Comparison

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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

Head to head
About

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle

This app provides a bundle of four professional audio unit synthesizers and one effect, inspired by popular eurorack modules. Explore diverse sound design possibilities with multi-mode oscillators, modal synthesis, string generation, and granular sampling. Compatible with DAWs and AU hosts for creative music production.

Highlights
  • Multi-mode polyphonic oscillator
  • Modal synthesis
  • String generation algorithms
  • Granular sampler and looper
  • Modulation LFO and ADSR envelope
  • XY touchpad and modulation matrix
Features
Read full description

Spectrum is a collection of 3 Audio Unit synthesizers and one Audio Unit effect. Spectrum is based on popular eurorack synthesizer modules made by Mutable Instruments. Included are four audio units: Spectrum - Multi-mode 8-voice polyphonic oscillator featuring 14 high quality oscillator algorithms. Supports MPE. Modal - Modal synthesis. Bowed, Blowed, and Struck sounds through a 64-band resonator. Also included as an effect. Resonator - 7 beautiful string generation algorithms. Also included as an effect Granular - Granular sampler, looper, pitch shifter, reverb effect. Note that Granular is an Audio Unit effect, not an instrument, so it goes in an effect slot. To use Spectrum, load the Audio Units in your DAW or AU host of choice, like Audiobus, GarageBand or AUM. Each audiounit also features: - modulation LFO featuring tempo sync, key reset, reset phase adjustment - modulation ADSR envelope - XY touchpad (except on Modal) - 2-source modulation matrix allowing for complex and evolving patches. - MIDI CC control of parameters - Resonator and Modal are also loadable as an AudioUnit effect Spectrum contains DSP code provided under the MIT open source license by Mutable Instruments.

About

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

This app creates unique synth sounds by recording classic synths to VHS tape and then resampling them. It offers a vast library of presets and effects to achieve lo-fi, retro vibes for various music genres. An AUv3 plugin and standalone app are included.

Highlights
  • VHS-recorded and resampled synths
  • Over 280+ presets
  • Standalone app and AUv3 plugin
  • VCR sound effects
  • VCR FX section for customization
  • Free expansion pack included
Features
Read full description

VHS Synth features synths recorded with a VCR, then resampled. Perfect for Synthwave, Hip Hop, Indie, Rock, Movie Soundtracks, Lo-Fi, Ambient, Vaporwave, Retro Pop, and more. Create instant lo-fi and cool retro vibes. Press a key. Elevate your music. Includes over 280+ Presets by Jakob haQ, Red Sky Lullaby, The GarageBand Guide, DJ Puzzle, Sound of Izrael, DJ Montra, Marc Hupkens, AnalogMatthew, JEC, Da Fingaz, Brian Funk, and more. "BEST Lo-Fi instrument I’ve ever played, seriously good sounds!" - The SoundTest Room "VHS Synth is a Retrowave dream!" - iPad Loops "Turns Your iOS Device Into An 80s Time Machine" - Synthtopia Classic Synths were recorded to VHS Tape with a VCR, then re-sampled. "VHS Synth is the ULTIMATE Retro Synth App" - The GarageBand Guide FEATURES: • Standalone app + iOS AUv3 Plugin • Over 280+ presets to inspire you • Compressed to under 140mb to save space • VCR Sound Effects (Buttons, Tape Hiss, More) • VCR FX section to customize the sounds • FREE Expansion Pack: OP-1 recorded with a VCR ++ iPhone & iPad version included for one low price Real analog feel and dirt. Vintage hardware was recorded into a VCR and then re-sampled. Subscribe to access to premium app features; subscription details are the following: - Length: weekly or yearly - Free trial: only on selected subscriptions - Your payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase - Your subscription will renew automatically, unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - The cost of renewal will be charged to your account in the 24 hours prior to the end of the current period - When canceling a subscription, your subscription will stay active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when purchasing a subscription Terms & Conditions: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a0880aca270f4f8ccee8d3e?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a0880aca270f4f8ccee8d3e?pvs=21) Privacy Policy: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a088019bec6ccb33ae5bb09?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a088019bec6ccb33ae5bb09?pvs=21) * NOTE: This app has no official affiliation with AudioKit Pro, LLC. It was built using the free AudioKit source code.

Screenshots

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle4 screens
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle at 4.8 against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4.0. Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle also leads on review sentiment (93% vs 51%) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, ratings volume, update cadence 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

Both are free to download. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 135 and 132 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle ships an update every 4 weeks, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle versus VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpectrum Synthesizer BundleVHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (135 ratings) — better4.0 (132 ratings)
Positive reviews92.9% of reviews — better51.1% of reviews
Number of ratings135 — better132
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better14.5
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB167 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas BurnsAudiobus Pty Ltd

Customer experience

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle

All ratings135 ratings
Positive95.6%
Neutral1.5%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews70 reviews
Positive92.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.1%

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

All ratings132 ratings
Positive72.7%
Neutral5.3%
Negative22.0%
Written reviews88 reviews
Positive51.1%
Neutral11.4%
Negative37.5%

User reviews

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle

From 135 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✨ Incredible sound quality
  • 🎶 Deep modulation capabilities
  • 💡 Distinct and unique character
  • 🌊 Excels at fluid soundbeds
  • 🎹 Great for MIDI keyboard use

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes more than it should
  • ⚠️ Description misleading (granular synth missing)
  • 🐛 Modal synthesizer doesn't work alone
  • 💥 Creates massive feedback on macOS
  • ❌ UI stripped down

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

From 132 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
  • 🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
  • 💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
  • 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
  • 🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres

Room to improve

  • 💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
  • 🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
  • 📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
  • 🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
  • 😠 Lack of developer communication about changes

Bugs and requests

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • Crashes more than it should
  • Modal synthesizer doesn't work on its own
  • Creates massive feedback on macOS
  • Songs won't export from GarageBand iOS when plugin is enabled
  • Lots of crashes since previous update
Show 2 more
  • Formatting is horrible on GarageBand, can't see most parameters
  • Granular only shows up in Audiobus3, but can't be launched

Requested features

6 requests
  • Bring back granular synth or remove from description
  • Create a standalone version
  • Bring back old UI as an option
  • Advanced version with standalone apps, proper GUI, and extensive modulation/control
  • More Mutable ports (Ripples, Stages)
Show 1 more
  • Original Rings in 1 voice/modal mode for bass synth

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Reported bugs

11 issues
  • GarageBand compatibility broken after updates
  • App not recognized in Logic Pro after updates
  • Inconsistent sound quality across different registers
  • Patch/preset settings not retained after closing DAW
  • Audio Unit Extension crashes in GarageBand
Show 6 more
  • Duplicate track sounds different from original
  • Display shows 'Welcome' instead of loaded patch
  • Thin black keys difficult to hit on keyboard
  • Missing top C key on keyboard
  • Sounds inconsistent when exported from GarageBand
  • App disappears from projects after ownership change

Requested features

7 requests
  • Mac OS version for DAW compatibility
  • Velocity sensitivity settings for keyboard
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels with actual functionality
  • Better keyboard design with proper key sizing
  • Improved UI layout to reduce wasted space in AUv3 mode
Show 2 more
  • Access to original synth parameters instead of sample-based playback
  • Direct routing to IAA output for FL Studio Mobile

In-app purchases

None

Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly premium7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Weekly premium$4.997 Days
  • Yearly premium$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle free?
Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle is rated higher. Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle averages 4.8 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.
Do Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle does not.
Which is updated more often, Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle ships an update every 4 weeks, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Spectrum Synthesizer Bundle was updated on October 16, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 18, 2026.

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