Comparison

ShockWave vs Braam Designer

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

Braam Designer

Create powerful, cinematic braam sound effects for trailers, games, and dramatic content. This tool offers professional sound design capabilities with multi-layer synthesis, envelope shaping, and pitch sweep control.

Highlights
  • 3-layer synthesis
  • Envelope shaping
  • Pitch sweep control
  • Studio-quality effects
  • Preset library
  • Professional WAV export
Features
Read full description

Create powerful, cinematic braam sound effects like those heard in blockbuster movie trailers, video games, and dramatic content. Braam Designer puts professional sound design tools in your pocket. WHAT IS A BRAAM? A "braam" is that deep, resonant horn-like sound made famous by the Inception trailer. These dramatic tones are now used everywhere in media to build tension and create impact. POWERFUL 3-LAYER SYNTHESIS • Combine up to 3 independent sound layers • 7 waveform types: Sine, Square, Sawtooth, Triangle, White Noise, Pink Noise, Brown Noise • Full control over each layer's envelope, pitch, panning, and volume ENVELOPE SHAPING • Attack, Hold, and Decay controls per layer • Create everything from punchy hits to slow-building drones • Real-time waveform visualization shows exactly what you're designing PITCH SWEEP CONTROL • Set start and end frequencies for dramatic pitch movement • Logarithmic frequency scaling for natural-sounding sweeps • Range from sub-bass rumbles (15Hz) to mid-range tones (500Hz) STUDIO-QUALITY EFFECTS • High-pass and low-pass filters to shape your sound • Reverb with adjustable mix and decay for cinematic depth • Master volume and duration controls PRESET LIBRARY • 6 professionally designed presets to get started: - Inception: The classic cinematic braam - Dark Descent: Ominous descending tone - Titan Horn: Massive brass-like impact - Sub Quake: Earth-shaking low frequencies - Tension Rise: Building suspense riser - Dread Pulse: Horror-style pulsating drone SAVE YOUR DESIGNS • Create unlimited custom presets • Instant recall of your favorite sounds • Randomize function for creative inspiration PROFESSIONAL EXPORT • Render to 48kHz, 24-bit WAV files • Perfect for video editing, game development, and music production • Export directly to Files, share to other apps, or AirDrop to your Mac PERFECT FOR: • Video editors and filmmakers • Game developers and sound designers • Content creators and YouTubers • Musicians and producers • Anyone who wants to create dramatic audio No audio experience required. Just tap, tweak, and create cinematic sounds in seconds.

Screenshots

ShockWave4 screens
Braam Designer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Braam Designer at Free against ShockWave's $19.99. Braam Designer also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). ShockWave's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (188 vs 2). On ads 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

Braam Designer is free to download; ShockWave costs $19.99 up front. Braam Designer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ShockWave asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Braam Designer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 188 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, Braam Designer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
ShockWave versus Braam Designer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShockWaveBraam Designer
Price$19.99Free — better
Rating4.6 (188 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews54.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings188 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKai ArasScott Manley

Customer experience

ShockWave

All ratings188 ratings
Positive89.9%
Neutral2.7%
Negative7.4%
Written reviews63 reviews
Positive54.0%
Neutral11.1%
Negative34.9%

Braam Designer

All ratings2 ratings
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.

Braam Designer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

ShockWave

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Braam Designer

One-time1
  • Braam Pro$4.99

Questions

Is ShockWave free?
ShockWave costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Braam Designer free?
Braam Designer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ShockWave or Braam Designer?
Braam Designer is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 188 ratings, while Braam Designer averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do ShockWave or Braam Designer have ads?
Neither ShockWave nor Braam Designer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ShockWave or Braam Designer?
ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and Braam Designer every 3 weeks. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on October 14, 2026 and Braam Designer on October 7, 2026.

Other comparisons