VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Scaler EQ
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
This app creates unique synth sounds by recording classic synths to VHS tape and then resampling them. It offers a vast library of presets and effects to achieve lo-fi, retro vibes for various music genres. An AUv3 plugin and standalone app are included.
- VHS-recorded and resampled synths
- Over 280+ presets
- Standalone app and AUv3 plugin
- VCR sound effects
- VCR FX section for customization
- Free expansion pack included
Read full descriptionHide full description
VHS Synth features synths recorded with a VCR, then resampled. Perfect for Synthwave, Hip Hop, Indie, Rock, Movie Soundtracks, Lo-Fi, Ambient, Vaporwave, Retro Pop, and more. Create instant lo-fi and cool retro vibes. Press a key. Elevate your music. Includes over 280+ Presets by Jakob haQ, Red Sky Lullaby, The GarageBand Guide, DJ Puzzle, Sound of Izrael, DJ Montra, Marc Hupkens, AnalogMatthew, JEC, Da Fingaz, Brian Funk, and more. "BEST Lo-Fi instrument I’ve ever played, seriously good sounds!" - The SoundTest Room "VHS Synth is a Retrowave dream!" - iPad Loops "Turns Your iOS Device Into An 80s Time Machine" - Synthtopia Classic Synths were recorded to VHS Tape with a VCR, then re-sampled. "VHS Synth is the ULTIMATE Retro Synth App" - The GarageBand Guide FEATURES: • Standalone app + iOS AUv3 Plugin • Over 280+ presets to inspire you • Compressed to under 140mb to save space • VCR Sound Effects (Buttons, Tape Hiss, More) • VCR FX section to customize the sounds • FREE Expansion Pack: OP-1 recorded with a VCR ++ iPhone & iPad version included for one low price Real analog feel and dirt. Vintage hardware was recorded into a VCR and then re-sampled. Subscribe to access to premium app features; subscription details are the following: - Length: weekly or yearly - Free trial: only on selected subscriptions - Your payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase - Your subscription will renew automatically, unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - The cost of renewal will be charged to your account in the 24 hours prior to the end of the current period - When canceling a subscription, your subscription will stay active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when purchasing a subscription Terms & Conditions: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a0880aca270f4f8ccee8d3e?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a0880aca270f4f8ccee8d3e?pvs=21) Privacy Policy: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a088019bec6ccb33ae5bb09?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a088019bec6ccb33ae5bb09?pvs=21) * NOTE: This app has no official affiliation with AudioKit Pro, LLC. It was built using the free AudioKit source code.
Scaler EQ
This application offers a unique approach to audio equalization by intelligently adjusting frequencies based on the detected key and scale of your music. It provides both musical enhancements and traditional EQ controls for detailed sound shaping.
- In-key EQ with harmonic band types
- Automatic key and scale detection
- Familiar EQ controls with added color
- Magic Shelf for enhanced low and high frequencies
- Mastering-grade limiters and meters
- Dynamic band control and sidechain input
- Standalone and AUv3 host compatibility
Read full descriptionHide full description
Following on from the award-winning Scaler music theory plugin, Scaler EQ offers a remarkable new way to EQ with musicality and colour. By detecting the key and scale of your audio and enhancing only note frequencies in key with your song, and reducing only note frequencies that aren’t, Scaler EQ can provide a new spin on working with cuts and boosts, increasing the tonality behind your music and providing new harmonic avenues. And for when you just want a regular, fully-featured, modern EQ, Scaler EQ has you covered with its familiar workflow, large choice of band types, mid/side operation, dynamic bands, peak limiters, and stereo enhancement. You can easily apply classic mixing and mastering techniques used by professionals, with an extra optional musical edge. NOTE: We have designed Scaler EQ for iPad. It works on iPhone too with identical functionality but relies more on the two finger tap to zoom function. -The World’s First In-Key EQ -Simple Key Detection -Musician- and Producer-Friendly Band Types -The Magic Shelf -Mastering Grade Limiters and Meters -All the Mod EQ Cons Main Features: Patent pending musical EQ with harmonic band types that boost in-key frequencies and cut out-of-key frequencies Familiar EQ controls translate to a regular workflow – but one that adds more colour Choice of band types for traditional boost/cut EQ or harmonic EQ Magic Shelf bands deliver punchier low end and smoother highs Simple key detection identifies the key and scale of your audio and sets the EQ’s target scale Scale Switching allows for scale and key changes in your track Dial in dynamics for any band (Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release) Control any shape dynamically via sidechain input Add or remove scale notes for a specific colour (eg, four-note chords or just fifths) Input And Output Peak Limiters Adjustable input and output levels with peak and RMS metering Create unique EQ responses by combining magic shelves, harmonic filters and cuts Each band can be set to work on stereo, mid or side channels Enhance stereo width and collapse low frequencies to mono Minimum phase, zero latency EQ Standalone and compatible with AUv3 host apps such as Logic Pro, GarageBand, Auria, AUM, and Cubasis. Closable Panels and iOS zoom functions What can Scaler EQ be used for? Music Production: Ideal for musicians and producers looking to enhance the musicality of their tracks by ensuring all instruments are in harmony with the chosen scale. Audio Editing: Simplify EQ processes by targeting and cleaning up frequency bands to remove audio that doesn’t belong and enhance audio naturally present with the chosen scale. Audio Engineering: Dynamically soothe audio by suppressing in-harmonic frequencies or expanding harmonic frequencies using dynamic compression and expansion. Mastering: Place on your master channel to broaden your stereo width, focus your bass, increase loudness, and enhance your mix. Sound Designers: Easily create playable instruments from any recorded sound source using the Sound Design presets and musical resonator FX. DJing: DJs can use it to ensure that the tracks they mix are in harmony by detecting the key and scale whilst balancing the mix of each track. -"Scaler EQ is plugin that offers an innovative way to equalise with musicality and colour. It is a plugin that deserves to be tried by anyone." DJ Mag Italia -"Scaler EQ is a groundbreaking advancement in the world of audio engineering. The harmonic EQ technology is a game-changer." Song Mix Master -"Scaler EQ can make subtle harmonic changes or be a hugely creative plugin, but either way it makes your mixes sound better." Computer Music July 2024 -"Scaler EQ delivers harmonic processing we didn’t know we needed, but once heard, we might just apply it to everything." Music Radar -"Scaler EQ is a valuable tool for musicians, producers and audio professionals. It just might be the only EQ you need going forward’ 24bit Electronic Music Production
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against Scaler EQ's $12.99. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (132 vs 27). Scaler EQ's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On review sentiment, device support 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
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; Scaler EQ costs $12.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Scaler EQ asks for nothing beyond the download.
Scaler EQ holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 132 and 27 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's written reviews are positive against 50% of Scaler EQ's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, Scaler EQ every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | Scaler EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $12.99 |
| Rating | 4.0 (132 ratings) | 4.6 (27 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 51.1% of reviews — better | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 132 — better | 27 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Subscription | Paid — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.5 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 167 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Audiobus Pty Ltd | Scaler Music |
Customer experience
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Scaler EQ
Bugs and requests
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Reported bugs
11 issues- GarageBand compatibility broken after updates
- App not recognized in Logic Pro after updates
- Inconsistent sound quality across different registers
- Patch/preset settings not retained after closing DAW
- Audio Unit Extension crashes in GarageBand
Show 6 moreShow fewer
- Duplicate track sounds different from original
- Display shows 'Welcome' instead of loaded patch
- Thin black keys difficult to hit on keyboard
- Missing top C key on keyboard
- Sounds inconsistent when exported from GarageBand
- App disappears from projects after ownership change
Requested features
7 requests- Mac OS version for DAW compatibility
- Velocity sensitivity settings for keyboard
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels with actual functionality
- Better keyboard design with proper key sizing
- Improved UI layout to reduce wasted space in AUv3 mode
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Access to original synth parameters instead of sample-based playback
- Direct routing to IAA output for FL Studio Mobile
Scaler EQ
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
- Weekly premium7 Days trial$4.997 Days
- Weekly premium$4.997 Days
- Yearly premium$9.991 Year
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year
Scaler EQ
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
Is Scaler EQ free?
Which has better reviews, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Scaler EQ?
Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Scaler EQ have ads?
Which is updated more often, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Scaler EQ?
Other comparisons















