# ShockWave vs BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ShockWave at none against BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer's 10. BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer's advantage is review sentiment (86% vs 54%) and price ($14.99 vs $19.99). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

ShockWave costs $19.99 and BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer $14.99 up front. BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. ShockWave asks for nothing beyond the download.

BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 188 and 108 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 86% of BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$14.99** |
| Rating | [4.6 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) | **[4.9 (108 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bleass-alpha-synthesizer/id1476042892/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **188** | 108 |
| Positive reviews | 54.0% of reviews | **86.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 42 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) | [BLEASS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1220444177) |

## 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.


### BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bleass-alpha-synthesizer/id1476042892)

This versatile polyphonic synthesizer offers a virtual analog sound engine inspired by classic hardware. It provides intuitive sound design tools, efficient CPU usage, and a unique motion sequencer for expressive modulation. Explore a vast library of presets and create unique sounds for your music.

**Highlights:** Virtual analog polyphonic stereo synthesizer, Intuitive sound design interface, CPU efficient for live performance, Unique motion sequencer, Built-in arpeggiator, Over 200 factory presets, Audio Unit V3 compatible

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sound Of Izrael Preset Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Red Sky Lullaby Preset Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| MPE Preset Pack #1 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lily Jordy Preset Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| The GarageBand Guide Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Hoops Collection #1 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Yawdel Preset Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Funk Preset Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Torley Preset Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| The Sound Test Room Pack | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

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

### Is BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer free?

BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ShockWave or BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer?

BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 188 ratings, while BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer averages 4.9 from 108 ratings.

### Do ShockWave or BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ShockWave or BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer?

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer every 2 months. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on October 14, 2026 and BLEASS Alpha Synthesizer on October 16, 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.*