Comparison

FD vs VAPolyFM

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

Head to head
About

FD

This app is a semi-modular audio effect plugin featuring dedicated filter, delay, and modulation sections. It allows for the creation of rhythmic filter sequences and a wide range of complex audio effects through its flexible modulation matrix.

Highlights
  • Semi-modular effect plugin
  • Modulated filter section
  • Delay stage
  • Step sequencer
  • Low Frequency Oscillator
  • Mod matrix
  • Tempo sync
Features
Read full description

FD-1 is a Semi-Modular Effect Plugin including dedicated Filter, Delay and Modulation sections. At it's core, FD-1 is designed to create filter rythms and grooves by first sending the signal through a modulated filter section before feeding it to a delay stage but it goes much further than that. Built-in Step Sequencer and Low Frequency Oscillator serve as modulation sources and are ideal for creating rythmic filter sequences either free running or tempo-synced to a host application. However, due it's semi modular nature, not just filter cutoff but every control within FD-1 can be a modulation target allowing for an increased range effects and combinations ranging from Chorus and Flanger type effects over Analog and Tape Style echos to complex Stutter and Repeat effects. Overview: - VA Multi Mode Filter with 2 & 4 Pole options - Digital Stereo Delay with Tempo Sync and Time Range Control - Analog Style Step Sequencer - Low Frequency Oscillator - Easy to use Mod Matrix - Input Low-Cut and Drive Controls - Individual Return Levels for Filter and Delay Connectivity: - Standalone - AUv3 - IAA - AudioBus (Filter) MIDI: - Tempo Sync - CC Control Requirements: - iOS9+ - iPad 4th generation or newer

About

VAPolyFM

Create music with a versatile hybrid synthesizer offering both FM and virtual analog subtractive synthesis. Explore a wide range of effects, a built-in sequencer, and extensive MIDI support. Save and share projects seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Highlights
  • FM synthesizer with 6 operators
  • Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer
  • Built-in effects (delay, chorus, reverb)
  • Sequencer with piano roll editor
  • AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support
  • Ableton Link and MIDI 2.0 support
  • iCloud Drive project sharing
Features
Read full description

VAPolyFM is a hybrid polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It features FM synthesizer and subtractive synthesizer. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. FM synthesizer features 6 operators and 32 algorithm and it is inspired by FM synthesizers of the 1980’s. Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer features two oscillators, resonant high pass filter, resonant low pass filter and two ADSR envelopes per voice. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. VAPolyFM 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 - FM Synthesizer. 6 operators and 32 algorithm. Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Built-in effects and sequencer. Support MIDI 2.0 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. Includes 139 Factory Presets - System Requirements - A13 Fusion or above is recommended. 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. Sound may be distorted if CPU of the device doesn't have enough power. If it happens reduce number of voices.

Screenshots

FD4 screens
VAPolyFM4 screens

Verdict

The call

FD and VAPolyFM both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 67% of FD's written reviews are positive against 17% of VAPolyFM's. FD also leads on price ($9.99 vs $14.99) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 17 months). On rating, 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

FD costs $9.99 and VAPolyFM $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for FD against 4.5 for VAPolyFM. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FD has 32 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of FD's written reviews are positive against 17% of VAPolyFM's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FD ships an update every 4 months, VAPolyFM every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
FD versus VAPolyFM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFDVAPolyFM
Price$9.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.6 (32 ratings) — better4.5 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better16.7% of reviews
Number of ratings32 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS9.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKai ArasRyo Togawa

Customer experience

FD

All ratings32 ratings
Positive90.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.4%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

VAPolyFM

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive16.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

FD

No in-app purchases

None

VAPolyFM

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FD free?
FD costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VAPolyFM free?
VAPolyFM costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, FD or VAPolyFM?
FD is rated higher. FD averages 4.6 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while VAPolyFM averages 4.5 from 6 ratings.
Do FD or VAPolyFM have ads?
Neither FD nor VAPolyFM shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FD or VAPolyFM?
FD ships an update every 4 months, and VAPolyFM every 17 months. Most recently, FD was updated on October 1, 2026 and VAPolyFM on October 8, 2026.

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