Comparison

DRM 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

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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 ;-)

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

DRM4 screens
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
DRM versus VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDRMVHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (6 ratings) — better4.0 (132 ratings)
Positive reviews57.1% of reviews — better51.1% of reviews
Number of ratings6132 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better14.5
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB167 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDavid RochaixAudiobus Pty Ltd

Customer experience

DRM

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.9%

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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

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
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

DRM

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly premium7 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Weekly premium$2.997 Days
  • Yearly premium$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is DRM free?
DRM costs $1.99, 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, DRM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
DRM is rated higher. DRM averages 5.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.
Do DRM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; DRM does not.
Which is updated more often, DRM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
DRM ships an update every 7 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, DRM was updated on September 10, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on September 26, 2026.

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