Comparison

SynthMaster One vs Pure Acid

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Wavetable synthesis
  • Semi-modular architecture
  • 650 factory presets
  • AUv3 support
  • Cross-platform cloud sync
  • Real-time modulation feedback
  • 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer
Read full description

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

About

Pure Acid

This app is a high-quality bassline synthesizer and drum machine inspired by classic 80s hardware. It offers a retro analog sound with modern features for fast and fun music creation. Explore various genres with factory presets and create unique rhythms and basslines.

Highlights
  • AUv3, Ableton Link, AudioBus, IAA support
  • Classic bassline waveforms (Saw, Pulse)
  • Distortion and filter LFO effects
  • 32-step sequencer with pattern editing
  • 16 independent drum parts with customizable sounds
  • Realtime master effects with XY-pad
Read full description

Pure Acid is a top quality bassline synthesizer and drum machine in one app! Inspired by classic hardware bassline synthesizers and rhythm machines, which changed musical world back in 80's, like the legendary TB-303 synthesizer, TR-808 / 707 / 909 rhythm boxes and their numerous replicas, Pure Acid is designed to bring back the feeling of retro analog gear in every detail in terms of sound, as well as to provide new functions previously unavailable in the original devices to make your music creation workflow fast and fun! A large number of factory preset patterns will immerse you into an exciting world of Acid House, Techno, Hardcore and Big Beat music genres, which will inspire you to create your own basslines and rhythms for your compositions! You can use Pure Acid app as a ready-to-go realtime musical instrument (groove box) in your jam sessions together with Ableton Link to synchronize it with the rest of your music gear. Its bassline editing system and randomization options will be handy to create unique groovy basslines easily. Realtime master effects with XY-pad controls can add expression to your live performance. You can also use Pure Acid with AudioBus, AUM or other IAA-supporting apps to create complex and interesting sound setups. Features: • supports AUv3, Ableton Link, AudioBus, Inter-App Audio, Core Midi, Virtual Midi In/Out, Bluetooth Midi • AudioBus state saving support • 64-bit sound engine • Midi Learn • Export to midi file • includes Multiple Output AUv3 plugin with 6 audio output busses Bassline Section: • 2 classic bassline waveforms: Saw and Pulse • classic knobs: Tune, Cutoff, Resonance, Env Mod, Decay and Accent • Distortion effect with amount, HPF and Boost knobs • filter LFO with rate and depth knobs Sequencer Section: • up to 12 bassline patterns can be stored in one preset • up to 32 steps per each bassline pattern • patterns can be chained together to create more complex patterns • pattern Tempo and Swing parameters • Gate parameter, which allows you to adjust bass note lengths • Pattern Editor allows you to copy, transpose patterns, shift notes left/right, insert or delete a note, variate (randomize all note properties expect pitch), shuffle (randomize notes order only), reverse and compose patterns using Bassline Composer function • onscreen keyboard allows you to enter bassline notes in a comfortable way. You can also record basslines in realtime. Drums Section: • 16 independent drum parts • 35 different classic drum sounds with ability to tune your own drum kit • each drum part sound has its own parameters: Tune, Decay, Attack/Snap/Color, FX A send, FX B send, Boost, Pan, Level • up to 12 drum patterns and 4 drum fill patterns per preset • 16 steps per each drum pattern, with ability to add 16 "backbeat" steps between main steps (32 steps per drum pattern in total) • patterns can be chained together to create more complex patterns • Swing and Flam features • Total Accent part with adjustable total accent value can give you ability to "highlight" specific steps in your drum pattern • new: step conditions for drum steps Mixer Section: • 2 mixer channels: Bassline and Drums • Drive effect for each channel • 2 send effect pedals: FX A and FX B • 14 send effect types • send effect can be routed to either master output, MFX or another send effect (FX A -> FX B), which allows to chain several effects one after another • MFX pedal with 22 effect types to choose from • FX A and FX B send amount knobs for each mixer channel • XY-pad on each effect pedal to control their parameters • Master Limiter effect to prevent sound clipping and more: • Unlimited number of user presets • 84 factory presets • Audio export to wav file (16, 24 or 32 bit) • Preset / Bank Share function • Selectable UI color schemes with ability to adjust colors manually • Can work either as a standalone app, or as AUv3 audio unit plugin • Designed for both iPad and iPhone

Screenshots

SynthMaster One4 screens
Pure Acid4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Pure Acid at 94% against SynthMaster One's 64%. Pure Acid also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). SynthMaster One's advantage is price ($9.99 vs $14.99) and ratings volume (742 vs 169). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support 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

SynthMaster One costs $9.99 and Pure Acid $14.99 up front. SynthMaster One sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and Pure Acid sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Pure Acid holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 742 and 169 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of SynthMaster One's written reviews are positive against 94% of Pure Acid's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SynthMaster One ships an update every 2 months, Pure Acid every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 22, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
SynthMaster One versus Pure Acid: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSynthMaster OnePure Acid
Price$9.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.7 (742 ratings)4.9 (169 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.8% of reviews94.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings742 — better169
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size402 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKV331 AudioDmitrij Pavlov

Customer experience

SynthMaster One

All ratings743 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral2.6%
Negative4.6%
Written reviews207 reviews
Positive63.8%
Neutral10.6%
Negative25.6%

Pure Acid

All ratings167 ratings
Positive97.0%
Neutral1.8%
Negative1.2%
Written reviews152 reviews
Positive94.1%
Neutral2.6%
Negative3.3%

User reviews

SynthMaster One

From 742 App Store ratings

What 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

Pure Acid

From 169 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Powerful and feature-rich
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
  • 🎶 Excellent sound quality
  • 🎛️ Great sequencing and programming capabilities
  • 🔌 Seamless integration with other apps and hardware

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional audio cutoff or sync issues
  • 🔍 Lack of detailed documentation or tutorials
  • 🔀 Limitations in pattern length and drum sequencing

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

Pure Acid

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • GUI scaling issues on smaller devices
  • Crashes or freezes on certain devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to import MIDI files
  • Standalone drum machine mode
  • Expanded drum sample library
  • Knob/parameter automation recording

In-app purchases

11 purchases

SynthMaster One

One-time11
  • BigTone Club Construction Set$4.99
  • True Trance Sounds Volume 1$4.99
  • Vandalism Future House$4.99
Show 8 more
  • 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
2 purchases

Pure Acid

One-time2
  • Ukrainian style color scheme$4.99
  • Ukrainian style app icon$4.99

Questions

Is SynthMaster One free?
SynthMaster One costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Pure Acid free?
Pure Acid costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SynthMaster One or Pure Acid?
Pure Acid is rated higher. SynthMaster One averages 4.7 out of 5 from 742 ratings, while Pure Acid averages 4.9 from 169 ratings.
Do SynthMaster One or Pure Acid have ads?
Neither SynthMaster One nor Pure Acid shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SynthMaster One or Pure Acid?
SynthMaster One ships an update every 2 months, and Pure Acid every 3 weeks. Most recently, SynthMaster One was updated on October 22, 2026 and Pure Acid on October 22, 2026.

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