Comparison

KORG iWAVESTATION vs Drambo

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

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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

About

Drambo

This app offers a flexible sound design experience, allowing users to build beats, create synthesizers, and process audio with effects. Its innovative modular system simplifies connections and organization, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians. It functions as a standalone application or a plugin within a DAW.

Highlights
  • Modular sound design
  • Intuitive cable-less connections
  • Advanced sequencer
  • Standalone and AUv3 plugin
  • Over 140 modules
  • Polyphonic stereo processing
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

"Drambo changes the face of iOS music apps." Cult of Mac Drambo is your all-in-one sound laboratory that adapts to your workflow: build beats as a groovebox, design synths, or transform audio with effects, standalone or inside your favorite DAW. At the core of Drambo is a fresh approach to modular design that makes creating with modules easy, fun, and accessible. Connections happen automatically as you add or move modules, so there are no messy cables to slow you down. The interface adapts to your workflow, generating modulation controls when you need them, and even lets modules contain other modules for perfect organization. You’re always free to override the automatic connections, but most of the time, you can just dive in, experiment, and shape sounds without getting tangled in wires. Use a deep and innovative sequencer to compose patterns and whole tracks, for production or live performance. Go beyond simple looping sequences with parameter locking, conditional step components, parameters automation and powerful scene morphing. Drambo works equally well as a self-contained standalone app or audio unit plugin with audio and MIDI connectivity as an AUV3 instrument, audio effect and MIDI effect. You can use Drambo as • A Complete Studio: Produce entire tracks and perform live in a self-contained, multitrack environment. • An Endless modular playground, that allows you to build, modify and store custom instruments and effects. For instance: build a custom synth, sample and resample, build a Theremin using a gyroscope module, or turn your table into a playable surface, by processing microphone input with physical modelling modules. • An Advanced MIDI Sequencer: Control hardware or AUv3 instruments. Generate custom MIDI CC messages or send modulation signals to physical modular synths via DC-coupled interfaces. • The Ultimate AUv3 Plugin: Load Drambo inside other DAWs as an instrument, audio effect, or MIDI processor. Replace dozens of standard plugins by building your own complex modular delays, reverbs, decimators, or modulators in seconds. • A Unified Audio-Visual Studio (Drambo Visual IAP): Arts united. Step into another realm of modular visual synthesis to build complex generative video art, or seamlessly patch your audio and visual engines together for deeply integrated performances. Features: • Polyphonic, stereo processing and audio-rate modulation. All signals are equal. Up to 16 voices per modular instrument rack. • Unique modular concept: cable-less, drag'n'drop, color coding dynamic interface, automatic connections, and customizable compact, rack views. • Directional flow makes Drambo routing and patching straightforward. Signal flows only left to right, so there are no instant feedback routings in Drambo. Delayed feedback is possible using certain modules. • Simple and clean interface, that scales to every size and device orientation • Over 140 modules available, such as: oscillators, samplers, physical modelling modules, LFOs, envelope generators, filters, audio effects, mixers, MIDI processors, sequencers and math functions. (Includes a macro oscillator based on the famous Eurorack Plaits module, with 24 synth engines) • Custom modular racks that can be nested, with presets at the track, rack, and module level. • Clip launcher / song arrager. • 16-tracks, polyphonic sequencer with parameter locks, automation and step components. 8 dedicated step sequence editor types, piano-roll, powerful automation designer with drawing modes and cubic Bezier curves. • Audio Units hosting ( standalone app only ) • Morph groups: you can morph many parameters using a single slider. • Available as a standalone app, AUv3 instrument, effect and MIDI effect. • MIDI and Ableton Link support Drambo is all about control. Control things that other apps don’t even give you access to. Visit the BeepStreet page for help and tutorials, and Patchstorage for community content.

Screenshots

KORG iWAVESTATION4 screens
Drambo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Drambo at 4.8 against KORG iWAVESTATION's 4.2. Drambo also leads on price ($24.99 vs $29.99) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 5 months). KORG iWAVESTATION's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

KORG iWAVESTATION costs $29.99 and Drambo $24.99 up front. KORG iWAVESTATION sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Drambo sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Drambo holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 134 and 331 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of KORG iWAVESTATION's written reviews are positive against 87% of Drambo's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

KORG iWAVESTATION ships an update every 5 months, Drambo every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
KORG iWAVESTATION versus Drambo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKORG iWAVESTATIONDrambo
Price$29.99$24.99 — better
Rating4.2 (134 ratings)4.8 (331 ratings) — better
Positive reviews69.0% of reviews86.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings134331 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#179 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size96 MB149 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKORG INC.BeepStreet

Customer experience

KORG iWAVESTATION

All ratings132 ratings
Positive78.8%
Neutral8.3%
Negative12.9%
Written reviews203 reviews
Positive69.0%
Neutral17.2%
Negative13.8%

Drambo

All ratings330 ratings
Positive94.8%
Neutral2.1%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews226 reviews
Positive86.7%
Neutral3.1%
Negative10.2%

User reviews

KORG iWAVESTATION

From 134 App Store ratings

What 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

Drambo

From 331 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Incredibly powerful and flexible
  • 🎨 Endless creative possibilities
  • 👍 Intuitive and well-designed interface
  • 🔧 Modular synth capabilities
  • 🎛️ Excellent sequencing and groove box features

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
  • 🔒 Limited undo/redo functionality
  • 🔊 Audio export issues (pitch/tempo problems)
  • 🔀 Lack of dedicated audio track support

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)

Drambo

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Audio cutting out after 5 minutes of use
  • Presets and patches not loading properly
  • Incompatibility with certain iOS devices

Requested features

5 requests
  • Stem/track export functionality
  • MIDI CC learn and external control
  • Ableton Link support
  • More parameter control and modulation options
  • Improved piano roll and sequencing tools

In-app purchases

1 purchases

KORG iWAVESTATION

One-time1
  • Expansion Card Pack$4.99
5 purchases

Drambo

One-time5
  • Granular extension$4.99
  • Waves extension$4.99
  • Formants extension$4.99
Show 2 more
  • DSP extensions 1$4.99
  • Visual extension$14.99

Questions

Is KORG iWAVESTATION free?
KORG iWAVESTATION costs $29.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Drambo free?
Drambo costs $24.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, KORG iWAVESTATION or Drambo?
Drambo is rated higher. KORG iWAVESTATION averages 4.2 out of 5 from 134 ratings, while Drambo averages 4.8 from 331 ratings.
Do KORG iWAVESTATION or Drambo have ads?
Neither KORG iWAVESTATION nor Drambo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, KORG iWAVESTATION or Drambo?
KORG iWAVESTATION ships an update every 5 months, and Drambo every 5 weeks. Most recently, KORG iWAVESTATION was updated on October 30, 2026 and Drambo on October 30, 2026.

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