Comparison

Dexed Synth vs OB

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

Head to head
About

Dexed Synth

This app brings a powerful FM synthesizer to your mobile device, offering a vast library of sounds. It integrates with popular DAWs and supports external MIDI controllers for enhanced control and performance.

Highlights
  • FM Synthesizer port
  • Over 20,000 cartridges with 32 patches each
  • AudioUnit AUv3 plugin support
  • MIDI controller input via USB
  • Lock scroll and parameter locking
  • MIDI CC mapping
Features
Currently charting
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A port of Dexed, a FM Synthesizer. Features over 20,000 Cartridges with 32 patches each. Comes with AudioUnit AUv3 plugin for use inside AUM and other DAW apps like GarageBand. Get a camera kit and plug in a midi controller through USB, or get a 5-PIN DIN 1/in 1/out, to: USB and use the camera kit through USB MIDI Spec, NOTE: some devices handle SysEx differently and therefore we cannot promise support for SysEx, so invest in connectors and cables wisely. If you have questions involving making MIDI-USB work the best for your situation, email support. This iOS app was designed especially with small interfaces in mind. Example: an iPhone 5S or a resizable window inside AUM. If one clicks the menu eye, a feature LOCK SCROLL can be –very– important to set knobs, sliders, et cetera: if screen size is limited. LOCK PARAMs in the eye menu locks the parameters for scrolling without knocking loose the preset. In the CARTs menu double tap a cartridge to load a series of patches, the files will have a .syx extension. To use MIDI CC, in the menu eye you must first turn on MIDI CC. When MIDI CC is on it makes the tap events react like a right mouse button click. NOTE: MIDI CC, in eye menu, doesn't have to be on after CC controls are mapped. MIDI CC touch modifier will also turn off after you have successfully mapped a CC control, or when you delete the current mappings. You can turn it on again later to turn off mappings or create new CC mappings. I would suggest setting CC knobs in the bottom section of the screen – above keyboard (if visible). Currently you must save patch in DAW – for instance: GarageBand or AUM. Once we can determine unity and saving/loading between the AUv3 plugin and the StandAlone app, external save will be eventually developed. There is a pathway set to transfer .syx files through iTunes to the StandAlone app, only. Other plans include fixing pixelated images, a quick zoom to set CC mode and updating GUI to a higher degree, make sure midi CC knobs update.

About

OB

This app recreates a classic vintage synthesizer, offering rich, full-bodied tones for electronic music, recordings, and film scores. It features MPE support, an on-screen MIDI keyboard, and high-quality rendering for enhanced music production.

Highlights
  • Oberheim OB-X emulation
  • MPE support
  • On-screen MIDI keyboard
  • High-quality retina rendering
  • AUv3 improvements
  • Preset search with categories
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OB-Xd is a classic synthesizer that captivates musicians with its rich, full-bodied tones and expansive sound design. Perfect for adding a vintage touch to electronic tracks, live recordings, or film scores, OB-Xd brings unique and expressive qualities to your music. Designed to recreate the Oberheim OB-X, it features enhancements like micro random detuning and unison for a fuller sound. Elevate your studio setup and music production with OB-Xd today. • Full MPE support with configurable pitch bend, aftertouch, timbre, and pressure depth. • On-screen MIDI keyboard with pitch bend and mod wheels (iPad only). • Native iOS popups, dialogs, and text input throughout the interface. • Search Presets with category subfolders and native no-results dialog. • High-quality retina rendering. • AUv3 improvements: async file choosers, host viewport resize, and Bluetooth MIDI access.

Screenshots

Dexed Synth4 screens
OB2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: OB at 75% against Dexed Synth's 30%. OB also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.3) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). Dexed Synth's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $19.99) and chart position (#139 vs unranked). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases 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

Dexed Synth costs $3.99 and OB $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

OB holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Dexed Synth's written reviews are positive against 75% of OB's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Dexed Synth ships an update every 2 months, OB every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Dexed Synth versus OB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDexed SynthOB
Price$3.99 — better$19.99
Rating3.3 (40 ratings)4.2 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews29.8% of reviews75.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings40 — better16
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Best chart rank#139 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size105 MB210 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperGeorge RosarDiscoDSP LLC

Customer experience

Dexed Synth

All ratings40 ratings
Positive42.5%
Neutral30.0%
Negative27.5%
Written reviews57 reviews
Positive29.8%
Neutral24.6%
Negative45.6%

OB

All ratings16 ratings
Positive81.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative18.8%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral8.3%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

None

Dexed Synth

No in-app purchases

None

OB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Dexed Synth free?
Dexed Synth costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is OB free?
OB costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Dexed Synth or OB?
OB is rated higher. Dexed Synth averages 3.3 out of 5 from 40 ratings, while OB averages 4.2 from 16 ratings.
Do Dexed Synth or OB have ads?
Neither Dexed Synth nor OB shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Dexed Synth or OB?
Dexed Synth ships an update every 2 months, and OB every 10 days. Most recently, Dexed Synth was updated on September 23, 2026 and OB on September 20, 2026.

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