MKSensation Xtreme vs VB3m
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MKSensation Xtreme
This app offers a faithful digital recreation of a classic piano sound module, renowned for its use in gospel music. It provides powerful layering and live performance capabilities, replacing traditional hardware setups with a single, flexible application.
- Accurate sampled representation of MKS-20 piano module
- Powerful layering and live performance flexibility
- Eight independent sound sources with full control
- Host AUv3 instruments and effects
- Seamless sound switching
- MIDI learn functionality
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The MKSensation Xtreme builds on our renowned MKSensation plugin, delivering the most accurate sampled representation of the classic MKS-20 piano module. Rooted in gospel music, the MKS-20 has been a staple in countless gospel albums, often stacked alongside JV-Series, Motifs, and other vintage racks for a rich, dynamic sound. Traditionally, musicians relied on complex MIDI setups to blend and control layers in real-time. MKSensation Xtreme replaces decades of hardware, offering the same powerful layering and live performance flexibility in a single app. With the power of modern iPads and M1 chips, MKSensation Xtreme provides the equivalent of eight Pure Synth Platinums. Each of the eight sound slots features independent AMP, Filter, Control, LFO, and effects, plus 8-insert effect slots (with up to five effects per slot), along with Global and Master effects. All effect buses are easily controlled via red faders, and, as with all our apps, full MIDI learn functionality is included. Designed for live performance, the app not only delivers our signature sounds but also allows you to host your own AUv3 instruments and effects. You can seamlessly integrate external sounds, run them through our filters, AMP, LFO, and modulation, and enjoy the ultimate flexibility—whether using MKSensation Xtreme’s sounds or purely its powerful hosting capabilities. iPad Version vs Desktop The iPad version is identical to the desktop version as far as features, synthesis, and functionality. The only difference is in sound: We removed the second version of the MKS sounds, so that there is only one main version of the MKS soundest, instead of two different versions on the desktop. The quality is the same. General Specs • 12 GB Lossless Compression) • 23,419 Samples • 362 Sampled Sounds • 21 Analog Modeled Wavetables • 14 Analog VA Waveforms • 74 Presets • 26 High Quality Effects Featuring Overloud’s VKFX ------- Highlights • Store and stream sounds internally or on external hard rive • Ability to Load AUv3 in place of Sound Slots • 8-Fully independent Sound Sources with their own independent (AMP, Filter, LFO, Mod, and effects) • Seamless Sound Switching • Two versions of Power Grand • Live-Set Mode with MIDI CC Program Change • Dedicated Mute and Solo on the buttons • Dedicated Split Screen • All knobs, sliders, and buttons are MIDI Learnable • Two different MIDI CC Program Change modes for quickly switching to presets via your controller • 2-Second max load times per set. • Ability to Receive on Separate MIDI channels per sound for multi-timbral stacks and layers • Global Mictotune, Transpose, Octave, and Velocity Curve. • Dedicated large volume sliders on front of interface. • Ability to Copy/Paste Single or All parameters across sound-sources ------- Device Requirements: ---------------- ▪ 2GHz ARM Processor Recommended - iPad Pro 12.9 and 9.7 in, iPad 5th Gen, iPad Pro 12.9 in. (Gen 2), iPad Pro 10.5 in., iPad 6th Gen, iPad Pro 11 in., iPad Pro 12.9 in. (Gen 3), iPad Air (Gen 3) ▪ iPhone X and higher - iPhones with at least 2GB RAM Supported Only ▪ Fast SSD Drives for External sample streaming ---------------- IMPORTANT NOTES: ▪ Crossgrades between different synth apps are not available due to iOS App Store restrictions. The only exceptions are FM TiNES and BASSalicious 2. ▪ Individual sounds within a sound pack cannot be downloaded separately. To optimize storage, we recommend using an external SSD. ▪ Our sounds are sampled directly from the original hardware, preserving its natural warmth and character. Some inherent noise may be present as a result.
VB3m
This app is a virtual tonewheel organ emulator, meticulously recreating the sound and functionality of the classic Hammond B3. It offers advanced features like dual manuals, pedalboard, physical modeling, and a versatile rotary speaker effect, all controllable via MIDI.
- Dual manuals and pedalboard
- Physical modeling engine
- Rotary speaker effect
- Tube overdrive simulation
- MIDI CC mapping
- AUv3 plugin support
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GSi VB3m simulates the famous american tonewheel organ better known as the Hammond Organ B3. Main features: - Two manuals plus pedalboard - Two sets of 9 drawbars each for upper and lower manual - Two drawbars for the pedalboard - Physical modeling engine with full polyphony (91 tonewheels) - Rotary speaker effect with two variations plus one static amp - Virtual microphone positioning - Tube overdrive simulation - Two band equalizer - Digital reverb - Program bank with 32 memory locations - On screen keyboard (upper manual only) - Split function - Pedal-to-lower function - Pedal String Bass decay - Global tuning between A=430 Hz and A=450 Hz - Fully customizable Midi CC Mapping with Midi Learn function - Reverse all drawbar CC option - Sustain pedal support for sustaining notes - User selectable Midi channels - Freely assignable Program Change numbers - Low latency Core Audio support - IAA support - AUv3 plugin extension included - Background audio option - Free Cloud service to easily exchange Programs and Midi Maps Please note: to connect a USB-Midi controller, please use Apple's Camera Connection Kit (Lightning to USB-A). Don't connect your recharge cable to a USB host port, that won't transfer Midi data. For better performance, make sure your battery is fully charged or power your device wherever possible. For more details, please read this Q&A article: https://lnx.gsidsp.com/help/knowledgebase.php?article=1
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: VB3m at $14.99 against MKSensation Xtreme's $24.99. VB3m also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and review sentiment (78% vs 48%). On rating, ratings volume, ads and chart position 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
MKSensation Xtreme costs $24.99 and VB3m $14.99 up front. MKSensation Xtreme sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. VB3m asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for MKSensation Xtreme against 4.4 for VB3m. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 39 and 41 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 48% of MKSensation Xtreme's written reviews are positive against 78% of VB3m's.
MKSensation Xtreme ships an update every 5 months, VB3m fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.
| Parameter | MKSensation Xtreme | VB3m |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 | $14.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.5 (39 ratings) — better | 4.4 (41 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 48.0% of reviews | 78.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 39 | 41 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #197 | #177 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 320 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | MIDIculous LLC | Genuine Soundware |
Customer experience
MKSensation Xtreme
VB3m
User reviews
MKSensation Xtreme
From 39 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🎶 Incredible sound quality
- 🎹 Excellent for live performance
- 💡 Great value for price
- 🤝 Responsive support team
- 🎹 Amazing gospel presets
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 App instability
- 🐛 Download issues
- 🐛 Sound not playing properly
- 🐛 MIDI connection problems
VB3m
From 41 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🎶 Authentic organ sound
- ✨ Excellent sound quality
- 💻 Great for live performances
- 💡 Incredible value for price
- 🚀 Fast and stable performance
Room to improve
- 🐛 Graphics are pixelated/blurry
- 🔋 High battery drain
- 🐞 Sound gets stuck
- 🔌 Issues with GarageBand integration
- 📉 Not as good as dedicated hardware
Bugs and requests
MKSensation Xtreme
Reported bugs
40 issues- Latency after last update
- Download indicator remains zero
- App stalls then crashes
- Playback issue after OS update (thud/squeal)
- Some sounds won't play properly
Show 35 moreShow fewer
- App quits working, no sound
- Not working with iPad Air
- Backup option broken with current iOS update
- Cannot import presets
- Interface doesn't fit screen well
- Sticking notes
- No MIDI input available
- App is bugged
- My sounds are gone
- No tap for download
- App is not stable, stops working mid-presentation
- Not producing any sound
- Some patches don't work well
- Multiple sound clipping and cutting out
- 4 quick access assignable area resets
- Update deleted all sounds
- Triggers a G# in the second octave
- Requires re-downloading sounds every startup
- Will not function from iPad to controller/workstation
- Plug-in loader doesn't load 3rd party apps well
- Cannot change sounds in edit mode (list doesn't open)
- Problem with live set mode (pads don't call up programs)
- Crashes consistently when using other apps/plugins
- Crashes when selecting Bluetooth MIDI
- App crashes a number of times
- Only loads one plug-in before crashing
- Loading AU version clears scanned plugins
- Scanning doesn't function correctly in AU version
- Randomly crashes when turning knobs on controller
- String pad sample 2 install error
- Crashing when loading an external plugin
- Problems importing sounds for custom setup
- App completely closes out on its own
- Crashes when picking sounds
- MKS Out of the Box has noise/hiss
Requested features
14 requests- Felt pianos, shimmers, arps, plucks, risers
- Embedded pad drones
- Latch/hold patches button
- Velocity window feature
- Dark mode
Show 9 moreShow fewer
- Control Sustain and Expression Pedal
- Add or delete controllers for each sound slot
- Larger mute and solo buttons
- Resize options for interface
- Arpeggiator with hold function
- 3 band EQ on panel
- More presets
- Improve AUv3 import
- Fix crashiness
VB3m
Reported bugs
14 issues- Sound gets stuck
- Non funziona più (stops working)
- Non riesco più a sentire il suono (no sound after iPad update)
- Sounds get stuck, developer not responding
- UI is pixelated and needs a refresh
Show 9 moreShow fewer
- Graphics are very low res (needs fixing!)
- Blurry graphics on iPad Pro 12”
- Problems recording with GarageBand iOS
- Difficulty connecting with MIDI keyboard and audio interface on iPad 9th gen
- App screen goes dark and no sound when connected to MIDI/audio interface
- Minor bug: sometimes the app seems to lose track of the (swell) expression pedal
- Problema GarageBand: not working as Audio Unit with native GarageBand keyboard
- Latency issues on older iPhone models
- Battery drains when in background
Requested features
30 requests- Add parametric EQ
- Adjustable sustain
- Adjustable Leslie transition speed
- Save drawbar registrations
- Reverse color keys for quick access
Show 25 moreShow fewer
- Toggle setting for rotary control
- Increase UI size
- Add sustain pedal triggers bass note
- Add percussion volume control
- Add black keys to keyboard view
- Add up/down selector buttons for presets
- Option to save parameters globally or per preset
- Add MIDI learn
- Clean setting on drive knob
- Leslie speed switch on organ page
- More presets
- Integrate half moon Leslie directly on organ screen
- Add mute function for use with other apps
- Option to decide buffer size
- Transpose +2 octaves for lower split
- More Leslie tweaks (speed, ramp-up times, amp models)
- Add reverse color keys to keyboard page
- Allow rotary control to have 'toggle' setting
- Increase UI size
- Add user saved presets
- Add MIDI learn
- Clean setting on drive knob
- Leslie speed switch on organ page
- More presets
- Expression pedal mapping improvement
In-app purchases
MKSensation Xtreme
- Micro Grand$4.99
- Clarity Grand Piano$7.99
- Upright Expansion$9.99
VB3m
No in-app purchases









