Comparison

TouchOSC vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

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

Head to head
About

TouchOSC

This app provides a powerful and flexible modular control surface for MIDI and OSC messages. It features a GPU-powered editor for creating complex layouts, cross-network synchronized editing, and a scripting engine for deep customization. It's designed for musicians and audio professionals seeking advanced control over their digital audio workstations and other compatible software.

Highlights
  • Modular control surface
  • Powerful integrated editor
  • MIDI and OSC message support
  • Cross-network synchronized editing
  • Scripting engine for customization
  • Wired & wireless MIDI connections
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Brand-new app. Brand-new powerful editor. We've listened for the past 10 years and we've re-written the application from the ground up - with speed, features and usability in mind. A GPU-powered, fast and advanced integrated editor is part of TouchOSC on all platforms - create the most complex of control layouts with ease and precision. MIDI, OSC and more... TouchOSC supports sending and receiving any number of MIDI and OSC messages on many connections simultaneously. On top of OSC over UDP & TCP, we support every type of wired & wireless MIDI connection your device can offer, including MIDI over USB. Cross-Network. Synchronized editing. Multiple instances of TouchOSC can be connected on the network for synchronized editing. Use the precision of your desktop's mouse and keyboard for fine-grained, detailed editing - test-drive and preview in real-time on all connected touch-screen devices at the same time. Scripting and local messages. A lightweight and fast scripting engine allows deep access to all aspects of your controller and enables limitless customization and interactivity. For less complex tasks we've added local messages - simply wire up controls to transmit or display values; no need to break out the big (code) guns. Easy. This is only the beginning... We've supported and updated TouchOSC Mk1 for more than 10 years and we're planning to do the same for this new version. We've already got a whole bunch of features cooking that were just not quite ready yet. There is so much more to come... Welcome to the next generation!

About

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

Highlights
  • Virtual Analog Synthesizer
  • 40+ Classic Waveforms
  • Arpeggiator
  • Step Sequencer
  • Lush Effects Suite
  • Four-voice Unison
  • AUv3 Plugin Support
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Inspired by the classic sounds of the Nord Lead A1** This is not a Rompler. This is a SYNTH.  "I’m impressed. The sounds are FAT, the effects are LUSH, and the interface is a JOY to use."  – Audio News Room "This is not a clone, this is BEYOND the hardware, it's a completely new, fantastic beast" – Jade Starr, How to App "An excellent release...app captures the soul of the Nord Lead A1 Synthesizer"  – Synth Anatomy "An iOS-based homage to a virtual analogue classic!" – Music Radar / Keyboard Magazine Not imitation, it's Innovation! https://audiokitpro.com/redsynth With Nerd Synth, you’ll have access to all 40+ of the classic lead A1 waveforms! Plus, we gave it some RAW MODERN POWER. FULLY LOADED w/ 550+ presets by Analog Matthew, Electronisounds, DMT Cymatics, Moby Pixel, Red Sky Lullaby, and more NOTE: This is a synth, and contains no hardware preset samples. All presets are completely original. One low price includes Lifetime License and all Features Easy to use. Easy to get great tone! NERD SYNTH A2X: • 64-voice, Retro VA-Synth • Include all 40+ of the Nord A1 waveforms • Arpeggiator! Classic Hardware-style Arp, with extra features • Vintage-style Step Sequencer that can be routed to specific layers • A proper filter envelope ADSR! • NEW: 2x Oversampled Oscillators • 3 LFOs. Fun Routings. LFOs can modify other LFOs • Microtonality, World Scales and Western Scales! • TouchPads! 2 fun assignable pads, -= Create NORD-style SUPER SAWS =- ++ Four-voice Unison with the tap of a button ++ 3 different algorithms: Regular, HYPER, and BEAST! "Astoundingly great sounding and intuitive synth app!" – The GarageBand Guide Modeled sound: It's like a time-capsule. Imagine if there were iPads in 2003? Complete with that "cold" VA sound that ruled the dance floors and stages ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • FX: Glorious Reverb, Analog Tape Delay, Distortion, Flanger, Chorus, Crush, and more. • On board "Record" button, no external hardware required • Works with a MIDI Keyboard EXCLUSIVE TO THIS APP: • "SUPER FM" wild pitch drop controls! Modeled after digital VA-Synths, complete with vintage digital aliasing for old-school vibe! • Crazy aggressive RING MODULATION distortion – It's like robots talking, or fighting? You decide! COOL: • iPad version has "stacked" views for maximum onscreen control! Tap the current Nav Button at the top to change the bottom view • This is a Premium App: No iAP, No Ads, No subscriptions! Use as a plug-in in DAWs like GarageBand & Logic for iPad, Cubasis, AUM, and more! NOTE: This is not a hardware clone, it's a completely new synth. If you're looking for a ROMpler like the "Stage" series, this app may not be for you. This is a SYNTH, not a rompler. All the presets here are new and original. Giving you fresh new sounds that are completely tweak-able This is not a 1:1 clone and will not load hardware presets. Please note that this app's sound is closer to the A1, which is a different sound from the NL1/NL2X. ** This app has no affiliation or endorsement by Clavia DMI AB. This app is not a clone of any their synths, including the Nord Lead and Nord Lead A1. While we were inspired by their wonderful and iconic work, this app is not trying to copy those synths. We created something completely new. It's a synth for synth nerds :) LEGAL STUFF: All product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with the creators of this app, including AudioKit, AudioKit Pro, LLC, and the other contributors. Any use of these names and images does not imply any cooperation or endorsement by Clavia Digital Musical Instruments. Nord Lead, Nord Lead 2X, Nord, and Nord Lead A1 are Clavia trademarks and properties. We appreciate their amazing work in creating such classic and inspiring instruments.

Screenshots

TouchOSC4 screens
NERD Synth A2x + AUv34 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 at $5.99 against TouchOSC's $19.99. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (90% vs 72%). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

TouchOSC costs $19.99 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.3K ratings behind it against 211, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of TouchOSC's written reviews are positive against 90% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TouchOSC ships an update every 5 weeks, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
TouchOSC versus NERD Synth A2x + AUv3: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouchOSCNERD Synth A2x + AUv3
Price$19.99$5.99 — better
Rating4.5 (211 ratings)4.9 (1.3K ratings) — better
Positive reviews71.7% of reviews90.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2111.3K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank#136 — better#151
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better14.4
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB242 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHexler LLCAudioKit Pro

Customer experience

TouchOSC

All ratings211 ratings
Positive89.1%
Neutral2.4%
Negative8.5%
Written reviews99 reviews
Positive71.7%
Neutral9.1%
Negative19.2%

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

All ratings1,342 ratings
Positive99.1%
Neutral0.6%
Negative0.3%
Written reviews146 reviews
Positive90.4%
Neutral6.8%
Negative2.7%

User reviews

TouchOSC

From 211 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎛️ Highly customizable control surfaces
  • 💡 Powerful Lua scripting capabilities
  • 🔄 Cross-platform compatibility
  • ⚡ Stable and reliable performance
  • 🎨 Built-in editor for real-time design

Room to improve

  • 📖 Poor documentation and manual
  • 🎓 Steep learning curve for beginners
  • 🖱️ Clunky and unintuitive UI/UX
  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and connection issues
  • 📱 Limited Bluetooth MIDI support on iOS

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

From 1.3K App Store ratings

What we love

  • ⭐ Outstanding synth
  • 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
  • 🎨 Great presets and sound design
  • 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
  • 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
  • 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
  • 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
  • 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

Bugs and requests

TouchOSC

Reported bugs

12 issues
  • App crashes and won't reopen
  • Connection drops between iPad and computer
  • OSC not transmitting despite showing connected
  • Screen goes blank when typing text
  • Document tree scrolling jumps erratically
Show 7 more
  • Pen input unresponsive on iPad
  • Control surfaces appearing upside down
  • Inconsistent mirror editing from desktop
  • MIDI over USB connection issues on Windows
  • Automatic 'untitled' file creation on connection
  • Studio One integration failures
  • Logic Pro mapping inconsistencies

Requested features

17 requests
  • Bluetooth MIDI support on iOS devices
  • VST/AU plugin version for DAWs
  • Better documentation and video tutorials
  • Cross-control scripting capabilities
  • Image and background customization
Show 12 more
  • Global variables for state management
  • Improved document tree navigation
  • Batch editing for multiple controls
  • Real-time cloud synchronization
  • Radial radio button controls
  • Audio analyzer for frequency/BPM detection
  • Background mode operation
  • Joycon controller support
  • NRPN MIDI support
  • Better grid snapping options
  • Position lock for interface elements
  • Standalone app compilation/export

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
  • Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

Requested features

4 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Undo/redo functionality
  • Improved Logic Pro integration
  • Ability to change color scheme

In-app purchases

None

TouchOSC

No in-app purchases

None

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TouchOSC free?
TouchOSC costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, TouchOSC or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?
NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. TouchOSC averages 4.5 out of 5 from 211 ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.3K ratings.
Do TouchOSC or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?
Neither TouchOSC nor NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TouchOSC or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?
TouchOSC ships an update every 5 weeks, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, TouchOSC was updated on September 23, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on September 23, 2026.
Which is more popular, TouchOSC or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?
TouchOSC currently peaks at #136 in the App Store charts, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 at #151. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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