Comparison

Harmonix vs ButterSynth

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Harmonix

This app provides an intelligent controller for the Elektron Digitone FM Synth, offering features like sound type programming, parameter randomization, and pattern generation. It allows for manual or queued pattern launching and includes customizable keyboard filters for note selection and parameter control.

Highlights
  • Intelligent Sound Types
  • Parameter Randomize/Morph/Reset
  • Sound Design Functions & Macros
  • Mixer Control
  • Intelligent Pattern Generation
  • Customizable Keyboard Filters
Read full description

Harmonix is an intelligent controller for Elektron's Digitone FM Synth! - Intelligent Sound Types (Pad, Strings, Drone, Hybrid, Keys, Classic, Dub, Mono, Organ, Bass, Square, Noise, Kick, Perc, Chaos, Custom) lets you program Sounds with minimal effort - Randomize / Morph / Reset parameters (Tracks, Pages, MFX, Mixer, Mods) - Sound design functions and macros - Mixer to control Track Levels, Mute, Pan, Drive & FX Sends - Randomize Modulations - Intelligent Pattern Generation - Snapshots for install recall of Sounds - Manually launch Patterns or Queue up to 16 Patterns (Song Mode) - Save / Load Presets - Customizable Keyboard filters notes to the selected Key / Scale, and controls various parameters with vertical finger movement *OS 1.30 or higher is required

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

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

ButterSynth4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Harmonix at 5.0 against ButterSynth's 4.0. Harmonix also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 60%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). ButterSynth's advantage is ratings volume (62 vs 5) and chart position (#190 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Harmonix costs $14.99 and ButterSynth $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Harmonix holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ButterSynth has 62 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Harmonix's written reviews are positive against 60% of ButterSynth's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, ButterSynth every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Harmonix versus ButterSynth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHarmonixButterSynth
Price$14.99 — better$19.99
Rating5.0 (5 ratings) — better4.0 (62 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better59.6% of reviews
Number of ratings562 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank—#190 — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB468 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarcos KohlerArto Vaarala

Customer experience

Harmonix

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

ButterSynth

All ratings62 ratings
Positive72.6%
Neutral8.1%
Negative19.4%
Written reviews57 reviews
Positive59.6%
Neutral10.5%
Negative29.8%

Bugs and requests

Harmonix

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
Show 34 more
  • 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 more
  • 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

None

Harmonix

No in-app purchases

None

ButterSynth

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Harmonix free?
Harmonix costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ButterSynth free?
ButterSynth costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Harmonix or ButterSynth?
Harmonix is rated higher. Harmonix averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while ButterSynth averages 4.0 from 62 ratings.
Do Harmonix or ButterSynth have ads?
Neither Harmonix nor ButterSynth shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Harmonix or ButterSynth?
Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, and ButterSynth every 2 months. Most recently, Harmonix was updated on June 1, 2026 and ButterSynth on September 16, 2026.

Other comparisons