ShockWave vs Magellan Synthesizer 2
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ShockWave
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.
- Phase Distortion Synthesis
- Dual PD Oscillators
- Dual 8-step Sequencers
- Dual ASR Envelopes
- Tempo-syncable LFOs
- Extensive Modulation Matrix
- MIDI and MPE Support
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ShockWave is a monophonic Synthesizer designed to bring modular style workflow to the world of iOS & AUv3 plugins. Built around the concept of Phase Distortion (PD) Synthesis, Shockwave includes a pair of PD Oscillators each capable of creating everything from pure Sine Waves over smooth Sawtooth and Square Waves to Resonance & Sync sweeps, filtered Noise and more. In addition to the Synth Voice, ShockWave includes a dedicated control section housing a pair of 8 step sequencers, a sample & hold module as well modules for trigger divisions, logic comparisons and controlled randomness. A pair of Low Frequency Oscillators and 2 Attack/Sustain/Release (ASR) Envelopes serve as main modulation sources and can be used in a number of ways. Envelopes can be triggered from a number of internal sources including other modules such as trigger divider, logic or chance module but can also be connected to each other allowing for a wide range of patches usually only possible in large modular systems. LFOs are individually tempo sync-able and capable of producing total of 5 different waveforms each. The two sequencers can run independently or combine to one 16 step sequence where rate and length can be controlled independently for each of the two. In true modular nature almost any control within ShockWave can be modulated with up to 11 sources - simultaneously. Modulations are setup simply by holding a control and dialling in the desired amount in a list of all available sources. A special X-Ray mode adds a realtime display of all currently active modulations right at their corresponding control making it easy to understand what's happening inside the synthesizer at any given time. Synth Voice and Control Section are accompanied by built-in Delay and Reverb sections placed on send busses with all of their controls including the send levels being available as mod destinations. Last but not least, ShockWave features a solid MIDI implementation including support for, aftertouch, velocity, wheels, custom CC mappings and up to 4 dimensions of expression when using MPE compatible controllers, such as the Roli Seaboard, Linnstrument, Geoshred, KB-1 and others. MIDI Output is supported as well and includes Note and Control Change output generated from various internal sources including Sequencers, Envelopes and LFOs making it possible to control external MIDI gear or chain multiple plugin instances for advanced, self driving patches. Overview: - Semi Modular Monophonic Synth Voice - Phase Distortion Synthesis (PD) - Dual PD Oscillators with 5 Waveforms + Noise - Dual ASR Envelopes with variable trigger source - Dual LFO with Tempo Sync - Cross Modulation with Linear/Exp. FM, PM, AM & RM - Mixer section with individual pan and level controls per oscillator - Output VCA with variable control source - Pattern Generator for generating sequences from various internal sources - Quantizer to force note input into a specific scale (19 Scales + User Scales) - Step Sequencer with 2x8 or 1x16 steps, individual rate and number of steps per row - Trigger Divider for dividing internal trigger sources - Probability Gate for adding controlled randomness - Sample & Hold for additional randomness - Logic Module to create triggers from various internal sources - Built-in Delay & Reverb Effects - MIDI Note and CC output for controlling external gear or chaining multiple instances - Semi Modular Architecture - 11 Modulation Sources - 40 Modulation Destinations - 2 Color Themes MIDI Input: - 4D Expression (Glide, Slide, Pressure & Velocity) - Mod & Pitch-Wheel - Tempo Sync - Custom CC Control MIDI Output: - Note - Control Change Connectivity: - Standalone - AUv3 - AudioBus - IAA
Magellan Synthesizer 2
This app offers a powerful analog modeling synthesizer with advanced features like AUv3, MPE, and AI-driven preset generation. It provides deep sound sculpting capabilities with multiple oscillators, filters, and extensive modulation options for creating unique and complex audio textures.
- Virtual-analog oscillators
- Powerful FM module
- Dual filter banks
- Extensive modulation system
- AI-powered preset generation (SPAWN2)
- AUv3, MPE, and MIDI support
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A classic is reborn! With its introduction nearly a decade ago, Magellan pushed the boundaries of iOS technology and quickly took its place among the platform’s most popular synths. Continuing this pedigree, Yonac’s flagship Magellan Synthesizer 2 is a new alchemy of pristine sounds, innovative features, and devotion to user friendliness — all the same preserving the wicked soul of the original. Cutting-edge synthesis technology, punchier tones, warmer filters, greater modulation options, AUv3, MPE, brand-new presets: these are just a few of Magellan’s features for a whole new era. SIGNAL GENERATORS Magellan’s beating heart is its three realtime virtual-analog oscillators: with their pulse width and blend parameters, the first two connect to a unique Timbre module to derive many additional waveforms. A special Oscillator Unison stage activates additional “secret” oscillators to supply up to 24 oscillators per voice — perfect for supersaws, or true chorus/flange effects obtained right at the synthesis stage. A fully configurable Maximizer module helps create even bigger stereophonic sounds by activating up to 120 simultaneous oscillators per voice. FM A powerful yet intuitive FM module gives life to Magellan’s unique hybrid design. With its very own ADSR and variable contour generator (with 3 different envelope shapes), it works as an additional sound source and transforms Magellan 2 into a very capable frequency modulation synthesizer. Combined with other oscillators and modulation features, it generates strong multi-layered textures impossible via subtractive synthesis alone. FILTERS Two independent filter banks, 11 different filters, series/parallel selection with variable balance — these newfangled filters incorporate nonlinearities and analog-derived quirks that impart them hefty servings of aural “sugar”. The addition of “FAT” controls helps give added gravitas and harmonic content. Dedicated ADSRs (with extra long maxes) feature A/B/C contour generators for totally different playing characteristics. MODULATION Twin LFOs, modulation envelope, as well as direct control: the backbone of a powerful and versatile modulation system that can take 16 simultaneous targets, each with its own variable amount. In addition, each LFO/Envelope target can be assigned a secondary control (including via MIDI) to dynamically vary or even “piggyback” its modulating signal. The inbuilt XY-pad can hit any pair of 140 parameters for realtime control, while the “EZ Velocity” module helps quickly dial in the right touch for amplitude, filters & FM. SPAWN2 Second generation Yonac SPAWN unlocks the power of A.I. to help create countless original presets. Powered with an Expert mode, three different algorithms, and configurable machine autonomy down to module level, you can produce anything from subtle variations on a theme to wild new sounds with unrivaled “hit rate” — all at the touch of a button. AUv3, MIDI & MPE The ultra-efficient synth engine and flexible user interface are specially designed so that you can run many Magellans simultaneously in your favorite AUv3 DAW or Mixer. Along with massively featured MIDI I/O (complete with MIDI learn/recall, program changes, et al.), Magellan 2 is also MPE compatible with full polyphonic pitch control. Aftertouch and even CC74 are assignable through the mod matrices — and the new onscreen MagTOUCH MPE controller provides voice-wise expression not only within Magellan, but to other MPE apps/devices and inside compatible DAWs as well. ...AND MORE Analog-inspired 32x4 step/pattern sequencer with gate, velocity and skip; ChordMaker with note matrix that maps one key into a chord; powerful, easy-to-use arp with live & program modes; FX rack featuring 10 stereo units and configurable signal flow; 360+ factory presets, with a bank custom produced by Sunsine Audio; Ableton Link, YPAT3 preset management, patch translator, app recorder are just a few more of Magellan Synthesizer 2 features.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ShockWave at none against Magellan Synthesizer 2's 5. ShockWave also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 12 months). Magellan Synthesizer 2's advantage is price ($14.99 vs $19.99) and review sentiment (75% vs 54%). On ratings volume, ads and device support 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
ShockWave costs $19.99 and Magellan Synthesizer 2 $14.99 up front. Magellan Synthesizer 2 sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. ShockWave asks for nothing beyond the download.
Magellan Synthesizer 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 188 and 124 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 75% of Magellan Synthesizer 2's.
ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, Magellan Synthesizer 2 every 12 months. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.
| Parameter | ShockWave | Magellan Synthesizer 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $14.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.6 (188 ratings) | 4.8 (124 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 54.0% of reviews | 75.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 188 — better | 124 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 12 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 42 MB | 45 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kai Aras | Yonac Inc. |
Customer experience
ShockWave
Magellan Synthesizer 2
Bugs and requests
ShockWave
Reported bugs
20 issues- "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.
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- More than half of the sounds do not play.
- Performance remains but synth loads blank when returning to work after closing.
- App stops producing sound after a few minutes of use.
- Preset browser causes the app to stop producing sound.
- No audio output on iPhone 6 & 7 plus, sometimes noise when changing presets, keyboard doesn't work.
- Randomize button not viewable on iPhone 6.
- App crashes when returning to a project.
- App crashes on the loading screen on iPhone 11, but works on iPhone 7.
- Hangs and freezes, won't load/work in AUM or GarageBand.
- Horribly laggy, almost unusable.
- Volume is noisy and glitchy.
- Response on dials needs more work.
- Modulation tab issues, unable to turn other knobs properly.
- DAW incompatibility issues.
- App crashing, won't even load.
Requested features
6 requests- 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.
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- Increase the number of available patches beyond 128.
Magellan Synthesizer 2
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
ShockWave
No in-app purchases
Magellan Synthesizer 2
- MagTOUCH & MPE$1.99
- Have a Nice Day: The 1970s$1.99
- Like, Totally 80s$1.99
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- Sounds of Horror I$1.99
- Sounds of Horror II$1.99
Questions
Is ShockWave free?
Is Magellan Synthesizer 2 free?
Which has better reviews, ShockWave or Magellan Synthesizer 2?
Do ShockWave or Magellan Synthesizer 2 have ads?
Which is updated more often, ShockWave or Magellan Synthesizer 2?
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