Comparison

Harmonix vs VAPolyMk3

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

VAPolyMk3

This polyphonic synthesizer offers multi-synthesis capabilities inspired by classic analog synths. Explore subtractive and modular FM synthesis with extensive oscillator routing, built-in effects, and an analog-style sequencer. Save projects via iCloud for seamless cross-platform use.

Highlights
  • Multi-synthesis (Subtractive & FM)
  • 3 Oscillators + 3 Modulation Oscillators
  • Resonant Low/High Pass Filters
  • Analog Style CV Sequencer
  • Built-in Effects (Delay, Chorus, Reverb, etc.)
  • Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) Support
  • iCloud Project Sync
Features
Read full description

VAPolyMk3 is a multi synthesis polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Inspired by the last generation of classic analog synthesizers in the late 1980’s such as Oberheim Matrix series synthesizers, It offers Subtractive Synthesis and modular FM Synthesis. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. Oscillator Section features 3 Oscillators and 3 Modulation Oscillators. Each Oscillator has envelope and amplifier. Oscillators can be routed for Subtractive Synthesis and FM Synthesis. Signal from Oscillators are routed to mixer, resonant low pass filter, resonant hight pass filter and amplifier. The synthesizer also features two ADSR envelopes per voice, two LFO and analog style sequencer. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. VAPolyMk3 also includes sequencer which features piano roll editor and parameter automation. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. Main Features 3 oscillators and 3 modulation oscillators can be routed for Subtractive Synthesis and FM Synthesis. Analog Style CV Sequencer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Built-in effects and sequencer. Support MIDI 2.0. Support Foot Pedal (CC#11, CC#64) and Per Note Control. Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. Audio Export. Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. Option to turn off anti-aliasing for devices with less CPU power. Include 271 Factory Presets. System Requirements iOS 17.0 or later This app requires a lot of CPU power. Devices with Apple Silicon or equivalent A series chip are recommended. A13 Fusion or above is highly recommended. If sound is distorted when using a device with less CPU power, turn Anti-Aliasing-Option off or reduce number of voices. AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) requires host application which support AudioUnit Extension. AudioUnit Extension is supported by Apple Logic and Apple Garage Band on iOS and macOS. For any other DAW, it depends on the application and some of them don’t support AudioUnit Extension.

Screenshots

VAPolyMk34 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Harmonix at 100% against VAPolyMk3's 50%. Harmonix also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months). VAPolyMk3's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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 VAPolyMk3 $14.99 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 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Harmonix's written reviews are positive against 50% of VAPolyMk3's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, VAPolyMk3 every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Harmonix versus VAPolyMk3: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHarmonixVAPolyMk3
Price$14.99$14.99
Rating5.0 (5 ratings) — better4.5 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings56 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 7 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarcos KohlerRyo Togawa

Customer experience

Harmonix

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

VAPolyMk3

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral16.7%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%

In-app purchases

None

Harmonix

No in-app purchases

None

VAPolyMk3

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Harmonix free?
Harmonix costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VAPolyMk3 free?
VAPolyMk3 costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Harmonix or VAPolyMk3?
Harmonix is rated higher. Harmonix averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while VAPolyMk3 averages 4.5 from 6 ratings.
Do Harmonix or VAPolyMk3 have ads?
Neither Harmonix nor VAPolyMk3 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Harmonix or VAPolyMk3?
Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, and VAPolyMk3 every 7 months. Most recently, Harmonix was updated on October 3, 2026 and VAPolyMk3 on September 20, 2026.

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