# ShockWave vs Magellan Synthesizer 2

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | Magellan Synthesizer 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$14.99** |
| Rating | [4.6 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) | **[4.8 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magellan-synthesizer-2/id1494973247/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **188** | 124 |
| Positive reviews | 54.0% of reviews | **75.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 42 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) | [Yonac Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/288670023) |

## 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.


### Magellan Synthesizer 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magellan-synthesizer-2/id1494973247)

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.

**Highlights:** Virtual-analog oscillators, Powerful FM module, Dual filter banks, Extensive modulation system, AI-powered preset generation (SPAWN2), AUv3, MPE, and MIDI support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MagTOUCH & MPE | $1.99 | one-time |
| Have a Nice Day: The 1970s | $1.99 | one-time |
| Like, Totally 80s | $1.99 | one-time |
| Sounds of Horror I | $1.99 | one-time |
| Sounds of Horror II | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

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

### Is Magellan Synthesizer 2 free?

Magellan Synthesizer 2 costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ShockWave or Magellan Synthesizer 2?

Magellan Synthesizer 2 is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 188 ratings, while Magellan Synthesizer 2 averages 4.8 from 124 ratings.

### Do ShockWave or Magellan Synthesizer 2 have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor Magellan Synthesizer 2 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ShockWave or Magellan Synthesizer 2?

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and Magellan Synthesizer 2 every 12 months. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on October 14, 2026 and Magellan Synthesizer 2 on October 14, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*