AudioLayer vs Dexed Synth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
AudioLayer
This app is a powerful mobile multi-sampler for music production, offering advanced features for creating and manipulating complex instruments. It integrates seamlessly with iOS production environments and supports iCloud for easy collaboration and storage.
- Streaming Sample Engine (SSE)
- Hierarchical Layer and Zone editing
- Seamless Instrument Switching (SIS)
- Integrated audio sample recorder
- Auto Sampler for hardware synths
- AUv3 AudioUnit integration
- iCloud storage and collaboration
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AudioLayer satisfies the most sought after gap for contemporary music production on iOS devices. AudioLayer is a full featured open standard audio multi-sampler pushing the boundaries beyond what has been available even in the desktop music production worlds. And all this integrated in all relevant iOS production environments especially the emerging AUv3 AudioUnit standard. - SSE - Streaming Sample Engine - The ultra efficient Streaming Sample Engine SSE is capable of playing hundreds of voices of big multi-sampled instruments even in strictly resource limited applications like using multiple instances of AudioLayer in AudioUnit host environments. Innovative features like Sub Sample Looping for perfect loops even in the audible range extend the range of applications even further. - Multiple storage options - The consequent usage of the open file structure of the Files app makes organising even large sample libraries a breeze. Sample recordings and Instrument designs made with AudioLayer are seamlessly available across all your devices and desktop using either iCloud storage or external SSD. The iCloud option opens up new forms of collaborations with musicians all around the world to share your creations and work together. - Multi Scope Editing - To support the creation of complex multi-sampled instruments AudioLayer allows you to use a hierarchical structure of Layers and Zones each with it’s own sound manipulation parameters. A unique element of AudioLayer is the possibility to decide for each Zone at which Scope level your editing apply: For the all Zones in the Instrument, for the Layer only or individually for this Zone only. This opens a whole new world of creative options for sound mangling. For sound manipulation you can use a full set of Filters, Envelopes and LFOs to shape the pitch, timbre and level of the sound of each Zone. SIS - Seamless Instrument Switching The unique architecture of the Streaming Sample Engine allows for instant loading of even complex instruments and makes this switching from one Instrument to the next without cutting off the sound! And this includes of course also different effect settings - Easy Design Workflow - The built in audio sample recorder let you create Instruments on the fly in seconds. The Music Effect AudioUnit / Audiobus effect plugin of AudioLayer let you record multi-samples semi automatically directly inside your preferred host and instantly create an Instrument with the help of several Auto mapping options available. This includes file name based mapping of key ranges and velocities and automatic pitch detection. For the creatives we’ve also integrated a special “Single Cycle Waveform” detector making the use of this special files a breeze. - Auto Sampler feature for easy creation of Sample Instruments from hardware synthesiser. - Versilian Studio Sample Library ( VCSL/VSCO ) with excellent strings and orchestra samples for free download - Exchange libraries with XinematiX App Integration • Stand-alone App • Sample import for EXS24 and SFZ Format • AUv3 AudioUnit Instrument and Music Effect • Inter App Audio • Audiobus 3 Input/Effect with state saving support. • Audio recorder with share function. • Ableton Link compatible.
Dexed Synth
This app brings a powerful FM synthesizer to your mobile device, offering a vast library of sounds. It integrates with popular DAWs and supports external MIDI controllers for enhanced control and performance.
- FM Synthesizer port
- Over 20,000 cartridges with 32 patches each
- AudioUnit AUv3 plugin support
- MIDI controller input via USB
- Lock scroll and parameter locking
- MIDI CC mapping
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A port of Dexed, a FM Synthesizer. Features over 20,000 Cartridges with 32 patches each. Comes with AudioUnit AUv3 plugin for use inside AUM and other DAW apps like GarageBand. Get a camera kit and plug in a midi controller through USB, or get a 5-PIN DIN 1/in 1/out, to: USB and use the camera kit through USB MIDI Spec, NOTE: some devices handle SysEx differently and therefore we cannot promise support for SysEx, so invest in connectors and cables wisely. If you have questions involving making MIDI-USB work the best for your situation, email support. This iOS app was designed especially with small interfaces in mind. Example: an iPhone 5S or a resizable window inside AUM. If one clicks the menu eye, a feature LOCK SCROLL can be –very– important to set knobs, sliders, et cetera: if screen size is limited. LOCK PARAMs in the eye menu locks the parameters for scrolling without knocking loose the preset. In the CARTs menu double tap a cartridge to load a series of patches, the files will have a .syx extension. To use MIDI CC, in the menu eye you must first turn on MIDI CC. When MIDI CC is on it makes the tap events react like a right mouse button click. NOTE: MIDI CC, in eye menu, doesn't have to be on after CC controls are mapped. MIDI CC touch modifier will also turn off after you have successfully mapped a CC control, or when you delete the current mappings. You can turn it on again later to turn off mappings or create new CC mappings. I would suggest setting CC knobs in the bottom section of the screen – above keyboard (if visible). Currently you must save patch in DAW – for instance: GarageBand or AUM. Once we can determine unity and saving/loading between the AUv3 plugin and the StandAlone app, external save will be eventually developed. There is a pathway set to transfer .syx files through iTunes to the StandAlone app, only. Other plans include fixing pixelated images, a quick zoom to set CC mode and updating GUI to a higher degree, make sure midi CC knobs update.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: AudioLayer at 4.4 against Dexed Synth's 3.3. AudioLayer also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 30%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Dexed Synth's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $12.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads 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
AudioLayer costs $12.99 and Dexed Synth $3.99 up front. AudioLayer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dexed Synth asks for nothing beyond the download.
AudioLayer holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 179 and 40 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of AudioLayer's written reviews are positive against 30% of Dexed Synth's.
AudioLayer ships an update fortnightly, Dexed Synth every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.
| Parameter | AudioLayer | Dexed Synth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | $3.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.4 (179 ratings) — better | 3.3 (40 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews — better | 29.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 179 — better | 40 |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 242 MB | 105 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Harry Gohs | George Rosar |
Customer experience
AudioLayer
Dexed Synth
Bugs and requests
AudioLayer
Reported bugs
17 issues- App crashes on startup (splash screen)
- Reverb and chorus effects cause sound to disappear
- Pitch resets to -24 after stopping Logic Pro playback
- Layer voice polyphony controls not working properly
- SFZ batch import distributes samples incorrectly across layers
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- EXS24 import fails for complex instruments (pianos, drum kits)
- MIDI source names display as 'Unknown Name'
- Plugin window resizing required to access all controls
- Sample end marker positioning doesn't work in all view sizes
- Soundfont import module shows as missing despite purchase
- App becomes unresponsive when loading complex instruments
- Control Change 11 (Expression) not received
- Autosampler function button missing after update
- Settings not saved properly as AUv3 plugin
- Instrument loading defaults to first instrument in host
- Click/pop noises in sustain loops
- Inter-Audio (IAA) compatibility broken
Requested features
17 requests- Time-stretching/pitch-shifting capability
- Program Change MIDI support
- Undo/Redo functionality
- GigaSampler .gig library support
- Soundfont SF2 import (now paid feature)
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- MIDI learn for real-time parameter control
- Expression (CC11) and other CC support
- Multi-output support for individual zone routing
- Batch import and file management improvements
- Instrument selection screen persistence in MIDI mode
- Bit reduction effect for vintage sampler emulation
- Better local file management and folder organization
- Modulation wheel pitch control
- Transposition features
- Disk streaming for larger libraries
- Macro/customizable GUI support
- Purge unused samples function
Dexed Synth
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
AudioLayer
- SoundFont Import$3.99
Dexed Synth
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is AudioLayer free?
Is Dexed Synth free?
Which has better reviews, AudioLayer or Dexed Synth?
Do AudioLayer or Dexed Synth have ads?
Which is updated more often, AudioLayer or Dexed Synth?
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