Comparison

SynthMaster 2 vs SNESynth

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SynthMaster 2

This powerful software synthesizer offers a vast array of sound design capabilities, including multiple oscillator modes, extensive modulation options, and a wide selection of filters. Explore over 1000 factory presets or create your own unique sounds. Available as a standalone app or AUv3 plugin.

Highlights
  • Multiple oscillator modes (Basic, Additive, Wavetable, Vector)
  • Extensive modulation architecture
  • 6 filter categories
  • Import custom wave files
  • 1000+ factory presets
  • Standalone app and AUv3 plugin
Read full description

KV331 Audio is proud to announce the availability of their award winning software synthesizer SynthMaster 2.9 on iOS platform. As being the first app developed using KV331 Audio’s new cross-platform UI framework, SynthMaster 2 runs as a standalone app or AUv3 plugin on iPads with iOS 11 and above. SynthMaster 2 supports native resolutions of various iPad devices. User interfaces are provided for 9.7, 11 and 12.9 inch iPads in 4 different skins (Blue, White, Dark, Proto). Separate interfaces are provided for the AudioUnit plugin as well. SynthMaster 2 comes with 1000 factory presets designed by world class sound designers such as BigTone, Nori Ubukata, NatLife and Yuli Yolo. Thanks to the comprehensive preset browsing features, users can easily filter presets by author name, bank name, instrument type or preset name and find the sounds that they are looking for. There’s also an IAP Shop, which lets users purchase additional sounds: 1. "Desktop Presets Upgrade": This IAP adds all factory presets in SynthMaster 2.9, increasing the total preset count to 2000. 2. "All Expansions Bundle": This IAP adds all current 38 SynthMaster preset expansion banks. Sound Engine: At the heart of SynthMaster 2’s powerful sound engine lies its oscillators, modulators, and filters. Oscillators: The oscillators can operate in 4 different modes to generate sound: 1. In Basic mode, the oscillator plays single cycle waveforms or samples. With the Oscillator Unison turned on, up to 8 voices per oscillator can be played. 2. In Additive mode, 8 Basic oscillators can be stacked up to create richer tones. 3. In Wavetable mode, the oscillator can play wavetables with up to 256 frames. 4. In Vector mode, 4 Basic oscillators are mixed in 2 dimensions. Modulators: Modulators are simply basic oscillators that can be added to other oscillators or modulate other oscillators’ or modulators’ phases. By connecting modulators to other oscillators or modulators, complex FM tones can be synthesized. Importing Wave Files into SynthMaster: While designing sounds, users can easily import wave files into SynthMaster 2. SynthMaster 2 can categorize those files into waveforms, wavetables or multi samples and import them accordingly. Filters: Once the sound is generated by the oscillators it goes through SynthMaster’s filters, which can operate in 6 different categories: Digital, VAnalog, Ladder, Diode Ladder, State Variable and Bite. Custom distortion can be applied before or after the filters as well. Modulation Architecture: SynthMaster 2 features a comprehensive modulation architecture with a wide range of modulation sources: 1. MIDI controls 2. Macros controls 3. 4 ADSR envelopes per layer 4. 4 Multisegmented envelopes per payer 5. 4 LFOs per layer 6. 4 Sequencers per layer 7. 4 Keyscalers per layer There’s real-time visual feedback that lets users see how modulation sources and targets are changing when a note is being played. This is extremely helpful when designing sounds with SynthMaster 2. New modulations can be created easily by dragging and dropping a modulation source onto a knob or slider control. Users can easily see which controls are modulated by a modulation source by clicking on that source. Controls that are being modulated by that source will display modulation amounts. By long pressing a control, the modulation amount can be edited without the need to go through the mod matrix. Arp/Sequencer: SynthMaster features a comprehensive arpeggiator / sequencer with 32 steps. Users can easily create sequences by recording steps one by one. Effects: Each of the 2 layers in SynthMaster has 5 insert effect slots. 13 different types of effects can be instantiated in any of those slots. There are also 2 global effect send busses which can be used to create more complex effect routings.

About

SNESynth

Create authentic 16-bit video game music and sound effects with a powerful synth engine. Explore over 400 presets, utilize a step sequencer, and record your creations. Works standalone or as an AUv3 plugin in iOS DAWs.

Highlights
  • 16-bit video game synth
  • 2,500+ samples from video game chips
  • Standalone app & AUv3 plugin
  • Over 400 presets
  • Step sequencer
  • Audio recording and export
  • MIDI keyboard support
Features
Read full description

SUPER NINJA ENTERTAINMENT SYNTH. SUPER FUN! Chiptune and 16-Bit video game synth. Uses real synthesis and samples from actual video game chips. ** Leads, Sound FX, Inspiration, and FUN – you're gonna find it in this app! NOW, YOU’RE PLAYING WITH SYNTH POWER! This app uses "real" synthesis, combined with samples for the ultimate creative control and authentic sound. “AUDIOKIT HAVE STRUCK GOLD, PROVIDING SOME OF THE THE MOST AUTHENTIC RETRO SYNTH SOUNDS YOU’LL EVER HEAR!” -- The GarageBand Guide, 5 star YouTube review ++ Over 400+ Presets to inspire you, including 240+ "Starter" sounds to make your own sound! ++ Exclusive Free Presets by Analog Matthew, Cokomairena, DMT Cymatics, Electronisounds, GarageBand Guide, Gavinski, Mark Hupkens, Moby Pixel, and more! FEATURES: • 2,500+ Samples packed into 240+ Multi-sampled PCM instruments! • Standalone app & iOS AUv3 Plugin • Over 350+ presets to inspire you • Fun free-running step sequencer • 16-bit Synth, Drum, and Sound FX sounds included • Over 1 GB of sounds compressed to under 120 Mb • Audio recording, record your sounds then export wav files! No other apps needed • Use with MIDI keyboard or iOS MIDI host • Ableton Link MORE FEATURES: • Use as an AUv3 (AudioUnit Plugin) in iOS DAWs such as Logic, GarageBand, Cubasis, AUM, more • Step Sequencer with “Magic Gate”, variable divisions, multiple oscillator & layer destinations • Traditional Synth Engine (including Pulse Width Modulation - PWM the heart of chiptune sounds) • On board RECORDING – easily record your melodies, and sounds and export! • LFO: Multiple waveforms + Re-trigger + 2 Destinations • Full ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release for each layer) ++ Exclusive sounds made for this app... You can't get these sounds anywhere else! It's your secret sauce. + iPhone & iPad versions included for one low price More Info: www.audiokitpro.com/snesynth ** No video games themselves were sampled. The synthesis from vintage hardware sound chips was sampled. Plus, this app uses a "real" on board synth engine. This app does not sample any Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega, or Gameboy games. Nor does it have any affiliation with any of the companies or trademarks. We respect their pioneering work in sound design and have attempted to pay homage. We hope you enjoy the sounds and are able to be inspired! :) ### AudioKit is an open-source project intended to bring joy and music to people, and enlighten people on how to build custom instruments and iOS apps. All product names, images, and trademarks are the property of their respective ownes, which are in no way associated or affiliated with the creators of this app, including AudioKit, AudioKit Pro, LLC, and the other contributors. Product names are used solely for the purpose of identifying specific products related to hardware, synthesizers, sampling, sound design, and music-making. Use of these names and images does not imply any cooperation or endorsement. We thank them for their incredible hardware and instruments.

Screenshots

SNESynth4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: SNESynth at $4.99 against SynthMaster 2's $14.99. SNESynth also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 32) and ads (none vs shown). SynthMaster 2's advantage is ratings volume (451 vs 75). On rating, update cadence 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

SynthMaster 2 costs $14.99 and SNESynth $4.99 up front. SynthMaster 2 sells 32 one-off in-app purchases. SNESynth asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for SynthMaster 2 against 4.8 for SNESynth. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SynthMaster 2 has 451 ratings behind it against 75, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 68% of SynthMaster 2's written reviews are positive against 85% of SNESynth's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SynthMaster 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, SNESynth monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
SynthMaster 2 versus SNESynth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSynthMaster 2SNESynth
Price$14.99$4.99 — better
Rating4.8 (451 ratings)4.8 (75 ratings) — better
Positive reviews68.5% of reviews84.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings451 — better75
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS1514.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size918 MB114 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKV331 AudioAudioKit Pro

Customer experience

SynthMaster 2

All ratings407 ratings
Positive94.3%
Neutral2.2%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews111 reviews
Positive68.5%
Neutral16.2%
Negative15.3%

SNESynth

All ratings74 ratings
Positive94.6%
Neutral1.4%
Negative4.1%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive84.6%
Neutral7.7%
Negative7.7%

Bugs and requests

SynthMaster 2

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Presets not loading correctly
  • Modulation not working after loading project
  • Skin resets to default
  • App crashes frequently

Requested features

2 requests
  • Pitch bend/glide for imported samples
  • Integration with AUM audio mixer

SNESynth

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

32 purchases

SynthMaster 2

One-time32
  • BigTone Tableworks Vol.2$1.99
  • Burak Yeter Synth Sounds Vol1$1.99
  • Aiyn Zahev Expansion 1$1.99
Show 29 more
  • BigTone Tableworks Vol.1$1.99
  • Michael Kastrup Expansion$1.99
  • EDM Stars Volume 1$1.99
  • Nori Ubukata Pop Hits Vol.4$1.99
  • Rob Lee EDM Expansion Vol.2$1.99
  • Alonso Sound Future Rave$1.99
  • Nori Ubukata Pop Hits Vol.1$1.99
  • BigTone Techno Bits Vol.1$1.99
  • Club Sequences Vol.1$2.99
  • Historical Synth Giants Vol.3$2.99
  • Dawn of Electronic Music Vol.2$2.99
  • Nori Ubukata Art Rock Basics$2.99
  • BigTone Analog Basics 02$4.99
  • BigTone Analog Basics$4.99
  • BigTone Signature Sounds Vol.1$4.99
  • NU Sounds of the World$4.99
  • Historical Synth Giants Vol.4$4.99
  • Historical Synth Giants Vol.1$4.99
  • Historical Synth Giants Vol.2$4.99
  • Japan Vintage$4.99
  • NatLife Future Bass Sounds$4.99
  • Danyella EDM Expansion Vol.1$4.99
  • Dawn of Electronic Music Vol.1$4.99
  • Dawn of Electronic Music Vol.3$4.99
  • Rob Lee EDM Expansion Vol.3$4.99
  • Natlife Disco Funk$4.99
  • Insigne Essentials 4 Clubbin$4.99
  • Desktop Presets Upgrade$9.99
  • All Expansions Bundle$49.99
None

SNESynth

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SynthMaster 2 free?
SynthMaster 2 costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is SNESynth free?
SNESynth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SynthMaster 2 or SNESynth?
SNESynth is rated higher. SynthMaster 2 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 451 ratings, while SNESynth averages 4.8 from 75 ratings.
Do SynthMaster 2 or SNESynth have ads?
SynthMaster 2 shows ads; SNESynth does not.
Which is updated more often, SynthMaster 2 or SNESynth?
SynthMaster 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, and SNESynth monthly. Most recently, SynthMaster 2 was updated on October 14, 2026 and SNESynth on October 20, 2026.

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