Comparison

SynthMaster One for iPhone 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

SynthMaster One for iPhone

This powerful wavetable synthesizer app offers an intuitive workflow for creating new sounds. It features a rich library of wavetables, inspiring factory presets, and real-time modulation feedback for sound design.

Highlights
  • Wavetable synthesis
  • 300 factory presets
  • AUv3 support
  • Files App integration
  • Real-time modulation feedback
  • Semi-modular architecture
  • 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer
Read full description

SynthMaster One for iPhone is KV331 Audio's first full blown synth app for iPhone. It's a powerful wavetable synth with an intuitive workflow. With its simple layout, rich wavetable/waveform content and inspiring factory presets library, designing new sounds with SynthMaster One for iPhone is a joy. SynthMaster One for iPhone is feature wise identical to the desktop version except the following: * 8 voice polyphony (32 for the desktop version) * Comes with 300 presets (1250 for the desktop version) FEATURES * 300 Factory Presets: SynthMaster One iOS comes with inspiring factory presets from a world class team of sound designers: Arksun, Aiyn Zahev, BigTone Studios, Brian Transeau, Bluffmunkey, Bulent Biyikoglu, Gercek Dorman, Dejavu Sound, Fragment Audio, Kurt Ader, Mirko Ruta, Nori Ubukata, Rob Lee, Ufuk Kevser, Selcuk Ergen, The Machine, Vandalism Sound, Venus Theory, Vorpalsound and Xenos Soundworks * AUv3: SynthMaster One iOS supports AudioUnits V3, allowing multiple instances to run under supporting DAW apps like GarageBand, Cubasis or Beat Maker. * Files App Integration: Easily import/export presets, waveforms or scales using the common file browser UI (requires iOS 11+). * Real-time Modulation Feedback: See in real-time how modulation sources and targets change. This is a very helpful feature when designing sounds! * Cross Platform Cloud Synchronization: Easily synchronize your SynthMaster One related data across multiple platforms (Windows, MacOS, iPad, iPhone) * Semi-Modular Architecture: For each SynthMaster One instance, there are 2 oscillators with 2 sub oscillators, 2 Filters, 4 ADSR Envelopes, 3 LFOs, a powerful 16 step arpeggiator/sequencer and also 11 different effects that can be inserted on to 6 FX insert slots. The sub oscillators can be connected to the oscillators in 5 different modes which let you use it as a regular sub oscillator or do complex modulations such as ring modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation or frequency modulation. * 32 Step Arpeggiator/Sequencer: The arpeggiator in SynthMaster One features classic arpeggiator modes such as Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, UpDown2, DownUp2, AsPlayed as well as Sequence, Chord and Arpeggiate modes. * Wavetable Synthesis: SynthMaster One implements true wavetable synthesis which opens up new possibilities for sound design. It comes with a rich content library with hundreds of waveforms and wavetables. * Stereo Oscillators with up to 16 voices Unison: Each of the 2 oscillators in SynthMaster One have stereo output, and can have up to 16 voices "unison". Using the "voices", "voices mix", "detune curve", "detune spread", "pan stread", "tone spread" and "phase spread" parameters, each oscillator can generate a rich "supersaw" type sound. * Zero Delay Feedback Filters: All of the 4 filter categories in SynthMaster One are developed using the zero delay feedback filter technology. With advanced filter parameters like input gain, drive, acid, filter nonlinearities and up to 4 times oversampling you can get that "analog" sound from the filters! * Rich Set of Effects: SynthMaster One features 11 different effect types: Distortion, LoFi, Ensemble, Phaser, 6 Band EQ, Compressor, Vocoder, Delay, Chorus, Tremolo, Reverb. * Microtuning: SynthMaster One supports Scala tuning, so tuning can be set either for each preset or globally by loading from a Scala tuning file. SynthMaster One comes with 300+ scales ranging from 5 note equal tempered scales to 12 note alternate tuning scales. * Preset Browser: SynthMaster One features a comprehensive preset browser with separate search criterias for instrument type, preset attributes, music style or preset author. SUPPORTS * All 64-bit iPad devices * AUv3 Audio Unit Extensions * Note-per-channel MIDI controllers (MPE) * Ableton Link * Interapp Audio and AudioBus * Bluetooth LE MIDI Controllers * AirDrop

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

SynthMaster One for iPhone4 screens
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: SynthMaster One for iPhone at 4.8 against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4.0. SynthMaster One for iPhone also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, 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

Both are free to download. SynthMaster One for iPhone sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SynthMaster One for iPhone holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 331 and 132 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of SynthMaster One for iPhone's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SynthMaster One for iPhone ships an update every 2 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
SynthMaster One for iPhone versus VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSynthMaster One for iPhoneVHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (331 ratings) — better4.0 (132 ratings)
Positive reviews66.0% of reviews — better51.1% of reviews
Number of ratings331 — better132
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS10.0 — better14.5
Further details — not scored
Size297 MB167 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKV331 AudioAudiobus Pty Ltd

Customer experience

SynthMaster One for iPhone

All ratings331 ratings
Positive94.9%
Neutral2.1%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews50 reviews
Positive66.0%
Neutral6.0%
Negative28.0%

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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

User reviews

SynthMaster One for iPhone

From 331 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✨ Excellent sound quality
  • 🤩 Incredible features for free
  • 👍 Easy to use interface
  • 🎛️ Versatile sound design capabilities
  • 🎵 Great for GarageBand integration

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes
  • 🔌 Issues with GarageBand integration
  • 💸 In-app purchase problems
  • 🔄 Presets not saving
  • 📉 App appears abandoned

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

SynthMaster One for iPhone

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • App crashes when loading saved presets
  • App crashes when setting default sound
  • AUv3 option disappears in GarageBand
  • Inability to reload user patches without crashing
  • Inability to purchase certain IAP packs
Show 5 more
  • Cells don't save, revert to first synth
  • App doesn't function or open in GarageBand
  • Every note is 1 note or lower
  • GUI is cut off on iPhone SE
  • IAA not loading in FL mobile

Requested features

10 requests
  • Fix in-app purchase issues
  • Improve GarageBand AUv3 stability
  • Enable saving of custom presets
  • Address crashing when loading presets
  • Fix note pitch issues
Show 5 more
  • Ensure app is not abandonware
  • Improve UI scaling on smaller screens
  • Fix wavetable scrolling issues
  • Make IAA work properly
  • Allow recording of music

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

10 purchases

SynthMaster One for iPhone

One-time10
  • BigTone Club Construction Set$4.99
  • True Trance Sounds Volume 1$4.99
  • Vandalism Future House$4.99
Show 7 more
  • NatLife Retrowave Sounds Vol.1$4.99
  • Demis Hellen Euphoric Trance$4.99
  • NatLife Progressive&Deep Vol.1$4.99
  • Vandalism Shocking Future Bass$4.99
  • Venus Theory Trap Sounds$4.99
  • Desktop Presets Upgrade$9.99
  • SM One Expansions Bundle$24.99
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 SynthMaster One for iPhone free?
SynthMaster One for iPhone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SynthMaster One for iPhone or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
SynthMaster One for iPhone is rated higher. SynthMaster One for iPhone averages 4.8 out of 5 from 331 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.
Do SynthMaster One for iPhone or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; SynthMaster One for iPhone does not.
Which is updated more often, SynthMaster One for iPhone or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
SynthMaster One for iPhone ships an update every 2 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, SynthMaster One for iPhone was updated on October 14, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 7, 2026.

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