Comparison

Dexed Synth vs KQ Dixie 26

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
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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

KQ Dixie 26

This app is a 6-operator FM synthesizer inspired by classic 1980s models. It offers deep sound design capabilities with extensive parameter control and compatibility with legendary sound banks. Use it as a standalone synth or within your favorite DAW.

Highlights
  • 6-operator FM synthesis
  • 156 voice parameters
  • DX7-compatible parameters
  • 32 built-in algorithms
  • Audio Unit v3 (AUv3) support
  • MIDI / SysEx / syx file import
  • Micro-tuning support
Features
Currently charting
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KQ Dixie is a 6-operator FM synthesizer inspired by the legendary 1980s synthesizers. It brings rich, brilliant digital timbres to your iOS device while remaining highly flexible and compatible with existing legendary sound banks. Key Features - 156 voice parameters for in-depth sound design - Most parameters (except multi-timbral, filter, and delay) are DX7-compatible - 32 algorithms built in - Audio Unit v3 (AUv3) support — includes multiple-out via “KQ Dixie Multi” - MIDI / SysEx / syx file compatibility, including zip support — load DX7 patch banks and exchange with external gear - Micro-tuning support via Anamark / Scala (.tun / .scl) files - External and virtual MIDI support, and Volca FM connectivity - Multi-timbre & unison capabilities - Import zip / syx files without extraction — keeps your workflow smooth Usage Scenarios - Use KQ Dixie as an AUv3 synth inside your DAW on iPad or iPhone - Load classic DX7 patches from the Web or share your creations via syx / zip - Connect to external MIDI gear or Volca FM for hybrid setups - Use multitimbral / multi-out routing in modular or host apps If you discover any issues, please send your “Dixie Performance” file to the developer. Legal / Trademarks - DX is a trademark of Yamaha Corporation. Volca is a trademark of Korg Inc. The developer has no business relation with Yamaha or Korg. - Machine generated text is included in this application and description.

Screenshots

Dexed Synth4 screens
KQ Dixie 263 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: KQ Dixie 26 at 86% against Dexed Synth's 30%. KQ Dixie 26 also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.3) and chart position (#164 vs unranked). Dexed Synth's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $8.99) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 KQ Dixie 26 $8.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

KQ Dixie 26 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 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 86% of KQ Dixie 26's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Dexed Synth ships an update every 2 months, KQ Dixie 26 every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Dexed Synth versus KQ Dixie 26: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDexed SynthKQ Dixie 26
Price$3.99 — better$8.99
Rating3.3 (40 ratings)5.0 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews29.8% of reviews85.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings40 — better16
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Best chart rank—#164 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size105 MB3 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperGeorge RosarRyouta Kira

Customer experience

Dexed Synth

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

KQ Dixie 26

All ratings16 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%

In-app purchases

None

Dexed Synth

No in-app purchases

None

KQ Dixie 26

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Dexed Synth free?
Dexed Synth costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is KQ Dixie 26 free?
KQ Dixie 26 costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Dexed Synth or KQ Dixie 26?
KQ Dixie 26 is rated higher. Dexed Synth averages 3.3 out of 5 from 40 ratings, while KQ Dixie 26 averages 5.0 from 16 ratings.
Do Dexed Synth or KQ Dixie 26 have ads?
Neither Dexed Synth nor KQ Dixie 26 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Dexed Synth or KQ Dixie 26?
Dexed Synth ships an update every 2 months, and KQ Dixie 26 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Dexed Synth was updated on September 23, 2026 and KQ Dixie 26 on September 19, 2026.

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