# MATRIX A8 vs SmashCut Visual Synth

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MATRIX A8 at none against SmashCut Visual Synth's 1. MATRIX A8 also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 40 months) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmashCut Visual Synth sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. MATRIX A8 asks for nothing beyond the download.

MATRIX A8 ships an update every 6 months, SmashCut Visual Synth every 40 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MATRIX A8 | SmashCut Visual Synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smashcut-visual-synth/id1493237895/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **14** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 months** | Every 40 months |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SEIKAKU](https://appshunter.io/developer/860317297) | [Secret Base Design](https://appshunter.io/developer/413007812) |

## What reviewers say

### MATRIX A8

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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SmashCut Visual Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smashcut-visual-synth/id1493237895)

Control video playback and transformations using MIDI messages, similar to how musicians control audio samplers. Set cue points, trigger playback, and manipulate video in real-time for presentations, live streaming, or creative video art.

**Highlights:** Load and cue video from camera roll, Control playback with MIDI notes, Transform video with MIDI CC messages, Built-in MIDI controller for second device, Wi-Fi based device connection, Universal app for iOS and Mac

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Watermark Removal | Free | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MATRIX A8 free?

MATRIX A8 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SmashCut Visual Synth free?

SmashCut Visual Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do MATRIX A8 or SmashCut Visual Synth have ads?

Neither MATRIX A8 nor SmashCut Visual Synth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MATRIX A8 or SmashCut Visual Synth?

MATRIX A8 ships an update every 6 months, and SmashCut Visual Synth every 40 months. Most recently, MATRIX A8 was updated on September 17, 2026 and SmashCut Visual Synth on September 18, 2026.

---

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