Import custom vertex shaders
  • Live video capture
  • Second screen projection
  • Ableton Link synchronization
Features
Read full description

"BEST HOUSE TECH GLITCH D&B APP in years!" "Fantastic app" K Machine is a new kind of audio visual instrument, allowing the creation of sound & touch responsive, dynamic, and vibrant animations. Designed for for musicians, shaders enthusiasts, VJs, and animation lovers in search of a live oriented, open, audiovisual instrument, K Machine combines a powerful audio sample sequencer and an original vertex shader sequencer based on a unique 'automatic transition interpolation' engine. ▶ A multifunctional tool The K Machine can be used in different ways: • As a VJing tool, using an audio input through mic or any other Audiobus compatible App. • As a sound creation tool, with the default empty shader so you won't be distracted by any visual animation. • Or in its full potential for true audiovisual composition. ▶ Import your sounds • K Machine accepts WAV and AIFF formats, 16 bits, 44100 Hz • Import from iTunes File sharing, Audioshare, Audiopaste or "Open in..." from any app with Export functionality. ▶ Import your visuals • The initial version of K Machine comes with more than 30 default vertex shaders, and 4 commented shader examples. • No limitation ! Import your own visuals, with the "Open in.." feature, use any external code editor App with Export functionality to create your own vertex shaders files. • Shaders format is 100% compatible with shaders from vertexshaderart.com • A simple line of code allows the creation of up to 8 parameter controllers for each vertex shader. ▶ A flexible tool • Each loop can have its own BPM. • Each loop can have its own number of beats. • Events can be splitted in 1/3, 1/5 1/7 or 1/11 ! ▶ Capture videos on the fly • Simple click on the 'video capture' button starts live video recording of your ongoing session with zero drop in performance. • Resulting video is automatically recorded in your photo album and can be shared on Facebook, EveryPlay, Youtube... ▶ Project on second screen with invisible UI Connect your device with HDMI or VGA adapter to display only the visual part of the ongoing animation. Perfect for live session ! ▶ Universal app Buy once and use on your IPad and Iphone devices. ▶ Use with other apps • Ableton link Ableton link: synchronise with any Ableton link app. • Audiobus 3.0.3 • Audiobus Remote: control K Machine from another device. • Audioshare: import edit your own samples with Audioshare. • Audiopaste and Audiostore: import sample with Audiopaste and/or browse an amazing sample collection through the Audiostore. ---------------------------------- See a new online video demo for v 2.0 here: https://vimeo.com/215816844 https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Full documentation : http://kolargon.art/KMachineV2Doc/KMachineV2Documentation.html ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: K Machine gives it's full potential with openGL ES 3 capable devices. Please check documentation to make sure your device is compatible. The K Machine won't work for the following devices: iPhone 4s and earlier iPad 3 and earlier iPad Mini 1 iPod Touch 5 and earlier Will work with some limitation on the following devices. iPhone 5 iPhone 5c iPad 4 iPad Air iPad Mini 2 iPad Mini 3 ------------------------------------------- If you like the app, please consider posting a review on the AppStore, this will really help. Ideas, suggestions are very welcome, do not hesitate to leave your contributions in the comments or even better, at www.kolargon.art. Please do contact(mail below) to report any bug of any kind on any platform. It will fix it ASAP. Check/subscribe for more infos, docs and demos: ▶ http://www.kolargon.art ▶ https://www.facebook.com/kolargon ▶ https://twitter.com/Kolargon_ ▶ kolargon.art@gmail.com This app use Superpowered audio sdk.

About

VS

Generate dynamic, audio-reactive visuals for your music projects. This app offers extensive customization with layers, shaders, images, and video, allowing you to perform visuals live or record them for your tracks. Integrate seamlessly with DAWs and external displays.

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

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

Screenshots

K Machine audio visual engine4 screens
VS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: K Machine audio visual engine at $8.99 against VS's $24.99. K Machine audio visual engine also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 16.1). VS's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 3.7) and review sentiment (80% vs 45%). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

K Machine audio visual engine costs $8.99 and VS $24.99 up front. VS sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. K Machine audio visual engine asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

VS holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VS has 125 ratings behind it against 25, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of K Machine audio visual engine's written reviews are positive against 80% of VS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

K Machine audio visual engine ships an update every 4 weeks, VS every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 19, 2026 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
K Machine audio visual engine versus VS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterK Machine audio visual engineVS
Price$8.99 — better$24.99
Rating3.7 (25 ratings)4.6 (125 ratings) — better
Positive reviews45.0% of reviews80.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings25125 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.3 — better16.1
Further details — not scored
Size175 MB787 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperDominique BaillotImaginando Lda

Customer experience

K Machine audio visual engine

All ratings25 ratings
Positive64.0%
Neutral8.0%
Negative28.0%
Written reviews20 reviews
Positive45.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative45.0%

VS

All ratings125 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral1.6%
Negative7.2%
Written reviews51 reviews
Positive80.4%
Neutral3.9%
Negative15.7%

Bugs and requests

K Machine audio visual engine

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

VS

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • 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
Show 10 more
  • 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

Requested features

20 requests
  • 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)
Show 15 more
  • 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

In-app purchases

None

K Machine audio visual engine

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

VS

One-time6
  • Retina Refill Preset Pack$17.99
  • Textural Memories Preset Pack$17.99
  • Cyber Spells Preset Pack$17.99
Show 3 more
  • Retro Riot Preset Pack$17.99
  • Raw Reflections Preset Pack$17.99
  • Noir Cuts Preset Packs$17.99

Questions

Is K Machine audio visual engine free?
K Machine audio visual engine costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VS free?
VS costs $24.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, K Machine audio visual engine or VS?
VS is rated higher. K Machine audio visual engine averages 3.7 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while VS averages 4.6 from 125 ratings.
Do K Machine audio visual engine or VS have ads?
Neither K Machine audio visual engine nor VS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, K Machine audio visual engine or VS?
K Machine audio visual engine ships an update every 4 weeks, and VS every 6 weeks. Most recently, K Machine audio visual engine was updated on June 19, 2026 and VS on September 1, 2026.

Other comparisons