# ShockWave vs VAMono

ShockWave and VAMono both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 83% of VAMono's written reviews are positive against 53% of ShockWave's. VAMono also leads on price ($14.99 vs $19.99) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). ShockWave's advantage is ratings volume (190 vs 12). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

ShockWave costs $19.99 and VAMono $14.99 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 4.6 for VAMono. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 53% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 83% of VAMono's.

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, VAMono every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | VAMono |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$14.99** |
| Rating | [4.6 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) | [4.6 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vamono/id1539829401/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **190** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) | [Ryo Togawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474193056) |

## 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.


### VAMono

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vamono/id1539829401)

This app is a virtual analog monophonic synthesizer inspired by classic 80s synths. It features two oscillators, a versatile filter, and built-in effects like distortion and delay. A 64-step sequencer allows for note and parameter automation.

**Highlights:** Virtual analog monophonic synthesizer, Two oscillators with extensive modulation, 24 dB lowpass filter, Distortion and delay effects, 64-step sequencer for notes and parameters, AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) and Stand Alone modes, Ableton Link and Bluetooth MIDI support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

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

### Is VAMono free?

VAMono costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

ShockWave and VAMono are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 190 and 12 ratings respectively.

### Do ShockWave or VAMono have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor VAMono shows ads.

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

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and VAMono every 2 weeks. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on September 21, 2026 and VAMono on September 20, 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.*