SynthMaster One vs FRMS
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SynthMaster One
This powerful wavetable synthesizer app offers an intuitive workflow for creating unique sounds. It features a rich library of wavetables, inspiring presets, and a semi-modular architecture for deep sound design. Easily sync data across devices and integrate with DAWs.
- Wavetable synthesis
- Semi-modular architecture
- 650 factory presets
- AUv3 support
- Cross-platform cloud sync
- Real-time modulation feedback
- 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer
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SynthMaster One iOS is KV331 Audio's first full blown universal synth app on iOS platform. It's a powerful wavetable synth with an intuitive workflow. With its simple layout, rich wavetable/waveform content and inspiring factory presets library, designing new sounds with SynthMaster One iOS is a joy. SynthMaster One iOS is feature wise identical to the desktop version except the following: * 16 voice polyphony (32 for the desktop version) * Comes with 650 presets (1250 for the desktop version) FEATURES * Universal App: SynthMaster One is now a universal standalone/AUv3 synth app running on iPhone 7 and above. * 650 Factory Presets: SynthMaster One iOS comes with inspiring factory presets from a world class team of sound designers: Arksun, Aiyn Zahev, BigTone Studios, Brian Transeau, Bluffmunkey, Bulent Biyikoglu, Gercek Dorman, Dejavu Sound, Fragment Audio, Kurt Ader, Mirko Ruta, Nori Ubukata, Rob Lee, Ufuk Kevser, Selcuk Ergen, The Machine, Vandalism Sound, Venus Theory, Vorpalsound and Xenos Soundworks * AUv3: SynthMaster One iOS supports AudioUnits V3, allowing multiple instances to run under supporting DAW apps like GarageBand, Cubasis or Beat Maker. * Files App Integration: Easily import/export presets, waveforms or scales using the common file browser UI (requires iOS 11+). * Real-time Modulation Feedback: See in real-time how modulation sources and targets change. This is a very helpful feature when designing sounds! * Cross Platform Cloud Synchronization: Easily synchronize your SynthMaster One related data across multiple platforms (Windows, MacOS, iPad, iPhone) * Semi-Modular Architecture: For each SynthMaster One instance, there are 2 oscillators with 2 sub oscillators, 2 Filters, 4 ADSR Envelopes, 3 LFOs, a powerful 16 step arpeggiator/sequencer and also 11 different effects that can be inserted on to 6 FX insert slots. The sub oscillators can be connected to the oscillators in 5 different modes which let you use it as a regular sub oscillator or do complex modulations such as ring modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation or frequency modulation. * 32 Step Arpeggiator/Sequencer: The arpeggiator in SynthMaster One features classic arpeggiator modes such as Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, UpDown2, DownUp2, AsPlayed as well as Sequence, Chord and Arpeggiate modes. * Wavetable Synthesis: SynthMaster One implements true wavetable synthesis which opens up new possibilities for sound design. It comes with a rich content library with hundreds of waveforms and wavetables. * Stereo Oscillators with up to 16 voices Unison: Each of the 2 oscillators in SynthMaster One have stereo output, and can have up to 16 voices "unison". Using the "voices", "voices mix", "detune curve", "detune spread", "pan stread", "tone spread" and "phase spread" parameters, each oscillator can generate a rich "supersaw" type sound. * Zero Delay Feedback Filters: All of the 4 filter categories in SynthMaster One are developed using the zero delay feedback filter technology. With advanced filter parameters like input gain, drive, acid, filter nonlinearities and up to 4 times oversampling you can get that "analog" sound from the filters! * Rich Set of Effects: SynthMaster One features 11 different effect types: Distortion, LoFi, Ensemble, Phaser, 6 Band EQ, Compressor, Vocoder, Delay, Chorus, Tremolo, Reverb. * Microtuning: SynthMaster One supports Scala tuning, so tuning can be set either for each preset or globally by loading from a Scala tuning file. SynthMaster One comes with 300+ scales ranging from 5 note equal tempered scales to 12 note alternate tuning scales. * Preset Browser: SynthMaster One features a comprehensive preset browser with separate search criterias for instrument type, preset attributes, music style or preset author. SUPPORTS * All 64-bit iPad devices * AUv3 Audio Unit Extensions * Note-per-channel MIDI controllers (MPE) * Ableton Link * Bluetooth LE MIDI Controllers * AirDrop
FRMS
This app offers a powerful and flexible layering system for creating unique audio experiences. It blends multiple synthesis types, allowing users to craft everything from ambient soundscapes to glitchy textures. Import your own sounds or use the curated library for endless sonic exploration.
- 4 Synthesis Engines per voice
- FM Modes & Operator Stacking
- Real-Time Granulation
- Deep Modulation & Envelope Control
- Advanced FX & Polyphony
- MPE Compatibility
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FRMS blends Granular, FM, Additive, and Subtractive synthesis in a powerful, flexible layering system. Create lush, evolving soundscapes or gritty, glitchy textures by combining up to four synthesis layers. With a sleek, intuitive interface, FRMS turns basic sounds into immersive audio experiences—from dense ambient drones to mechanical soundscapes. Choose from FRMS’s curated sample library, import your own sounds, or capture live audio for instant granulation. Shape unique sounds with layered synthesis, independent envelopes, modulation, and effects. Key Features: - 4 Synthesis Engines, 4 Layers Per Voice – Mix Granular, FM, Additive, and Subtractive synthesis. - FM Modes & Operator Stacking – Create rich, complex tones with 8 FM modes. - Real-Time Granulation – Process samples or live audio with up to 640 grains. - Deep Modulation & Envelope Control – Modulation matrix per layer, plus 2 EGs and filters per layer. - Advanced FX & Polyphony – 4 voices polyphony, arpeggiator, delay, and reverb. - High-Quality Sample Library & MPE Compatibility – Access FRMS’s expansive sound library and integrate with MIDI Polyphonic Expression and Ableton Link. Unlock endless sonic possibilities with FRMS, perfect for both beginners and advanced sound designers. "Imaginando super fan over here ..own everything they make. FRMS is no exception, as it’s incredibly powerful, versatile, and surprisingly intuitive. It’s a joy to work with, and the sound possibilities are endless." "I expected a lot from this app given the pedigree of the developer, but wow, this exceeded all my expectations. The depth of the granular synthesis engine combined with FM is truly amazing. A must-have for any sound designer." "This is a great app for anyone serious about granular synthesis. The interface is clean and easy to use, and the sound quality is top-notch. I find myself getting lost for hours exploring new sounds." "This synth is an interesting and great evolution in the world of granular. It pushes the boundaries of what you can do with layers and modulation. The presets are inspiring, but the real magic comes when you start creating your own." "FRMS has officially become my favorite synth app. The way it combines granular synthesis and FM is just genius. You can get subtle textures or full-blown sonic mayhem. Highly recommended!" "Every time I use FRMS, I feel like I’m discovering new dimensions of sound. The modulation options are vast, and the way you can shape tones makes it a designer’s dream. This app has changed my approach to sound design." "There’s something magical about the way FRMS handles sound. It’s intuitive yet deep, and I’ve created some of my best work using this app. Kudos to the developers for making such a high-quality product." "FRMS is absolutely brilliant. The interface is smooth, and the ability to layer sounds and modulate them takes granular synthesis to another level. I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know." "This app is an endless source of inspiration. Whether I’m working on cinematic soundscapes or glitchy textures, FRMS has everything I need. The layers and effects are phenomenal." "If you love creating ambient music, this app is for you. The ability to tweak and layer samples into lush textures is incredible. It’s become an essential part of my workflow." "The design of FRMS is superb. It’s both visually pleasing and incredibly functional. Every detail has been thought through, and the sound engine delivers in every way." "Hands down, the best granular synth I’ve used. The presets are great, but what sets it apart is how intuitive it is to create your own unique sounds."
Screenshots
Verdict
SynthMaster One and FRMS both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 85% of FRMS's written reviews are positive against 64% of SynthMaster One's. FRMS also leads on price ($8.99 vs $9.99). SynthMaster One's advantage is chart position (#188 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 17.0). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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
SynthMaster One costs $9.99 and FRMS $8.99 up front. SynthMaster One sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and FRMS sells 16 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for SynthMaster One against 4.8 for FRMS. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 743 and 284 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of SynthMaster One's written reviews are positive against 85% of FRMS's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.
| Parameter | SynthMaster One | FRMS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | $8.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (743 ratings) | 4.8 (284 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 63.8% of reviews | 84.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 743 — better | 284 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #188 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 10.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 402 MB | 267 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | KV331 Audio | Imaginando Lda |
Customer experience
SynthMaster One
FRMS
User reviews
SynthMaster One
From 743 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Powerful synth engine
- 👍 Extensive preset library
- 🎨 Versatile sound design capabilities
- 💡 Free desktop version expansions on iPad
- 🎹 Excellent sound quality and tone
Room to improve
- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 Battery drain in background
- 🤔 Confusing in-app purchase system
- 👎 UI/UX could use improvement
- 🔇 Audio issues and no sound
FRMS
From 284 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🎨 Fantastic sound design
- 👍 Intuitive and well-designed interface
- 🎶 Inspiring and creative sound possibilities
- 💻 Works great on iPad and desktop
- 🔑 Excellent preset packs
Room to improve
- 🔋 CPU-intensive, can cause performance issues
- 🔇 Bluetooth connectivity problems
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
Bugs and requests
SynthMaster One
Reported bugs
4 issues- Stuck notes and MIDI issues
- Preset loading crashes
- Restore purchases not working
- Incompatibility with certain DAWs
Requested features
4 requests- Add custom wavetable support
- Improve MIDI mapping and MPE functionality
- Optimize performance on older devices
- Streamline preset management and browsing
FRMS
Reported bugs
2 issues- Crashes and audio glitches in certain DAW environments
- Issues with sample playback and freezing
Requested features
4 requests- Ability to import larger sample files
- More granular control over modulation parameters
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved MIDI integration and learn capabilities
In-app purchases
SynthMaster One
- BigTone Club Construction Set$4.99
- True Trance Sounds Volume 1$4.99
- Vandalism Future House$4.99
Show 8 moreShow fewer
- NatLife Retrowave Sounds Vol.1$4.99
- Demis Hellen Euphoric Trance$4.99
- Venus Theory Trap Sounds$4.99
- Vandalism Shocking Future Bass$4.99
- NatLife Progressive&Deep Vol.1$4.99
- Bluffmunkey Cinematic Sounds$4.99
- Desktop Presets Upgrade$7.99
- SM One Expansions Bundle$24.99
FRMS
- Fragmented Chants$5.99
- Euphoria Preset Pack$6.49
- Ghost Signals Preset Pack$7.99
Show 13 moreShow fewer
- Supremeja Music Preset Pack$8.99
- Sounds Of Saxophone$8.99
- Glitches From The Heart$8.99
- Sounds Of Guitar Preset Pack$8.99
- Antique Shop Preset Pack$8.99
- Sounds Of Clarinet Preset Pack$8.99
- Sounds Of Bassoon Preset Pack$8.99
- Sounds Of Foley 1$8.99
- Scratching The Surface 1$8.99
- Sounds Of Saxophone 2 Pack$8.99
- Aural Alchemy 2 - Collector Edition$11.99
- The Book Of Genesis$11.99
- Aural Alchemy$11.99








