Comparison

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Creatives

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

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read 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.

About

Creatives

Features
Read full description

Creatives.art Support artist directly, collect royalties on songs. Fans can support musicians directly - Getting collectible merch - Receiving royalties on the songs directly. Royalties are tracked by PROS & paid quarterly in your creatives account. Musicians can: Get funding for their music directly from their fans. - Create campaigns for their songs/albums 0$ to get started & launch a campaign - Design & sell customizable merch Choose from over 40+ products to customize around your song. we can connect you with vetted manufacturing company to produce & fulfill merch for artist. - Raise funds through the sale of the rights of your royalties directly to their fans. Musicians can get funding while keep control their masters (alternative to major labels) Artist decide # of supporters who get % of royalties on their songs. Creatives.art automated the legal & payment process for your supporters who will be receiving royalties. Royalties are tracked by distributors & PROs who pay quarterly. Creatives built a lot of FREE features that help musicians: - Free link in bio designed for musicians & creatives. - Music analytics that help you grow - Track sales & supporters - Fan CRM to convert fans into supporters more coming soon on creatives.art

Screenshots

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens
Creatives4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Creatives at none against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4. Creatives also leads on ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is iOS requirement (14.5 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence and device support 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

Both are free to download. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Creatives asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, Creatives monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave versus Creatives: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVHS Synth | 80s SynthwaveCreatives
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (132 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews51.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings132 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.5 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size167 MB33 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperAudiobus Pty LtdUnknown Creatives inc

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 more
  • 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 more
  • Access to original synth parameters instead of sample-based playback
  • Direct routing to IAA output for FL Studio Mobile

Creatives

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly premium7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Weekly premium$4.997 Days
  • Yearly premium$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year
None

Creatives

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Creatives free?
Creatives is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Creatives have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Creatives does not.
Which is updated more often, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Creatives?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and Creatives monthly. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on October 7, 2026 and Creatives on October 6, 2026.

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