Comparison

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs SongBase

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

SongBase

This app helps musicians practice their repertoire efficiently using spaced repetition. It allows you to import sheet music, link tutorials, and track progress for each song. Organize songs for performances and utilize built-in practice tools like a tuner and metronome.

Highlights
  • Spaced repetition learning
  • Import tabs, sheet music, and videos
  • Organize songs by event
  • Built-in tuner and metronome
  • Progress tracking and statistics
  • Local data storage
Features
Read full description

Du hast 40 Songs gelernt – und spielst am Ende doch immer dieselben fünf. SongBase merkt sich dein komplettes Repertoire und sagt dir jeden Tag, welche Songs eine Auffrischung brauchen. DEIN TAGESPLAN Wissenschaftlich bewährte Wiederholung (Spaced Repetition): Songs, die du sicher spielst, kommen selten zurück. Wackelige Songs öfter. Nach jeder Session bewertest du in zwei Sekunden, wie sicher es saß – den Rest übernimmt SongBase. Zehn Minuten am Tag reichen. ALLES ZU EINEM SONG AN EINEM ORT • Tabs und Noten als PDF importieren • YouTube-Tutorials verlinken und direkt in der App ansehen • Eigene Fotos und Videos anhängen • Notizen zu Kapo, Griffen und Stolperstellen • Tonart, Tempo und Schwierigkeit festhalten LERNEN IN KLEINEN SCHRITTEN Zerlege jeden Song in Teilziele: „Intro sauber", „Wechsel Am–C", „Solo halbes Tempo". Du siehst jederzeit, wie weit du bist – statt nur „kann ich noch nicht". FÜR DEN NÄCHSTEN AUFTRITT Bündle Songs in Ordnern für Gig, Band oder Event – mit Datum. SongBase zeigt dir, wie viele davon schon sitzen, und übt gezielt die unsicheren durch. Mit Ziel-Datum an einem Song rücken die Wiederholungen automatisch enger zusammen. WERKZEUGE FÜRS ÜBEN • Stimmgerät für Gitarre, direkt über das Mikrofon • Metronom mit einstellbarer Taktart • Übungs-Timer, der die Session danach gleich einträgt DEIN FORTSCHRITT Streak, Übungstage, gespielte Minuten und wie viele Songs wirklich sitzen – ehrliche Zahlen ohne Schönfärberei. DEINE DATEN BLEIBEN BEI DIR Kein Konto, keine Anmeldung, keine Cloud. Alles liegt auf deinem iPhone. Du kannst jederzeit alles als JSON exportieren oder komplett löschen. KOSTENLOS NUTZBAR Bis zu 25 Songs, 1 PDF und 2 YouTube-Links pro Song sowie 3 Ordner – dauerhaft gratis, mit dezenter Werbung. SONGBASE PREMIUM • Unbegrenzt Songs, PDFs, YouTube-Links und Ordner • Keine Werbung • Als Abo (monatlich/jährlich) oder einmalig als Lifetime Für Gitarre, Klavier, Bass, Ukulele und Gesang. Nutzungsbedingungen (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens
SongBase4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SongBase at 100% against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 52%. SongBase also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (14.5 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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 and SongBase sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, SongBase every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave versus SongBase: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVHS Synth | 80s SynthwaveSongBase
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (135 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews51.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings135 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.5 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size167 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAudiobus Pty LtdArthur Hardy Kotsch

Customer experience

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

All ratings135 ratings
Positive73.3%
Neutral5.9%
Negative20.7%
Written reviews97 reviews
Positive51.5%
Neutral10.3%
Negative38.1%

SongBase

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

SongBase

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
3 purchases

SongBase

Subscriptions2
  • Songbase Premium Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Premium Jahresabo$12.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$17.99

Questions

Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SongBase free?
SongBase is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or SongBase have ads?
Both VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave and SongBase show ads.
Which is updated more often, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or SongBase?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and SongBase every 2 months. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on November 3, 2026 and SongBase on October 31, 2026.

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