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.
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.
- 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
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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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Zeeon synth | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | $5.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (209 ratings) | 4.9 (1.3K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 75.9% of reviews | 90.4% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 209 | 1.3K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #183 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 14.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 27 MB | 242 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | BeepStreet | AudioKit Pro |
Customer experience
Zeeon synth
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3
User reviews
Zeeon synth
From 209 App Store ratingsWhat 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 ratingsWhat 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
Zeeon synth
- OI - Exploration Vol. 1$3.99
- BB Z-Space$4.99
- BB Synthwave$4.99
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Zeeon synth free?
Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?
Which has better reviews, Zeeon synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?
Do Zeeon synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Zeeon synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?
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