Shaper vs World Controller
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Shaper
This professional-grade subtractive synthesizer allows for crafting a wide range of dynamic sounds with an intuitive interface. It features an advanced modulation matrix, configurable LFO graphs, and classic analog filters, plus eight built-in effects. Supports MIDI and AUv3 for seamless integration with mobile DAWs.
- Advanced modulation matrix
- Configurable LFO graphs
- Drag-and-drop modulation assignment
- Classic analog filter
- Eight built-in effects
- MIDI and AUv3 support
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Shaper is a professional-grade subtractive synthesizer built for mobile. The app offers a comprehensive set of features for crafting a wide range of dynamic sounds. Its intuitive interface is thoughtfully designed to provide a seamless and inspiring creative experience. Feature highlights: - Advanced modulation matrix - Fully configurable LFO graphs - Intuitive drag-and-drop modulation assignment - Amazing-sounding classic analog filter - Eight additional built-in effects: Bitcrusher, Chorus, Delay, Groove Delay, Distortion, Filter, Phaser, and Reverb - MIDI and MIDI learn support - AUv3 support; works seamlessly with Logic Pro, GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, and any mobile DAW that supports Audio Unit Learn more (features, reviews, and manual): https://autumnrock.dev/shaper/
World Controller
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World Controller was written to solve a particular problem I encountered in live performance. I needed a way to choose a Digital Performer chunk simultaneously on multiple computers, AND select a corresponding MainStage patch to play live parts against a track. Specifically, World Controller uses a wireless network MIDI session to control Digital Performer and MainStage at the same time. Any Mac Laptop on the same wifi network that subscribes to the wireless MIDI session (set up in Audio MIDI Setup) can respond to commands sent from World Controller, perfect for simultaneous control of multiple computers in a redundant playback situation. You can create a set list that can be edited and re-ordered any way you like. Each set list item provides a button to select a particular Digital Performer chunk, and another button to select a MainStage patch. There are also transport controls for Digital Performer playback as well (sent as Patch change commands to the DP Remote Commands), allowing you to start, stop and rewind the current chunk to zero. This app is optimized for use with these two pieces of software, and it is the missing link for me that enables seamless playback in a complex live performance situation. More features will come in subsequent versions, but right now, all the commands sent wirelessly are patch change commands on channels 15 and 16 (MainStage and DP respectively). Any musician on stage can now run the app and be connected via peer to peer networking to get live updates of the set list. Everybody see the same list and sees what song is cued up to be played next. There's nothing else out there that does this one specific thing!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: World Controller at Free against Shaper's $9.99. World Controller also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 22 months). Shaper's advantage is chart position (#200 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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
World Controller is free to download; Shaper costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Shaper ships an update every 22 months, World Controller every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Shaper | World Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.4 (18 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 63.6% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 18 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | Every 6 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | #200 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Autumn Rock Software Development | Vandalay Industries |
In-app purchases
Shaper
No in-app purchases
World Controller
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Shaper free?
Is World Controller free?
Do Shaper or World Controller have ads?
Which is updated more often, Shaper or World Controller?
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