# ShockWave vs AddStation

The clearest difference is price: AddStation at $8.99 against ShockWave's $19.99. AddStation also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (82% vs 54%). ShockWave's advantage is ratings volume (188 vs 43). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

ShockWave costs $19.99 and AddStation $8.99 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 4.5 for AddStation. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 188 and 43 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 54% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 82% of AddStation's.

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, AddStation weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | AddStation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$8.99** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews)** | [4.5 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addstation/id1500919657/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **188** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | 54.0% of reviews | **82.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 133 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) | [Harry Gohs](https://appshunter.io/developer/382428644) |

## 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.


### AddStation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addstation/id1500919657)

Explore new sonic territories with this advanced additive synthesis tool. Create complex timbres by combining thousands of sine waves and unique morph sequencing. Integrate seamlessly with iOS production environments and enjoy a suite of built-in effects.

**Highlights:** Fractal additive synthesis, Sound morphing, Over 170 sound presets, AUv3 AudioUnit integration, Built-in effects suite, Audiobus 3 and Ableton Link support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

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

### Is AddStation free?

AddStation costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

ShockWave is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 188 ratings, while AddStation averages 4.5 from 43 ratings.

### Do ShockWave or AddStation have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor AddStation shows ads.

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

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and AddStation weekly. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on October 6, 2026 and AddStation on October 9, 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.*