# MIDISynth Control vs AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

The clearest difference is rating: AudioKit Digital D1 Synth at 4.8 against MIDISynth Control's 3.4. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth also leads on ratings volume (2K vs 12) and review sentiment (76% vs 64%). MIDISynth Control's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MIDISynth Control sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AudioKit Digital D1 Synth has 2K ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of MIDISynth Control's written reviews are positive against 76% of AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MIDISynth Control | AudioKit Digital D1 Synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midisynth-control/id1366849280/reviews) | **[4.8 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **2K** |
| Positive reviews | 63.6% of reviews | **76.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 46 MB | 636 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lee Huddleston](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230479795) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### MIDISynth Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midisynth-control/id1366849280)

Control multiple MIDI synthesizers and drum machines from one app. Offers in-depth editing for built-in synths and customizable control maps for external gear. Sync with Ableton Link and add advanced features via in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Centralized control for multiple MIDI synths, In-depth editing for popular built-in synths, Customizable control maps for external synths, Global layout creation for multiple devices, Patch storage, randomization, and morphing, Ableton Link support for syncing, Arpeggiator and drum repeat functionality

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Link+ | $5.99 | one-time |
| Keyboard/Drumpad+ | $6.99 | one-time |
| Control+ | $9.99 | one-time |
| Novation Circuit MonoStation | $10.99 | one-time |
| Rand/Morph/Performance | $12.99 | one-time |
| Novation LPX | $12.99 | one-time |
| Novation LCXL | $12.99 | one-time |
| Novation Circuit | $19.99 | one-time |
| Elektron Digitakt | $19.99 | one-time |
| Elektron Digitone | $19.99 | one-time |
| Novation Peak & Summit | $27.99 | one-time |


### AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540)

This app is a virtual analog and PCM synthesizer for iPad, inspired by the digital synthesizers of the 80s and 90s. It offers a vast library of presets, advanced synthesis features, and built-in effects for creating rich, retro-inspired sounds.

**Highlights:** 64-voice hybrid digital poly synthesis, 1GB+ of original samples, Stand-alone, IAA, and AUv3 support, Vintage-style arp/step sequencer, 3 LFOs with fun routings, Dual independent per-layer filters, Built-in FX suite

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| D1 PCM Expansion-01 | Free | one-time |
| Platinum Expansion PCM EXP-01 | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 🎹 Versatile and inspiring presets
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Great value for the price
- 🔥 Cutting-edge digital synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Lack of Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- 🤔 Some presets not easily usable
- 🕰️ Slow loading times in certain DAWs

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading correctly
- MIDI note dropouts and latency
- Crashes when used with certain DAWs
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- Improve MIDI integration and responsiveness
- Implement a built-in recording/sampling feature
- Expand preset library with more genres and styles
- Add more sound design controls and modulation options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MIDISynth Control free?

MIDISynth Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is AudioKit Digital D1 Synth free?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MIDISynth Control or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is rated higher. MIDISynth Control averages 3.4 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while AudioKit Digital D1 Synth averages 4.8 from 2K ratings.

### Do MIDISynth Control or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth have ads?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth shows ads; MIDISynth Control does not.

### Which is updated more often, MIDISynth Control or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth?

MIDISynth Control ships an update every 3 weeks, and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth every 3 weeks. Most recently, MIDISynth Control was updated on June 1, 2026 and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth on September 28, 2026.

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