# Harmonix vs MESA Synth AUv3

The clearest difference is rating: Harmonix at 5.0 against MESA Synth AUv3's 3.0. Harmonix also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.4). MESA Synth AUv3's advantage is price ($8.99 vs $14.99) and device support (3 vs 1). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Harmonix costs $14.99 and MESA Synth AUv3 $8.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Harmonix holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, MESA Synth AUv3 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Harmonix | MESA Synth AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $14.99 | **$8.99** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harmonix/id1444665934/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mesa-synth-auv3/id6784279560/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 13 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.4 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcos Kohler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024379665) | [Juan Maguid](https://appshunter.io/developer/1680114440) |

## What reviewers say

### Harmonix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harmonix/id1444665934)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### MESA Synth AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mesa-synth-auv3/id6784279560)

This music creation tool transforms visuals into sound by rendering shaders and images into wavetables. It offers a powerful synthesis engine, extensive sound-shaping capabilities, and a full effects rack, all controllable through light and visual input.

**Highlights:** Visual-to-audio wavetable synthesis, Unison oscillator stack with sub-oscillator, Zero-delay-feedback filter, Vision panel for sound shaping with light, 26 stackable visual modifiers as audio effects, 8-stage stereo FX rack, Sampler mode with auto pitch-tracking

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Harmonix free?

Harmonix costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MESA Synth AUv3 free?

MESA Synth AUv3 costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Harmonix or MESA Synth AUv3?

Harmonix is rated higher. Harmonix averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while MESA Synth AUv3 averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Harmonix or MESA Synth AUv3 have ads?

Neither Harmonix nor MESA Synth AUv3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Harmonix or MESA Synth AUv3?

Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, and MESA Synth AUv3 every 2 months. Most recently, Harmonix was updated on November 2, 2026 and MESA Synth AUv3 on October 31, 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.*