Aurora (MIDI Controller) vs VAPolyTZFM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Aurora (MIDI Controller)
Transform space weather data into musical expression with this live MIDI controller. Connect to your DAW and map real-time electromagnetic readings to create unique soundscapes and dynamic tracks.
- Live data streaming from observatories
- Flexible MIDI mapping
- Connects to DAWs like Ableton Live
- Cross-platform compatibility (iOS, macOS)
- Creates ambient and techno music
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Aurora is a live MIDI controller powered by real-time data from space weather observatories and satellites. Connect Aurora to your favorite DAW (like Ableton Live) and transform electromagnetic readings into musical expression. Features: • Live data streaming from NOAA and Dombås observatory • Flexible MIDI mapping for CC controls • Works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac Catalyst Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or building dynamic techno tracks, Aurora connects your music to the rhythms of the planet.
VAPolyTZFM
This app is a polyphonic synthesizer that utilizes Through Zero FM for musical sound generation. It offers a standalone mode with Ableton Link and MIDI support, as well as an AudioUnit Extension for use with other music software. Built-in effects and iCloud Drive integration enhance its creative capabilities.
- Through Zero FM synthesis
- AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support
- Ableton Link and MIDI connectivity
- Built-in effects suite
- iCloud Drive project sharing
- Analog style step sequencer
- Up to 8 voice polyphony
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VAPolyTZFM is polyphonic synthesizer featuring Through Zero FM, which is a type of linear frequency modulation and it is capable to maintain the pitch therefore it can deliver more musical results. VAPolyTZFM operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. Main Features Through Zero FM Analog Style Step Sequencer. Eight Assignable Controllers. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Built-in effects and piano roll sequencer. Audio Export. Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3). Support MIDI 2.0. Support Foot Pedal and Per Note Control. Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. Include 256 Factory Presets. Improvements Support MIDI Foot Pedal (CC#11, CC#64) Support MIDI2.0 Per Note Control Messages MIDI CC Settings are saved. It will be recovered when the app launched in the next time. System Requirements iOS 17.0 or later Devices with Apple Silicon are recommended. A13 Fusion or above is highly recommended. if sound is distorted when using a device with less CPU power, reduce number of voices. AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) requires host application which support AudioUnit Extension. AudioUnit Extension is supported by Apple Logic and Apple Garage Band on iOS and macOS. For any other DAW, it depends on the application and some of them don’t support AudioUnit Extension.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Aurora (MIDI Controller) at every 8 days against VAPolyTZFM's every 9 months. Aurora (MIDI Controller) also leads on price ($2.99 vs $5.99). On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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
Aurora (MIDI Controller) costs $2.99 and VAPolyTZFM $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Aurora (MIDI Controller) against 5.0 for VAPolyTZFM. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 50% positive.
Aurora (MIDI Controller) ships an update every 8 days, VAPolyTZFM every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Aurora (MIDI Controller) | VAPolyTZFM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 — better | $5.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 17 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jason Snell | Ryo Togawa |
Customer experience
Aurora (MIDI Controller)
VAPolyTZFM
In-app purchases
Aurora (MIDI Controller)
No in-app purchases
VAPolyTZFM
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Aurora (MIDI Controller) free?
Is VAPolyTZFM free?
Which has better reviews, Aurora (MIDI Controller) or VAPolyTZFM?
Do Aurora (MIDI Controller) or VAPolyTZFM have ads?
Which is updated more often, Aurora (MIDI Controller) or VAPolyTZFM?
Other comparisons
