Ruismaker FM vs Dexed Synth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ruismaker FM
Design unique percussion sounds from scratch with a flexible synthesis engine. Create everything from traditional drums to unconventional effects. Offers a standalone Euclidean sequencer for pattern creation and export options.
- FM synthesis engine for percussion
- Create custom drum sounds
- Euclidean sequencer
- AUv3 compatible
- No samples used
- MIDI CC controllable
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Here comes the the crazy twin-sister of Ruismaker, designed for people who want to design their own percussion sounds from scratch. Ruismaker FM's simple, yet flexible synthesis engine lets you create anything from snaredrums, kickdrums and spacy toms to weird and unconventional percussive sounds and effects. Ruismaker FM is a unique drumsynth plugin (i.e. it does not use samples), which is coupled with a creative Euclidean sequencer when run in standalone mode. The plugin is fully AUv3 (Audio Unit) compatible: - Seamless integration with Garageband and other AU hosts - Audio Unit Instrument: making music on iOS doesn't get more convenient - Supports AUv3 Multi-Out in AUM and ApeMatrix - Each sound is modeled using authentic analog and FM algorithms; - Comes with dozens of unique customizable models - Does not use any samples; all sounds are synthesized in realtime, on the fly - Light on the CPU, so you can run lots of Ruismaker FMs simultaneously - Fully automatable parameters (requires host support) and MIDI CC controllable - Has its own preset manager The standalone sequencer is refreshingly different: - Program patterns using Euclidean algorithms - Powerful random feature and mutation probability settings per channel - Syncs with Ableton Link or MIDI Clock - Exports WAV and MIDI - Compatible with Audiobus 3 (including MIDI IN/OUT mode) - CoreMIDI In and Out - AU MIDI output for on-screen pads User manual available on Ruismaker.com
Dexed Synth
This app brings a powerful FM synthesizer to your mobile device, offering a vast library of sounds. It integrates with popular DAWs and supports external MIDI controllers for enhanced control and performance.
- FM Synthesizer port
- Over 20,000 cartridges with 32 patches each
- AudioUnit AUv3 plugin support
- MIDI controller input via USB
- Lock scroll and parameter locking
- MIDI CC mapping
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A port of Dexed, a FM Synthesizer. Features over 20,000 Cartridges with 32 patches each. Comes with AudioUnit AUv3 plugin for use inside AUM and other DAW apps like GarageBand. Get a camera kit and plug in a midi controller through USB, or get a 5-PIN DIN 1/in 1/out, to: USB and use the camera kit through USB MIDI Spec, NOTE: some devices handle SysEx differently and therefore we cannot promise support for SysEx, so invest in connectors and cables wisely. If you have questions involving making MIDI-USB work the best for your situation, email support. This iOS app was designed especially with small interfaces in mind. Example: an iPhone 5S or a resizable window inside AUM. If one clicks the menu eye, a feature LOCK SCROLL can be –very– important to set knobs, sliders, et cetera: if screen size is limited. LOCK PARAMs in the eye menu locks the parameters for scrolling without knocking loose the preset. In the CARTs menu double tap a cartridge to load a series of patches, the files will have a .syx extension. To use MIDI CC, in the menu eye you must first turn on MIDI CC. When MIDI CC is on it makes the tap events react like a right mouse button click. NOTE: MIDI CC, in eye menu, doesn't have to be on after CC controls are mapped. MIDI CC touch modifier will also turn off after you have successfully mapped a CC control, or when you delete the current mappings. You can turn it on again later to turn off mappings or create new CC mappings. I would suggest setting CC knobs in the bottom section of the screen – above keyboard (if visible). Currently you must save patch in DAW – for instance: GarageBand or AUM. Once we can determine unity and saving/loading between the AUv3 plugin and the StandAlone app, external save will be eventually developed. There is a pathway set to transfer .syx files through iTunes to the StandAlone app, only. Other plans include fixing pixelated images, a quick zoom to set CC mode and updating GUI to a higher degree, make sure midi CC knobs update.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Ruismaker FM at 83% against Dexed Synth's 30%. Ruismaker FM also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.3) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). Dexed Synth's advantage is chart position (#118 vs unranked) and price ($3.99 vs $4.99). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Ruismaker FM costs $4.99 and Dexed Synth $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Ruismaker FM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 54 and 40 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of Ruismaker FM's written reviews are positive against 30% of Dexed Synth's.
Ruismaker FM ships an update every 5 weeks, Dexed Synth every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.
| Parameter | Ruismaker FM | Dexed Synth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | $3.99 — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (54 ratings) — better | 3.3 (40 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews — better | 29.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 54 — better | 40 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | — | #118 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 105 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Bram Bos | George Rosar |
Customer experience
Ruismaker FM
Dexed Synth
In-app purchases
Ruismaker FM
No in-app purchases
Dexed Synth
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Ruismaker FM free?
Is Dexed Synth free?
Which has better reviews, Ruismaker FM or Dexed Synth?
Do Ruismaker FM or Dexed Synth have ads?
Which is updated more often, Ruismaker FM or Dexed Synth?
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