KORG iWAVESTATION vs SynthMaster One
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
KORG iWAVESTATION
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.
- 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
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Creating sounds with time-varying timbre, on your mobile device. KORG iWAVESTATION - A wave sequence synthesizer for iOS. The WAVESTATION synthesizer went on sale in 1990. This instrument featured an advanced vector synthesis system which created new sounds by combining and connecting multiple waveforms; it provided a mix/morphing function that let you use a joystick to change the balance of four oscillators, and a distinctive wave sequence function that allowed you to place waveforms in a desired sequence to create sequence patterns. To this day, it continues to be considered a legendary and still-unique instrument. Now in 2016, the WAVESTATION has been reborn as "KORG iWAVESTATION," an app for iPad/iPhone. In addition to completely reproducing the programs, it also features a renewed design that lets everyone experience the stupendous sound-shaping potential of the WAVESTATION. It features touch-based operation that's distinctive of iOS, in conjunction with a new graphic interface that allows you to visualize and edit the time-varying timbral changes that are distinctive of the WAVESTATION. [ Features ] - A faithful reproduction of the original WAVESTATION sound: In addition to providing the sounds from all PCM memories of the WAVESTATION, the new iWAVESTATION also reproduces in software every detail of the parameters, based on an analysis of the original hardware circuit diagram. - A new wave sequence view that can be graphically controlled: The iWAVESTATION, we advance another step with a graphical user interface that takes advantage of the touch operations that are a characteristic of iOS. Even more than ever, we've updated the screen design with an emphasis on creating sequences. - 1,500 sounds, more than 700 waveforms, 55 effects, and a powerful random sequence engine: This new instrument includes a stupendous number of presets and waveforms, covering all models of the series. iWAVESTATION also provides a new random sequence function which will give you different perspectives to inspire new sounds. - Use with KORG Gadget and AUv3 for song production: iWAVESTATION can be used in conjunction with the "KORG Gadget" music production DAW app that has won numerous awards around the world. If both apps are installed, it can be used as the "Milpitas" gadget inside the KORG Gadget app. And also supports AUv3, so it can also be used as a sound module for Logic Pro and GarageBand. With a convenient and richly varied set of sounds, iWAVESTATION can be the foundation for either of these music production environments. More info at korg.com
SynthMaster One
This powerful wavetable synthesizer app offers an intuitive workflow for creating unique sounds. It features a rich library of wavetables, inspiring presets, and a semi-modular architecture for deep sound design. Easily sync data across devices and integrate with DAWs.
- Wavetable synthesis
- Semi-modular architecture
- 650 factory presets
- AUv3 support
- Cross-platform cloud sync
- Real-time modulation feedback
- 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer
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SynthMaster One iOS is KV331 Audio's first full blown universal synth app on iOS platform. It's a powerful wavetable synth with an intuitive workflow. With its simple layout, rich wavetable/waveform content and inspiring factory presets library, designing new sounds with SynthMaster One iOS is a joy. SynthMaster One iOS is feature wise identical to the desktop version except the following: * 16 voice polyphony (32 for the desktop version) * Comes with 650 presets (1250 for the desktop version) FEATURES * Universal App: SynthMaster One is now a universal standalone/AUv3 synth app running on iPhone 7 and above. * 650 Factory Presets: SynthMaster One iOS comes with inspiring factory presets from a world class team of sound designers: Arksun, Aiyn Zahev, BigTone Studios, Brian Transeau, Bluffmunkey, Bulent Biyikoglu, Gercek Dorman, Dejavu Sound, Fragment Audio, Kurt Ader, Mirko Ruta, Nori Ubukata, Rob Lee, Ufuk Kevser, Selcuk Ergen, The Machine, Vandalism Sound, Venus Theory, Vorpalsound and Xenos Soundworks * AUv3: SynthMaster One iOS supports AudioUnits V3, allowing multiple instances to run under supporting DAW apps like GarageBand, Cubasis or Beat Maker. * Files App Integration: Easily import/export presets, waveforms or scales using the common file browser UI (requires iOS 11+). * Real-time Modulation Feedback: See in real-time how modulation sources and targets change. This is a very helpful feature when designing sounds! * Cross Platform Cloud Synchronization: Easily synchronize your SynthMaster One related data across multiple platforms (Windows, MacOS, iPad, iPhone) * Semi-Modular Architecture: For each SynthMaster One instance, there are 2 oscillators with 2 sub oscillators, 2 Filters, 4 ADSR Envelopes, 3 LFOs, a powerful 16 step arpeggiator/sequencer and also 11 different effects that can be inserted on to 6 FX insert slots. The sub oscillators can be connected to the oscillators in 5 different modes which let you use it as a regular sub oscillator or do complex modulations such as ring modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation or frequency modulation. * 32 Step Arpeggiator/Sequencer: The arpeggiator in SynthMaster One features classic arpeggiator modes such as Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, UpDown2, DownUp2, AsPlayed as well as Sequence, Chord and Arpeggiate modes. * Wavetable Synthesis: SynthMaster One implements true wavetable synthesis which opens up new possibilities for sound design. It comes with a rich content library with hundreds of waveforms and wavetables. * Stereo Oscillators with up to 16 voices Unison: Each of the 2 oscillators in SynthMaster One have stereo output, and can have up to 16 voices "unison". Using the "voices", "voices mix", "detune curve", "detune spread", "pan stread", "tone spread" and "phase spread" parameters, each oscillator can generate a rich "supersaw" type sound. * Zero Delay Feedback Filters: All of the 4 filter categories in SynthMaster One are developed using the zero delay feedback filter technology. With advanced filter parameters like input gain, drive, acid, filter nonlinearities and up to 4 times oversampling you can get that "analog" sound from the filters! * Rich Set of Effects: SynthMaster One features 11 different effect types: Distortion, LoFi, Ensemble, Phaser, 6 Band EQ, Compressor, Vocoder, Delay, Chorus, Tremolo, Reverb. * Microtuning: SynthMaster One supports Scala tuning, so tuning can be set either for each preset or globally by loading from a Scala tuning file. SynthMaster One comes with 300+ scales ranging from 5 note equal tempered scales to 12 note alternate tuning scales. * Preset Browser: SynthMaster One features a comprehensive preset browser with separate search criterias for instrument type, preset attributes, music style or preset author. SUPPORTS * All 64-bit iPad devices * AUv3 Audio Unit Extensions * Note-per-channel MIDI controllers (MPE) * Ableton Link * Bluetooth LE MIDI Controllers * AirDrop
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: SynthMaster One at $9.99 against KORG iWAVESTATION's $29.99. SynthMaster One also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
KORG iWAVESTATION costs $29.99 and SynthMaster One $9.99 up front. KORG iWAVESTATION sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SynthMaster One sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
SynthMaster One holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SynthMaster One has 743 ratings behind it against 134, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 69% of KORG iWAVESTATION's written reviews are positive against 64% of SynthMaster One's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
KORG iWAVESTATION ships an update every 5 months, SynthMaster One every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.
| Parameter | KORG iWAVESTATION | SynthMaster One |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $9.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.2 (134 ratings) | 4.7 (743 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 69.0% of reviews — better | 63.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 134 | 743 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | #180 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 10.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 96 MB | 402 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | KORG INC. | KV331 Audio |
Customer experience
KORG iWAVESTATION
SynthMaster One
User reviews
KORG iWAVESTATION
From 134 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🎹 Classic synth sounds
- 👍 Improved interface over hardware
- 🎨 Excellent sound design capabilities
- 🎉 Randomize feature for inspiration
- 🔌 Gadget integration
Room to improve
- 🔍 Lack of preset search/organization
- 🔊 Weak filter capabilities
- 🔌 No MIDI channel selection
- 🔌 Limited MIDI control options
SynthMaster One
From 743 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Powerful synth engine
- 👍 Extensive preset library
- 🎨 Versatile sound design capabilities
- 💡 Free desktop version expansions on iPad
- 🎹 Excellent sound quality and tone
Room to improve
- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 Battery drain in background
- 🤔 Confusing in-app purchase system
- 👎 UI/UX could use improvement
- 🔇 Audio issues and no sound
Bugs and requests
KORG iWAVESTATION
Reported bugs
2 issues- Crashes when saving user presets
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
Requested features
4 requests- Add AUv3 support
- Improve preset management and browsing
- Enhance MIDI functionality (channel selection, more CCs)
- Expand filter options (high-pass, band-pass)
SynthMaster One
Reported bugs
4 issues- Stuck notes and MIDI issues
- Preset loading crashes
- Restore purchases not working
- Incompatibility with certain DAWs
Requested features
4 requests- Add custom wavetable support
- Improve MIDI mapping and MPE functionality
- Optimize performance on older devices
- Streamline preset management and browsing
In-app purchases
KORG iWAVESTATION
- Expansion Card Pack$4.99
SynthMaster One
- BigTone Club Construction Set$4.99
- True Trance Sounds Volume 1$4.99
- Vandalism Future House$4.99
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- Demis Hellen Euphoric Trance$4.99
- Venus Theory Trap Sounds$4.99
- Vandalism Shocking Future Bass$4.99
- NatLife Progressive&Deep Vol.1$4.99
- Desktop Presets Upgrade$7.99
- SM One Expansions Bundle$24.99
Questions
Is KORG iWAVESTATION free?
Is SynthMaster One free?
Which has better reviews, KORG iWAVESTATION or SynthMaster One?
Do KORG iWAVESTATION or SynthMaster One have ads?
Which is updated more often, KORG iWAVESTATION or SynthMaster One?
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