# KASPAR vs ShockWave

The clearest difference is update cadence: ShockWave at every 2 months against KASPAR's every 16 months. ShockWave also leads on device support (3 vs 1). KASPAR's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 54%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for KASPAR against 4.6 for ShockWave. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 91 and 188 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of KASPAR's written reviews are positive against 54% of ShockWave's.

KASPAR ships an update every 16 months, ShockWave every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | KASPAR | ShockWave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | $19.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (91 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kaspar/id1245045964/reviews) | [4.6 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 91 | **188** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 54.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 64 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yonac Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/288670023) | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) |

## What reviewers say

### KASPAR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kaspar/id1245045964)

This powerful synthesizer app offers 8 polyphonic engines with extensive morphing, layering, and modulation capabilities. Create complex sounds with 24 oscillators, 8 filters, and built-in stereo effects. It integrates seamlessly with DAWs and other music apps.

**Highlights:** 8 polyphonic synth engines, Multi-Engine Automorphing, Extensive modulation system, Poly aftertouch support, 2 stereo FX busses, Audio Unit plugin integration, Inter-App Audio and Audiobus support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Incredible power and depth
- 🔊 Amazing and unique sound quality
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive UI
- 💡 Highly configurable and flexible
- 🎛️ Advanced sound shaping possibilities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and instability
- 💻 High CPU usage
- 🐞 Bugs in AUv3 implementation
- 🖼️ UI scaling issues in some DAWs
- 🤔 Presets can be uninspired or limited

**Reported bugs**

- Sound muted in solo mode for some synths
- Synth crashes when loading as AUv3 in Roland Zenbeats
- FX chain not working
- Program change messages not followed as AUv3 in Cubasis internal track
- UI does not scale to full screen in Cubasis 3

**Requested features**

- Add a step sequencer
- Improve preset variety and inspiration
- Fix AUv3 program change issues
- Address UI scaling problems in DAWs
- Implement MIDI out functionality


### ShockWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Unique and amazing sounds
- 🔊 Heavy and brutal tones
- 💡 Innovative phase distortion synthesis
- 🎨 Beautiful and deep sound sculpting
- 🎹 Great for bass sounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- ❌ Not working in AUM/AUv3
- 🔇 No sound output in certain apps
- ❓ Difficult to use without a manual
- 📉 Laggy UI and slow patch loading

**Reported bugs**

- "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.

**Requested features**

- 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.


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KASPAR free?

KASPAR costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ShockWave free?

ShockWave costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, KASPAR or ShockWave?

KASPAR and ShockWave are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 91 and 188 ratings respectively.

### Do KASPAR or ShockWave have ads?

Neither KASPAR nor ShockWave shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, KASPAR or ShockWave?

KASPAR ships an update every 16 months, and ShockWave every 2 months. Most recently, KASPAR was updated on October 6, 2026 and ShockWave on October 6, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*