STEPS vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
STEPS
Create complex rhythmic patterns with this powerful MIDI sequencer. Control any MIDI-compatible app, send MIDI over network, and synchronize external hardware synths. Features a user-friendly interface for seamless performance and editing.
- MIDI-out system
- Bluetooth LE MIDI support
- Audiobus 3 support
- External hardware synchronization
- Performance and editing modes
- Ableton Link integration
- Global swing and BPM control
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Steps by Reactable is a small yet powerful MIDI sequencer that allows you to create complex rhythmic patterns in a surprising new way. Forget piano rolls and experiment with Steps’ inspiring dials. With Steps you can control any MIDI compatible app, send MIDI over network to your laptop or any other compatible device, and even synchronize external hardware analog synths such as Korg Volcas or Pocket Operators via an audio cable. Features: - Plug and play MIDI-out system automatically sends to all available MIDI input ports and our own virtual port. - Bluetooth LE MIDI support - Audiobus 3 Support as MIDI and Audio Sender - Connect your iDevice with an external MIDI interface and control MIDI hardware. - Synchronize external hardware synths such as Korg Volca or Pocket operators via the audio output. - A carefully designed user interface that allows you to quickly switch between performance to editing mode. - Play together with Ableton Link and sync multiple apps and devices over WiFi. - Global Swing function (50% - 75%) - applied automatically to eight and sixteenth notes. - Save and recall sequences, seamlessly during playback. - Global bpm control ranging from 20 to 999 BPM. - Global Gate level allows global control of note duration. - Global MIDI velocity control. - Global Glide function applies pitch bend to small distances between adjacent steps (if the synth being controlled supports pitch bend). - Global transpose ribbon allows for easy transposition of the entire pattern. - Step pitch preview function (available while transport is stopped).
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3
This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.
- Virtual Analog Synthesizer
- 40+ Classic Waveforms
- Arpeggiator
- Step Sequencer
- Lush Effects Suite
- Four-voice Unison
- AUv3 Plugin Support
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Inspired by the classic sounds of the Nord Lead A1** This is not a Rompler. This is a SYNTH. "I’m impressed. The sounds are FAT, the effects are LUSH, and the interface is a JOY to use." – Audio News Room "This is not a clone, this is BEYOND the hardware, it's a completely new, fantastic beast" – Jade Starr, How to App "An excellent release...app captures the soul of the Nord Lead A1 Synthesizer" – Synth Anatomy "An iOS-based homage to a virtual analogue classic!" – Music Radar / Keyboard Magazine Not imitation, it's Innovation! https://audiokitpro.com/redsynth With Nerd Synth, you’ll have access to all 40+ of the classic lead A1 waveforms! Plus, we gave it some RAW MODERN POWER. FULLY LOADED w/ 550+ presets by Analog Matthew, Electronisounds, DMT Cymatics, Moby Pixel, Red Sky Lullaby, and more NOTE: This is a synth, and contains no hardware preset samples. All presets are completely original. One low price includes Lifetime License and all Features Easy to use. Easy to get great tone! NERD SYNTH A2X: • 64-voice, Retro VA-Synth • Include all 40+ of the Nord A1 waveforms • Arpeggiator! Classic Hardware-style Arp, with extra features • Vintage-style Step Sequencer that can be routed to specific layers • A proper filter envelope ADSR! • NEW: 2x Oversampled Oscillators • 3 LFOs. Fun Routings. LFOs can modify other LFOs • Microtonality, World Scales and Western Scales! • TouchPads! 2 fun assignable pads, -= Create NORD-style SUPER SAWS =- ++ Four-voice Unison with the tap of a button ++ 3 different algorithms: Regular, HYPER, and BEAST! "Astoundingly great sounding and intuitive synth app!" – The GarageBand Guide Modeled sound: It's like a time-capsule. Imagine if there were iPads in 2003? Complete with that "cold" VA sound that ruled the dance floors and stages ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • FX: Glorious Reverb, Analog Tape Delay, Distortion, Flanger, Chorus, Crush, and more. • On board "Record" button, no external hardware required • Works with a MIDI Keyboard EXCLUSIVE TO THIS APP: • "SUPER FM" wild pitch drop controls! Modeled after digital VA-Synths, complete with vintage digital aliasing for old-school vibe! • Crazy aggressive RING MODULATION distortion – It's like robots talking, or fighting? You decide! COOL: • iPad version has "stacked" views for maximum onscreen control! Tap the current Nav Button at the top to change the bottom view • This is a Premium App: No iAP, No Ads, No subscriptions! Use as a plug-in in DAWs like GarageBand & Logic for iPad, Cubasis, AUM, and more! NOTE: This is not a hardware clone, it's a completely new synth. If you're looking for a ROMpler like the "Stage" series, this app may not be for you. This is a SYNTH, not a rompler. All the presets here are new and original. Giving you fresh new sounds that are completely tweak-able This is not a 1:1 clone and will not load hardware presets. Please note that this app's sound is closer to the A1, which is a different sound from the NL1/NL2X. ** This app has no affiliation or endorsement by Clavia DMI AB. This app is not a clone of any their synths, including the Nord Lead and Nord Lead A1. While we were inspired by their wonderful and iconic work, this app is not trying to copy those synths. We created something completely new. It's a synth for synth nerds :) LEGAL STUFF: All product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with the creators of this app, including AudioKit, AudioKit Pro, LLC, and the other contributors. Any use of these names and images does not imply any cooperation or endorsement by Clavia Digital Musical Instruments. Nord Lead, Nord Lead 2X, Nord, and Nord Lead A1 are Clavia trademarks and properties. We appreciate their amazing work in creating such classic and inspiring instruments.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 at 4.9 against STEPS's 3.9. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 56%) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 13). STEPS's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $5.99) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 14.4). On update cadence, 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
STEPS costs $0.99 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.4K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of STEPS's written reviews are positive against 89% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.
STEPS ships an update every 3 weeks, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | STEPS | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $5.99 |
| Rating | 3.9 (13 ratings) | 4.9 (1.4K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | 89.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 13 | 1.4K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 14.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 242 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Reactable Systems SL | AudioKit Pro |
Customer experience
STEPS
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3
Bugs and requests
STEPS
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3
Reported bugs
2 issues- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller
Requested features
4 requests- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme
In-app purchases
STEPS
No in-app purchases
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3
No in-app purchases









