DRM vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DRM
This app emulates a vintage 1979 drum machine, offering a pure interface for creating beats on your device. It includes high-quality samples, preset patterns, and advanced audio features for music production.
- 8 original high-quality double-samples
- 32 preset patterns
- Selective instrument deletion modes
- Full machine state auto-save
- Background audio playback
- Audiobus V3 and InterApp audio support
- Built-in audio and global effects
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Holding the simplicity of a rare 1979 instrument and carrying its raw heritage to you, it turns your device into a pocket beat making companion. I believe that designing a pure interface, simply displaying your machine without any distraction, was the best way to reflect the spirit of the period it was born. Main caracteristics : - 8 Original high quality double-samples - 32 preset patterns - 3 Selective instrument deletion modes - Full machine state auto-save - Background audio playback enabled - Audiobus V3 - InterApp audio Bonuses accessible in your device settings : - Additionnal LED display for the tempo and the volume - Pattern selection LED indicators - Alternative « Rock » drum kit with integrated effects - Built-in intruments effects : « Stereo pan » and « Jungle tune » - Built-in audio effects : « Equalizer » and « Distortion » - Built-in global effects : « Delay » and « Reverb » - Mute any instrument I hope you will enjoy it as much as I love it ;-)
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against DRM's $1.99. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (132 vs 6). DRM's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On review sentiment 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
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; DRM costs $1.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. DRM asks for nothing beyond the download.
DRM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 132 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of DRM's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.
DRM ships an update every 7 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DRM | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (6 ratings) — better | 4.0 (132 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews — better | 51.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 6 | 132 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid — better | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 14.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 167 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | David Rochaix | Audiobus Pty Ltd |
Customer experience
DRM
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Bugs and requests
DRM
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
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
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- 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
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- Access to original synth parameters instead of sample-based playback
- Direct routing to IAA output for FL Studio Mobile
In-app purchases
DRM
No in-app purchases
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
- Weekly premium7 Days trial$2.997 Days
- Weekly premium$2.997 Days
- Yearly premium$9.991 Year
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year
Questions
Is DRM free?
Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
Which has better reviews, DRM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
Do DRM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
Which is updated more often, DRM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
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