# MATRIX A8 vs SWAM Violin

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | MATRIX A8 | SWAM Violin |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $29.99 |
| Rating | — | **[4.1 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swam-violin/id1458132239/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **14** |
| Positive reviews | — | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Size | 11 MB | 103 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SEIKAKU](https://appshunter.io/developer/860317297) | [Audio Modeling](https://appshunter.io/developer/1326331126) |

## What reviewers say

### MATRIX A8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matrix-a8/id1378859908)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SWAM Violin

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swam-violin/id1458132239)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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.

---

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