Comparison

Zeeon synth vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

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

Head to head
About

Zeeon synth

This app is a virtual analog synthesizer that recreates the sound and feel of classic hardware. It features a detailed circuit-modeling engine, powerful modulation, and multiple filter models for rich, organic soundscapes. Explore a vast array of presets and expand your sonic palette with additional sound banks.

Highlights
  • Circuit-modeling engine
  • Powerful modulation matrix
  • Dual oscillators with variable waveforms
  • Multiple filter models
  • Built-in effects unit
  • Audio Unit v3 support
  • Polyphonic step sequencer
Features
Read full description

Zeeon is a virtual-analog synthesizer built on a deeply detailed circuit-modeling engine. We’ve studied classic and modern analog synths to uncover what gives them their unmistakable character and recreated that essence with precision. The result is a unique instrument that delivers the warmth, movement, and organic depth of true hardware. While many emulations sound flat, Zeeon breathes. Every note is alive, with tight lows and shimmering highs. All audio and modulation are processed at 176 kHz (4× oversampling) for uncompromised quality across the entire spectrum. “Desktop-class sound engine … fidelity of this analog emulation goes beyond everything else on iOS.” – App Store review Features • Audio Unit v3 and standalone application with a simple polyphonic step sequencer • Powerful modulation matrix offering self-modulation and cross-layer modulation, 8 modulation slots, 17 signal sources and 41 targets available, both from modulation modules and audio signal path. This takes Zeeon into semi-modular territory. Imagine oscillator waveform, panning, filter cutoff, resonance or LP-HP mode modulated by oscillators or another layer! • 2 oscillators with continuously variable waveforms, hard-sync and sub-oscillator. Carefully simulated analog drift and PSU influence. • Filter: 3 models available: Transistor ladder low pass, OTA cascade low pass and State Variable Filter with continuously variable LP-HP + BP mode. • 2 low frequency oscillators and envelope generators per voice. • Overdrive: diode clipper, transistor saturation, wave folder, pre and post filter. • Up to 2 layers per voice. Layers can modulate each other. • Effects unit: Circuit modelled BBD chorus, bass booster, zero-delay Phaser, Stereo delay and Reverb. • 280 presets and Tutorials bank. 3 additional banks available as IAPs. Full manual and audio demos available at the BeepStreet website.

About

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.

Highlights
  • Virtual Analog Synthesizer
  • 40+ Classic Waveforms
  • Arpeggiator
  • Step Sequencer
  • Lush Effects Suite
  • Four-voice Unison
  • AUv3 Plugin Support
Features
Currently charting
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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

Zeeon synth3 screens
NERD Synth A2x + AUv34 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 at $5.99 against Zeeon synth's $14.99. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On rating, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Zeeon synth costs $14.99 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 $5.99 up front. Zeeon synth sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Zeeon synth against 4.9 for NERD Synth A2x + AUv3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.3K ratings behind it against 209, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of Zeeon synth's written reviews are positive against 90% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Zeeon synth ships an update every 2 months, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Zeeon synth versus NERD Synth A2x + AUv3: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZeeon synthNERD Synth A2x + AUv3
Price$14.99$5.99 — better
Rating4.8 (209 ratings)4.9 (1.3K ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.9% of reviews90.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2091.3K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank—#183 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.614.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB242 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeepStreetAudioKit Pro

Customer experience

Zeeon synth

All ratings209 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral2.4%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews166 reviews
Positive75.9%
Neutral7.2%
Negative16.9%

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

All ratings1,342 ratings
Positive99.1%
Neutral0.6%
Negative0.3%
Written reviews146 reviews
Positive90.4%
Neutral6.8%
Negative2.7%

User reviews

Zeeon synth

From 209 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎨 Excellent sound quality
  • 🎹 Intuitive and well-designed interface
  • 🔧 Flexible and deep sound design capabilities
  • 💻 Seamless integration as an AUv3 plugin
  • 🎚️ Smooth and responsive controls

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Stability issues, crashes on some devices
  • 🔌 Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
  • 📂 Preset management could be improved
  • 🔀 Lack of MIDI learn and sequencer features
  • 🖥️ UI scaling issues on larger iPad displays

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

From 1.3K App Store ratings

What we love

  • ⭐ Outstanding synth
  • 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
  • 🎨 Great presets and sound design
  • 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
  • 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
  • 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
  • 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
  • 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

Bugs and requests

Zeeon synth

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Preset settings not retained after app restart
  • Synth reverts to default settings when reopening Logic Pro project
  • Crashes and freezes on certain iOS 14+ devices
  • Inability to access in-app purchases from within the app

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add MIDI learn functionality
  • Implement a more robust preset management system
  • Include a built-in sequencer with save/load capabilities
  • Improve UI scaling and layout for larger iPad screens
  • Provide better integration with inter-app audio and Audiobus

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

3 purchases

Zeeon synth

One-time3
  • OI - Exploration Vol. 1$3.99
  • BB Z-Space$4.99
  • BB Synthwave$4.99
None

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Zeeon synth free?
Zeeon synth costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Zeeon synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. Zeeon synth averages 4.8 out of 5 from 209 ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.3K ratings.
Do Zeeon synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?
Neither Zeeon synth nor NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Zeeon synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?
Zeeon synth ships an update every 2 months, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, Zeeon synth was updated on September 18, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on September 23, 2026.

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