# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Scaler EQ

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | Scaler EQ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $12.99 |
| Rating | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) | **[4.6 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scaler-eq/id6499342445/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **132** | 27 |
| Positive reviews | **51.1% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Size | 167 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [Scaler Music](https://appshunter.io/developer/1603180477) |

## What reviewers say

### VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
- 🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
- 💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
- 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
- 🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
- 🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
- 📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
- 🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
- 😠 Lack of developer communication about changes

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### Scaler EQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scaler-eq/id6499342445)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Scaler EQ free?

Scaler EQ costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Scaler EQ?

Scaler EQ is rated higher. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 out of 5 from 132 ratings, while Scaler EQ averages 4.6 from 27 ratings.

### Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Scaler EQ have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Scaler EQ does not.

### Which is updated more often, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Scaler EQ?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and Scaler EQ every 2 months. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on October 18, 2026 and Scaler EQ on October 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*