# AudioKit Digital D1 Synth vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

The clearest difference is price: AudioKit Digital D1 Synth at Free against NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's $5.99. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download; NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99 up front. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for AudioKit Digital D1 Synth against 4.9 for NERD Synth A2x + AUv3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.1K and 1.4K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's written reviews are positive against 89% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth ships an update every 3 weeks, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AudioKit Digital D1 Synth | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [4.8 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540/reviews) | **[4.9 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.1K** | 1.4K |
| Positive reviews | 76.1% of reviews | **89.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#149** |
| Size | 636 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.4 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## What reviewers say

### AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540)

This app is a virtual analog and PCM synthesizer for iPad, inspired by the digital synthesizers of the 80s and 90s. It offers a vast library of presets, advanced synthesis features, and built-in effects for creating rich, retro-inspired sounds.

**Highlights:** 64-voice hybrid digital poly synthesis, 1GB+ of original samples, Stand-alone, IAA, and AUv3 support, Vintage-style arp/step sequencer, 3 LFOs with fun routings, Dual independent per-layer filters, Built-in FX suite

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| D1 PCM Expansion-01 | Free | one-time |
| Platinum Expansion PCM EXP-01 | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 🎹 Versatile and inspiring presets
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Great value for the price
- 🔥 Cutting-edge digital synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Lack of Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- 🤔 Some presets not easily usable
- 🕰️ Slow loading times in certain DAWs

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading correctly
- MIDI note dropouts and latency
- Crashes when used with certain DAWs
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- Improve MIDI integration and responsiveness
- Implement a built-in recording/sampling feature
- Expand preset library with more genres and styles
- Add more sound design controls and modulation options


### NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564)

**Currently charting:** #149 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

**Highlights:** Virtual Analog Synthesizer, 40+ Classic Waveforms, Arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, Lush Effects Suite, Four-voice Unison, AUv3 Plugin Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Outstanding synth
- 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
- 🎨 Great presets and sound design
- 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
- 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
- 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
- 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
- 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AudioKit Digital D1 Synth free?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth shows ads; NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 does not.

### Which is updated more often, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth ships an update every 3 weeks, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth was updated on October 27, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on October 30, 2026.

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