# ShockWave vs ShimmerVerb

ShockWave and ShimmerVerb both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 78% of ShimmerVerb's written reviews are positive against 53% of ShockWave's. ShimmerVerb also leads on price ($14.99 vs $19.99) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). ShockWave's advantage is ratings volume (190 vs 12). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for ShockWave against 4.6 for ShimmerVerb. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 53% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 78% of ShimmerVerb's.

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, ShimmerVerb every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | ShimmerVerb |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$14.99** |
| Rating | [4.6 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) | [4.6 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shimmerverb/id1463786346/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **190** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) | [Eventide](https://appshunter.io/developer/546518026) |

## What reviewers say

### ShockWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670)

This app is a monophonic synthesizer for iOS and AUv3 plugins, utilizing Phase Distortion synthesis. It offers dual PD oscillators, sequencers, LFOs, and envelopes for complex sound design. Almost any control can be modulated by multiple sources, with real-time visual feedback.

**Highlights:** Phase Distortion Synthesis, Dual PD Oscillators, Dual 8-step Sequencers, Dual ASR Envelopes, Tempo-syncable LFOs, Extensive Modulation Matrix, MIDI and MPE Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Unique and amazing sounds
- 🔊 Heavy and brutal tones
- 💡 Innovative phase distortion synthesis
- 🎨 Beautiful and deep sound sculpting
- 🎹 Great for bass sounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- ❌ Not working in AUM/AUv3
- 🔇 No sound output in certain apps
- ❓ Difficult to use without a manual
- 📉 Laggy UI and slow patch loading

**Reported bugs**

- "Bad Signal" errors in AUM, stops sound generation.
- Intermittent "bad signal" prompt in AUM, requires reloading.
- Sounds awful, very distorted with glitchy UI.
- App crashes frequently.
- No sound coming out of AUv3 in GarageBand.

**Requested features**

- Provide a proper manual detailing all parameters and sections with examples.
- Implement a key trigger option for the sequencer to allow MIDI controller playback.
- Add a poly mode.
- Improve documentation and tutorials.
- Standardize knob appearance and response.


### ShimmerVerb

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shimmerverb/id1463786346)

This app creates massive, lustrous reverbs with parallel pitch shifters for ethereal, shimmering soundscapes. It offers advanced feedback control and performance-oriented features like a "Ribbon" macro and "HotSwitch" for dynamic sound shaping.

**Highlights:** Massive lustrous reverb with parallel pitch shifters, Infinitely feedbackable signal for cascading reverbs, Adjustable feedback frequencies via cross-over network, Playable "Ribbon" performance macro, Instant parameter switching with "HotSwitch", "Freeze" button for smeared textures, AUv3 plugin and standalone app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

ShockWave costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ShimmerVerb free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ShockWave or ShimmerVerb?

ShockWave and ShimmerVerb are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 190 and 12 ratings respectively.

### Do ShockWave or ShimmerVerb have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor ShimmerVerb shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ShockWave or ShimmerVerb?

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and ShimmerVerb every 6 weeks. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on September 21, 2026 and ShimmerVerb on September 21, 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.*