Comparison

Phasemaker vs ShockWave

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

Head to head
About

Phasemaker

This app is a powerful 6-operator FM synthesizer for iOS, inspired by classic 1980s digital synths. It offers deep sound design capabilities with 42 algorithms and 12 oscillators, producing unique timbres impossible with analog modeling. It integrates seamlessly with mobile DAWs and supports various MIDI and audio routing protocols.

Highlights
  • 6-Operator FM Synthesis
  • 42 FM Algorithms
  • 12 Oscillators
  • Audio Unit (AUv3) compatible
  • Standalone mode with CoreMidi
  • Custom preset management
  • Vintage chorus and reverb effects
Features
Read full description

>> Phasemaker requires iPad 4/Mini 2/iPhone 5S/iPod Touch 6 or higher << A full-blown 6-Operator FM Synth on iOS, building on the legacy of the classic synthesizers that defined the digital era of the 1980s. This is an Audio Unit instrument (AUv3), offering tight integration in many leading mobile DAWs, such as Auria, Garageband, Cubasis, Beatmaker 3 and AUM. Frequency Modulation brings rich timbres and dynamic evolving sounds full of personality which are impossible to create with analog modelling. The 6-Operator architecture allows for lively multi-layered sounds with lots of expression and playability. Phasemaker's characteristic FM sound will add classic digital character to your mobile sonic arsenal which no other analog synth can bring. - Universal: runs on iPad (Air recommended), iPhone and iPod Touch - Audio Unit v3 compatible - Audiobus 2.3 compatible - CoreMidi compatible standalone mode (with background audio) - Bluetooth MIDI compatible - Custom preset management; user presets available across AU hosts - Dozens of factory presets - 42 FM Algorithms (including all 32 DX7 layouts) - 12 Oscillators, including the 8 original TX81z waveforms - All 106 parameters can be automated using MIDI CC and AU Parameters - Vintage sounding chorus and reverb effects for classic ambiance - User manual available on www.ruismaker.com

About

ShockWave

This app is a monophonic synthesizer for iOS and AUv3 plugins, utilizing Phase Distortion synthesis. It offers dual PD oscillators, sequencers, LFOs, and envelopes for complex sound design. Almost any control can be modulated by multiple sources, with real-time visual feedback.

Highlights
  • Phase Distortion Synthesis
  • Dual PD Oscillators
  • Dual 8-step Sequencers
  • Dual ASR Envelopes
  • Tempo-syncable LFOs
  • Extensive Modulation Matrix
  • MIDI and MPE Support
Features
Read full description

ShockWave is a monophonic Synthesizer designed to bring modular style workflow to the world of iOS & AUv3 plugins. Built around the concept of Phase Distortion (PD) Synthesis, Shockwave includes a pair of PD Oscillators each capable of creating everything from pure Sine Waves over smooth Sawtooth and Square Waves to Resonance & Sync sweeps, filtered Noise and more. In addition to the Synth Voice, ShockWave includes a dedicated control section housing a pair of 8 step sequencers, a sample & hold module as well modules for trigger divisions, logic comparisons and controlled randomness. A pair of Low Frequency Oscillators and 2 Attack/Sustain/Release (ASR) Envelopes serve as main modulation sources and can be used in a number of ways. Envelopes can be triggered from a number of internal sources including other modules such as trigger divider, logic or chance module but can also be connected to each other allowing for a wide range of patches usually only possible in large modular systems. LFOs are individually tempo sync-able and capable of producing total of 5 different waveforms each. The two sequencers can run independently or combine to one 16 step sequence where rate and length can be controlled independently for each of the two. In true modular nature almost any control within ShockWave can be modulated with up to 11 sources - simultaneously. Modulations are setup simply by holding a control and dialling in the desired amount in a list of all available sources. A special X-Ray mode adds a realtime display of all currently active modulations right at their corresponding control making it easy to understand what's happening inside the synthesizer at any given time. Synth Voice and Control Section are accompanied by built-in Delay and Reverb sections placed on send busses with all of their controls including the send levels being available as mod destinations. Last but not least, ShockWave features a solid MIDI implementation including support for, aftertouch, velocity, wheels, custom CC mappings and up to 4 dimensions of expression when using MPE compatible controllers, such as the Roli Seaboard, Linnstrument, Geoshred, KB-1 and others. MIDI Output is supported as well and includes Note and Control Change output generated from various internal sources including Sequencers, Envelopes and LFOs making it possible to control external MIDI gear or chain multiple plugin instances for advanced, self driving patches. Overview: - Semi Modular Monophonic Synth Voice - Phase Distortion Synthesis (PD) - Dual PD Oscillators with 5 Waveforms + Noise - Dual ASR Envelopes with variable trigger source - Dual LFO with Tempo Sync - Cross Modulation with Linear/Exp. FM, PM, AM & RM - Mixer section with individual pan and level controls per oscillator - Output VCA with variable control source - Pattern Generator for generating sequences from various internal sources - Quantizer to force note input into a specific scale (19 Scales + User Scales) - Step Sequencer with 2x8 or 1x16 steps, individual rate and number of steps per row - Trigger Divider for dividing internal trigger sources - Probability Gate for adding controlled randomness - Sample & Hold for additional randomness - Logic Module to create triggers from various internal sources - Built-in Delay & Reverb Effects - MIDI Note and CC output for controlling external gear or chaining multiple instances - Semi Modular Architecture - 11 Modulation Sources - 40 Modulation Destinations - 2 Color Themes MIDI Input: - 4D Expression (Glide, Slide, Pressure & Velocity) - Mod & Pitch-Wheel - Tempo Sync - Custom CC Control MIDI Output: - Note - Control Change Connectivity: - Standalone - AUv3 - AudioBus - IAA

Screenshots

Phasemaker4 screens
ShockWave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Phasemaker at $3.99 against ShockWave's $19.99. Phasemaker also leads on review sentiment (69% vs 53%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). ShockWave's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (190 vs 33). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

Phasemaker costs $3.99 and ShockWave $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ShockWave holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 33, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 69% of Phasemaker's written reviews are positive against 53% of ShockWave's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Phasemaker ships an update every 3 weeks, ShockWave every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Phasemaker versus ShockWave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhasemakerShockWave
Price$3.99 — better$19.99
Rating4.3 (33 ratings)4.6 (190 ratings) — better
Positive reviews68.8% of reviews — better52.5% of reviews
Number of ratings33190 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB42 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBram BosKai Aras

Customer experience

Phasemaker

All ratings33 ratings
Positive81.8%
Neutral3.0%
Negative15.2%
Written reviews48 reviews
Positive68.8%
Neutral6.3%
Negative25.0%

ShockWave

All ratings190 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral2.6%
Negative7.9%
Written reviews59 reviews
Positive52.5%
Neutral11.9%
Negative35.6%

Bugs and requests

Phasemaker

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

ShockWave

Reported bugs

20 issues
  • "Bad Signal" errors in AUM, stops sound generation.
  • Intermittent "bad signal" prompt in AUM, requires reloading.
  • Sounds awful, very distorted with glitchy UI.
  • App crashes frequently.
  • No sound coming out of AUv3 in GarageBand.
Show 15 more
  • More than half of the sounds do not play.
  • Performance remains but synth loads blank when returning to work after closing.
  • App stops producing sound after a few minutes of use.
  • Preset browser causes the app to stop producing sound.
  • No audio output on iPhone 6 & 7 plus, sometimes noise when changing presets, keyboard doesn't work.
  • Randomize button not viewable on iPhone 6.
  • App crashes when returning to a project.
  • App crashes on the loading screen on iPhone 11, but works on iPhone 7.
  • Hangs and freezes, won't load/work in AUM or GarageBand.
  • Horribly laggy, almost unusable.
  • Volume is noisy and glitchy.
  • Response on dials needs more work.
  • Modulation tab issues, unable to turn other knobs properly.
  • DAW incompatibility issues.
  • App crashing, won't even load.

Requested features

6 requests
  • Provide a proper manual detailing all parameters and sections with examples.
  • Implement a key trigger option for the sequencer to allow MIDI controller playback.
  • Add a poly mode.
  • Improve documentation and tutorials.
  • Standardize knob appearance and response.
Show 1 more
  • Increase the number of available patches beyond 128.

In-app purchases

None

Phasemaker

No in-app purchases

None

ShockWave

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Phasemaker free?
Phasemaker costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ShockWave free?
ShockWave costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Phasemaker or ShockWave?
ShockWave is rated higher. Phasemaker averages 4.3 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while ShockWave averages 4.6 from 190 ratings.
Do Phasemaker or ShockWave have ads?
Neither Phasemaker nor ShockWave shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Phasemaker or ShockWave?
Phasemaker ships an update every 3 weeks, and ShockWave every 2 months. Most recently, Phasemaker was updated on September 18, 2026 and ShockWave on September 21, 2026.

Other comparisons