Comparison

MATRIX A8 vs SWAM Violin

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

Head to head
About

MATRIX A8

Features
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MATRIX A8 device is dedicated music, paging, discussion and zone management solutions for Commercial Audio applications.
Easy to use and to implement, MATRIX-8 offers state-of-the-art signal processing in a cost effective package. Projects using DSP platforms usually require a minimum number of inputs and outputs. This determines the choice of dedicated matrix models. MATRIX-A8 offers a large choice of I/O options in order to cover most of applications: Open the app, it will display the IP Setup interface, and connect to the LAN via WIFI. It will automatically search for the devices that have connected to Matrix A8 in the LAN of this interface. If no device is found, click the Refresh button to manually search. Select the device and click the Connect button to connect the device. When the indicator lights green, it indicates that the device is successfully connected. The Volume interface displays the gain value and channel name of each channel. You can select and change the channel name, adjust the gain value, and mute the channel in this interface. The Routing interface displays and adjusts multiple input channels assigned to the output channel. Specifically, the output channel can be selected through the “routing to” button in this interface. Select the input channel by clicking on the buttons in the list below. The Scene interface can control the device to save, delete and read the corresponding presets. The preset contains all the settings of the device. You can determine the saving location of the preset by selecting Device or Local. Click Lock System to lock the device so that the app cannot change its parameters. If the device is locked, you can only unlock or change the password by entering the password already set or super password “MA88”.

About

SWAM Violin

This virtual instrument uses physical modeling to generate realistic string performances in real-time, responding dynamically to your playing style. It offers advanced spatial control with a room simulator and can be used standalone or as an AUv3 plugin. Designed for expressive control and inclusivity, it's suitable for various musical styles and users.

Highlights
  • Physical modeling sound generation
  • Real-time expressive control
  • Room Simulator 'Ambiente'
  • Standalone and AUv3 plugin support
  • Intuitive, inclusive interface
  • Customizable sound and micro-tuning
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SWAM Violin for iOS: Unmatched Realism and Expressive Power in Your Hands Experience the cutting-edge Physical Modeling technology of SWAM Violin for iOS, now featuring the revolutionary Room Simulator "Ambiente"! Unlike sampled libraries, this virtual instrument doesn’t play pre-recorded sounds but generates authentic string performances in real-time, responding dynamically to your every nuance, just like a real violinist. These instruments are NOT sample libraries. Unlike sampling, which uses recordings to replicate the sound of an instrument, physical modeling doesn’t generate a sound as such but creates the conditions for the system to create it according to an external input (like someone playing on a keyboard). This means every note is unique, and the instrument responds dynamically to your playing style. With SWAM Violin, you can unleash your creativity across any musical style—from classical to modern, film scoring to microtonal music. Whether you're performing live or producing music on the go, SWAM Violin is your ultimate companion. New Features and Key Benefits: Room Simulator "Ambiente": Take advantage of advanced spatial control with the built-in Room Simulator "Ambiente," which allows you to position the instrument in a realistic acoustic space, interact dynamically with other SWAM instruments in the same virtual room, and create truly immersive performances. Additionally, the legacy Reverb, EQ, and Compressor effects are available for fine-tuning your sound. Standalone and AUv3 Plugin: Perform in real time or integrate SWAM Violin seamlessly into your mobile production workflow. Intuitive, Inclusive Interface: Designed for everyone, including blind and visually impaired users. Expressive Control: Play with unmatched expressivity using the exclusive virtual bowing surface, MPE controllers, keyboards, breath controllers, or other MIDI devices. Top Features at a Glance: Access a library of presets, create your own, or import presets from the desktop version. Customize every detail of your sound, including timbre, vibrato, and dynamics. Micro-tune the instrument with the Pitch Manager, supporting devices like MAQAM for advanced tuning systems. Add built-in effects like EQ, and Compressor. Play with different violin bodies to explore unique tonal variations. Use AUv3 to integrate with your mobile DAW (Logic, Cubasis, AUM) or apps like Camelot PRO for live performances. Who is SWAM Violin for iOS Designed For? Wind Controller Players: Looking for a mobile setup to perform live without needing a computer while still achieving an incredible sound. Keyboard Players: Frustrated by the limited expressive capabilities of normal sample-based plugins? SWAM Violin unlocks the full range of expression. Music Producers: Need a mobile setup to produce music from anywhere without carrying around expensive gear? SWAM Violin is the solution. Musicians Seeking Expressivity: Looking for a virtual instrument that allows you to express the full range of your musicality easily on your iPhone or iPad. IMPORTANT To fully harness the expressive power of SWAM Violin, a controller capable of continuous expression (such as a breath controller, expression pedal, MPE device, or wind controller) is required. Just like a bow is essential for a real violinist, SWAM Violin needs expressive input for maximum realism. With SWAM Violin for iOS, you have the freedom to create lifelike string performances on your iPhone or iPad. Redefine your music with unparalleled realism and expressive depth—anytime, anywhere.

Screenshots

MATRIX A81 screens
SWAM Violin4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MATRIX A8 at Free against SWAM Violin's $29.99. MATRIX A8 also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). SWAM Violin's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 6 months). On ads, in-app purchases 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

MATRIX A8 is free to download; SWAM Violin costs $29.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MATRIX A8 ships an update every 6 months, SWAM Violin every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
MATRIX A8 versus SWAM Violin: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMATRIX A8SWAM Violin
PriceFree — better$29.99
Rating—4.1 (14 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—75.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—14 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB103 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSEIKAKUAudio Modeling

In-app purchases

None

MATRIX A8

No in-app purchases

None

SWAM Violin

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MATRIX A8 free?
MATRIX A8 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SWAM Violin free?
SWAM Violin costs $29.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do MATRIX A8 or SWAM Violin have ads?
Neither MATRIX A8 nor SWAM Violin shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MATRIX A8 or SWAM Violin?
MATRIX A8 ships an update every 6 months, and SWAM Violin every 5 weeks. Most recently, MATRIX A8 was updated on October 26, 2026 and SWAM Violin on October 29, 2026.

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