KORG ELECTRIBE Wave vs ButterSynth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
KORG ELECTRIBE Wave
Create state-of-the-art dance music with this powerful music software. Featuring a wavetable sound source, intuitive sequencer, and a convenient chord pad, it allows for easy composition of genres like EDM, Future Bass, and Trap, even for beginners.
- Powerful wavetable sound source
- Quick Input sequencer
- One-finger chord pad
- Motion Sequence for sound changes
- KAOSS PAD integration
- Song mode for pattern combination
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The next evolution in music software. Powerful wavetable sound. The next generation ELECTRIBE produces state-of-the-art dance music. The ELECTRIBE series first appeared in 1999. Since then each generation has inherited the iconic, intuitive operability of the original while incorporating the most up-to-date sounds and styles. The ease of use, accessibility, sound and musicality of the ELECTRIBE reach new heights in this latest software version which features a powerful wavetable sound source, a “Quick Input” sequencer and a convenient chord pad that allows you to play a chord with one finger. Even if you aren't a musical virtuoso, with ELECTRIBE Wave you can create state-of-the-art dance music like EDM, Future Bass, and Trap. • Powerful wavetable sound suitable for the latest in EDM ELECTRIBE Wave has a sound wavetable featuring sounds widely used in the latest music creation. Unlike a PCM synth, the wavetable allows you to repeatedly play fragments of short waveforms, and change the waveform position during playback. By combining the wavetable (which features a rich variety of presets) with a powerful filter and two modulation units, you can create an infinite number of innovative and sharp sounds that cannot be produced using standard PCM synths. Even without a deep knowledge of synthesis techniques, the carefully selected parameters make it easy to craft your sound. • Improved user interface for quick composition The familiar 16-step pad in the ELECTRIBE series enables speedy rhythm production. The ELECTRIBE Wave also features a new keyboard to play chords and scales. Even without musical knowledge, you can have fun making tracks without worrying about wrong notes. The sequencer features Groove, which can be used to breathe life into rhythm parts, as well as a special keyboard to enable smooth step input for synth parts on the graphical user interface. • Convenient chord pad that allows you to play a chord with one finger ELECTRIBE Wave features a chord pad that allows you to play chords with one finger. If you use the "Fetch" function, it will automatically extract the chords from the song that you are in in the middle of creating and assign those chords to the pad for fast and easy song creation. You can also easily assign and save your favorite chords. In addition you can use the arpeggiator to create new phrases! • Motion Sequence records and plays temporal changes in sounds and effects The ELECTRIBE series introduced a powerful motion sequence function that remembers and reproduces the movements of the knobs. ELECTRIBE Wave now offers this function for the synthesizer/drum parts so you can create a flow of sound overflowing with originality. If you use the built in KAOSS PAD you can change the sound to drastically with a single fingertip, easily storing and reproducing temporal changes. Remember the wave table POSITION to make real time minute changes to the sound performance. • Song mode can combine patterns into finished songs Use song mode to create a new track by simply arranging the order of existing patterns. Using only the ELECTRIBE Wave, you can take a song all the way from inspiration to completion. With audio file export, you can send a complete song or individual patterns to your favorite DAW, or upload to services like SoundCloud. More info at korg.com
ButterSynth
This powerful synthesizer app offers a hybrid approach, combining wavetable, FM, and sample-based synthesis. Create unique sounds with a vast sonic range, advanced modulation, and a built-in effects rack. It caters to both experienced sound designers and beginners with extensive presets.
- Hybrid 6-oscillator synthesis (wavetable, FM, sample)
- Built-in wavetable editor
- FM engine with 4 operators
- Sample and Granulator engines
- 32-slot modulation matrix
- Internal FX rack with 16 modules
- Extensive preset library
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ButterSynth is a hybrid 6-oscillator wavetable/FM/sample-based AUV3 and standalone synthesizer with a vast sonic range, from gentle pads to screaming leads and basslines. Mix any combination of wavetable, FM, sample and other synthesis engines for one truly massive sound. For the more advanced users, you'll love using ButterSynth's thoughtfully designed interface, incredibly powerful modulation matrix, fully-featured internal FX rack, factory waveform and sample libraries, and almost limitless scope for fun, experimentation and sound design. For less experienced synth programmers, ButterSynth includes a library of hundreds of ready-to-use presets, sparking your creativity to start making music right away. Headline features include - Mix and match any combination of 6 synthesis engines to either emulate your favourite synths of yester-year or build a synth ready for the future. - Dual-wavetable engines also feature 9 phase modes, wave folding, and deep unison controls modelled on vintage hardware synths. - Built-in wavetable editor gives you the ability to tweak, morph, and hand-draw your own custom wavetables, with each wavetable supporting up to 256 frames. - FM engine offers 4 operators with a selection of 12 modulation paths. Each operator can be loaded with any waveform from the factory or user library, and can also self-modulate via the feedback dial. - Sample and Granulator engines both let you load samples (either imported or from the factory library) and control precisely how they are chopped, triggered and layered. Both also feature the same powerful unison modes available in the WT engine. - Highly configurable 32-slot modulation matrix featuring precise mix/max ranges, self-modulation (via the amount target), plus configurable response curves and layer modes. Simply long-tap any parameter to set it as a Mod destination! - Full suite of versatile control sources which includes: 4x MSEG-style looping curve envelopes, 4x LFOs, 4x step sequencers, X/Y pad with motion recording, 8x Macro dials and a powerful arpeggiator inspired by Kirnu Interactive’s Cream. - The EFX rack lets you build your own insert effects chain using any combination of the 16 built-in FX modules. Modules available at launch include delay, reverb, distortion, chorus, OTT compression etc. Note - FX parameters can also be targeted by the mod matrix, unlocking the possibility to program ‘per voice’ modulated effects. - All presets, wavetables, samples and other settings are stored in the Files app, making bulk import/export, backup and community sharing quick and easy. - All of this is housed in an irresistibly designed 4-tab UI that makes synth programming quick and fun.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: ButterSynth at $19.99 against KORG ELECTRIBE Wave's $29.99. ButterSynth also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and chart position (#190 vs unranked). KORG ELECTRIBE Wave's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (72% vs 60%). On update cadence, 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
KORG ELECTRIBE Wave costs $29.99 and ButterSynth $19.99 up front. KORG ELECTRIBE Wave sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. ButterSynth asks for nothing beyond the download.
KORG ELECTRIBE Wave holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: KORG ELECTRIBE Wave has 415 ratings behind it against 62, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of KORG ELECTRIBE Wave's written reviews are positive against 60% of ButterSynth's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | KORG ELECTRIBE Wave | ButterSynth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $19.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.6 (415 ratings) — better | 4.0 (62 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 71.9% of reviews — better | 59.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 415 — better | 62 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #190 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 399 MB | 468 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | KORG INC. | Arto Vaarala |
Customer experience
KORG ELECTRIBE Wave
ButterSynth
User reviews
KORG ELECTRIBE Wave
From 415 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Fluid workflow
- 🎨 Powerful wavetable synth
- 🎶 Great sound quality
- 🎛️ Intuitive user interface
- 🧠 Inspirational for music creation
Room to improve
- 🐛 No undo function
- 🔇 Limited drum samples
- 🔀 Inability to change sequencer length per part
- 🔀 Lack of sample/wavetable import
- 🔀 Single effect per part limiting
ButterSynth
From 62 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- ✨ Deep sound design capabilities
- 🎛️ Versatile modulation matrix
- 🔊 Great sound quality
- 💡 Innovative wavetable generator
- 🌟 Serum-like experience
Room to improve
- 📱 Fiddly on small screens
- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🐛 Disappears in Cubasis
- 🐛 Spikes CPU usage
- 🐛 Crashes on patch change
Bugs and requests
KORG ELECTRIBE Wave
Reported bugs
3 issues- Crashes when changing drums
- Inability to export patches
- Incompatibility issues with iOS 14
Requested features
6 requests- Ability to import custom samples and wavetables
- Multiple effects per part
- Metronome with customizable settings
- Undo/redo functionality
- Deeper synth editing options
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- Integration with Korg Gadget
ButterSynth
Reported bugs
39 issues- App crashing with AUM
- Disappears in Cubasis randomly
- Crashes all the time inside Logic
- Changing a patch spikes CPU to 99%
- Crashes on every patch change
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- No audio when rendering or freezing track
- Keyboard doesn't load on iPhone
- iOS18 broke ButterSynth (audio recording issues)
- Failed to load as Auv3
- Crashes as soon as a preset is selected
- Some patches hanging/sounding without input
- CPU spikes to 100% on preset switching
- Audio crackles on preset switching
- Sample module has consistent buzz
- LFOs are extremely simple (no phase offset)
- Square wave LFO is not square (has slew)
- Step sequencer always has glide/slew
- Cannot save custom presets
- No undo function in wave table editor
- AUv3 plugin resets when ButterSynth crashes
- Does not show up as auv3 in Cubasis, AUM, or Audio Evolution
- Crashes regularly even on newest iPad
- Preset changes every time play is pressed
- Not resizing appropriately on smaller screens
- Crashes with unison function in AUM
- White noise on crash with unison
- Sound continues after song stops in GarageBand
- Preset changes on stop, rewind, or play in GarageBand
- Keeps crashing in GarageBand (AUv3)
- Patches in standalone sound different as AUv3
- Crashes when hitting play with arpeggiator/sequencer on iPhone
- No keyboard appears in iPhone standalone mode
- Audio Unit Extension quit error on export
- Lots of crashes in standalone and hosted in AUM
- MIDI not working
- Automation still doesn’t work in Logic Pro
- Random LFO is great for recording sequences
- Preset browser closes each time a new preset is selected
- Works as AUv3 after starting in standalone mode
Requested features
20 requests- MPE popup possible on top of the auv3
- Button to hide built-in keyboard
- Buffer size option
- Additional MIDI mappings (e.g., arpeggiator toggle)
- Sustain pedal support
Show 15 moreShow fewer
- Longer LFO speed for evolving soundscapes
- Alternative skins/color themes
- Pinable preset browser
- Virtual keyboard to remain active while browser is pinned
- Make app take up whole screen (no black borders)
- Master detune
- Parameter lock
- More presets
- Fix square wave LFO to be truly square
- Fix step sequencer glide/slew for discrete steps
- Undo function in wave table editor
- Filter key follow button
- Adjust envelope curves (especially release)
- Easier way to adjust modulation matrix amount
- Phase distortion inclusion
In-app purchases
KORG ELECTRIBE Wave
- Solid Waves$4.99
- Atmospheric Waves$4.99
ButterSynth
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is KORG ELECTRIBE Wave free?
Is ButterSynth free?
Which has better reviews, KORG ELECTRIBE Wave or ButterSynth?
Do KORG ELECTRIBE Wave or ButterSynth have ads?
Which is updated more often, KORG ELECTRIBE Wave or ButterSynth?
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