# ShockWave vs OPL AUv3 FM Synth

The clearest difference is rating: ShockWave at 4.6 against OPL AUv3 FM Synth's 4.3. ShockWave also leads on ratings volume (188 vs 23) and price ($7.99 vs $9.99). OPL AUv3 FM Synth's advantage is review sentiment (73% vs 55%). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

ShockWave costs $7.99 and OPL AUv3 FM Synth $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ShockWave holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 188 ratings behind it against 23, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 73% of OPL AUv3 FM Synth's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, OPL AUv3 FM Synth every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | OPL AUv3 FM Synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$7.99** | $9.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews)** | [4.3 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opl-auv3-fm-synth/id1516617949/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **188** | 23 |
| Positive reviews | 54.7% of reviews | **72.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 42 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) | [DiscoDSP LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1465262828) |

## 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.


### OPL AUv3 FM Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opl-auv3-fm-synth/id1516617949)

Emulates the iconic Yamaha OPL2 chip for classic game soundtracks and electronic music. Offers FM and additive synthesis with over 2000 presets and 16x oversampling for clear audio. Requires a MIDI keyboard for standalone use.

**Highlights:** OPL2 chip emulation, FM and additive synthesis, Distinctive percussion mode, 16x oversampling, Over 2000 presets, Standalone MIDI keyboard support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

ShockWave costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is OPL AUv3 FM Synth free?

OPL AUv3 FM Synth costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ShockWave or OPL AUv3 FM Synth?

ShockWave is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 188 ratings, while OPL AUv3 FM Synth averages 4.3 from 23 ratings.

### Do ShockWave or OPL AUv3 FM Synth have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor OPL AUv3 FM Synth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ShockWave or OPL AUv3 FM Synth?

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and OPL AUv3 FM Synth every 3 weeks. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on October 25, 2026 and OPL AUv3 FM Synth on October 24, 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.*