Comparison

Aurora (MIDI Controller) vs VAPolyFMv2

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Live data streaming from observatories
  • Flexible MIDI mapping
  • Connects to DAWs like Ableton Live
  • Cross-platform compatibility (iOS, macOS)
  • Creates ambient and techno music
Features
Read full description

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.

About

VAPolyFMv2

This modular FM synthesizer offers 8 operators with spectral form and pitch EG, supporting standalone use or as an AUv3 extension. It includes built-in effects, a step sequencer, and extensive MIDI and Ableton Link integration for music creation across Apple devices.

Highlights
  • 8 Operator Modular FM Synthesizer
  • Built-in effects (delay, chorus, reverb, etc.)
  • Analog style step sequencer
  • Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) support
  • Ableton Link and MIDI 2.0 integration
  • Cross-platform iCloud Drive project sharing
Features
Read full description

VAPolyFM V2 is modular FM synthesizer inspired by modern FM Synthesizers. V2 features 8 operators, 4 oscillator spectral form and pitch EG per operators. VAPolyFM 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 8 Operator Modular FM Synthesizer. 4 Spectral Form. Pitch EG per Operators. Modular Operator Routing. Eight Assignable Controllers with Global Offset Parameters for Performance. Analog Style Step Sequencer. 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 230 Factory Presets, 40 Effects Presets and 5 Macro 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. UI Color can be selected from black, navy or gray. 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

Aurora (MIDI Controller)4 screens
VAPolyFMv24 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Aurora (MIDI Controller) at $2.99 against VAPolyFMv2's $14.99. Aurora (MIDI Controller) also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months). VAPolyFMv2's advantage is ratings volume (6 vs 2). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Aurora (MIDI Controller) costs $2.99 and VAPolyFMv2 $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Aurora (MIDI Controller) holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 6 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 50% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Aurora (MIDI Controller) ships an update every 8 days, VAPolyFMv2 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Aurora (MIDI Controller) versus VAPolyFMv2: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAurora (MIDI Controller)VAPolyFMv2
Price$2.99 — better$14.99
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better4.5 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings26 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.616.6
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJason SnellRyo Togawa

Customer experience

Aurora (MIDI Controller)

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%

VAPolyFMv2

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral16.7%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Aurora (MIDI Controller)

No in-app purchases

None

VAPolyFMv2

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Aurora (MIDI Controller) free?
Aurora (MIDI Controller) costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VAPolyFMv2 free?
VAPolyFMv2 costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Aurora (MIDI Controller) or VAPolyFMv2?
Aurora (MIDI Controller) is rated higher. Aurora (MIDI Controller) averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while VAPolyFMv2 averages 4.5 from 6 ratings.
Do Aurora (MIDI Controller) or VAPolyFMv2 have ads?
Neither Aurora (MIDI Controller) nor VAPolyFMv2 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Aurora (MIDI Controller) or VAPolyFMv2?
Aurora (MIDI Controller) ships an update every 8 days, and VAPolyFMv2 every 2 months. Most recently, Aurora (MIDI Controller) was updated on June 3, 2026 and VAPolyFMv2 on September 20, 2026.

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