Comparison

ShockWave vs Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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

About

Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3

This powerful synthesizer offers 7-oscillator supersaw voices with unique curve-based controls for detune, phase, and panning. Create everything from tight analog stacks to wide, animated textures with its flexible wavetable oscillators and built-in effects.

Highlights
  • 7-saw stacked oscillators per voice
  • Curve-based detune, phase, flavor, pan spread
  • Sine sub oscillator
  • Global LFO
  • Analog-style ladder filter
  • ADSR amp envelope
  • Built-in arpeggiator
  • Stereo ping-pong delay
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

TESTERE is a 7-oscillator supersaw synth where each voice stacks 7 saws with per-voice control over detune, phase, waveshape (flavor), stereo pan, and a sine wave sub oscillator. Instead of micromanaging each oscillator manually, TESTERE uses distribution curves to control these offsets. You dial in a curve shape and a spread amount, and the synth applies the resulting values across all oscillators smoothly interpolated, musically controllable, and repeatable. This system allows for infinite combinations, from tight analog-like stacks to wide, animated swarms, all with a minimal set of parameters. Each oscillator is a wavetable oscillator with a selection of saw waveforms. You can subtly vary the shape across oscillators or push it further for complex harmonic shifts. All detune, phase, flavor, and panning spreads are curve-driven and musically scaled, making the synth flexible but not overwhelming. A clean sine sub oscillator is included for adding low-end weight, with an adjustable octave (set in settings) and a level control (in the FX panel). Features: - 7-saw stacked oscillators per voice, 8-voice polyphony - Curve-based detune, phase, flavor, and pan spread - Clean sine sub oscillator with octave and level controls - Single global LFO with assignable target - Analog-style ladder filter with rise/fall envelope - ADSR amp envelope per voice - Built-in arpeggiator - Stereo ping-pong delay - AUv3 plugin support AUv3 Compatible Hosts: Works as a plugin in GarageBand, Logic Pro for iPad, AUM, Loopy Pro, Cubasis, BeatMaker 3, and other AUv3-compatible hosts. Whether you want to dial in tight classic stacks or explore chaotic layered textures, TESTERE’s curve system gives you deep control without micromanagement.

Screenshots

ShockWave4 screens
Testere Supersaw Synth AUv34 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 at 100% against ShockWave's 53%. Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 also leads on price ($7.99 vs $19.99) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). ShockWave's advantage is ratings volume (190 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

ShockWave costs $19.99 and Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 100% of Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 every 4 days. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
ShockWave versus Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShockWaveTestere Supersaw Synth AUv3
Price$19.99$7.99 — better
Rating4.6 (190 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings190 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank—#192 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKai ArasCem Olcay

Customer experience

ShockWave

All ratings190 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral2.6%
Negative7.9%
Written reviews59 reviews
Positive52.5%
Neutral11.9%
Negative35.6%

Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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.
Show 15 more
  • 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.
Show 1 more
  • Increase the number of available patches beyond 128.

Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

ShockWave

No in-app purchases

None

Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ShockWave free?
ShockWave costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 free?
Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ShockWave or Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3?
Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 190 ratings, while Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do ShockWave or Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 have ads?
Neither ShockWave nor Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ShockWave or Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3?
ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 every 4 days. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on September 21, 2026 and Testere Supersaw Synth AUv3 on September 21, 2026.

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