Comparison

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Patcher

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

Patcher

Features
Read full description

Patcher is the input list, done properly. Build the channel chart for a show, see where every line lands on the stage, and get it to the people who need it — from your phone, at the desk. THE CHANNEL CHART Every input and output in one list: the name, the console patch, the stage patch, which stage box it lands in, the group it belongs to, the device on the end of it, and the notes that matter at line check. SEE THE STAGE, NOT A SPREADSHEET The stage box view shows the actual sockets, laid out the way the box is, colour-coded by group. Working out what is in socket 14 takes a glance instead of a scroll. A LIBRARY THAT REMEMBERS Save the groups and endpoint devices you use on every show — the mics, the DIs, the packs — and they autocomplete on the next one. The second chart takes a fraction of the time the first did. IT WORKS WITH NO SIGNAL Venues have terrible reception, and load-in is exactly when you need the chart. Patcher keeps the last show you opened on the device and tells you how old that copy is, so you can read every screen with no bars at all. SHARE IT WITH THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT Invite the monitor engineer as an editor, or anyone else as a viewer. Or hand the whole list over as a CSV through the share sheet, which works over AirDrop with no network between you at all. BUILT FOR THE ROOM IT IS USED IN A dark theme that stays dark, controls big enough to hit one-handed, and a layout that works on a phone in your pocket and on an iPad on the desk. No adverts, no tracking, no analytics. Just the patch.

Screenshots

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens
Patcher4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Patcher at none against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4. Patcher also leads on ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is iOS requirement (14.5 vs 16.4). On price 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. Patcher asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave versus Patcher: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVHS Synth | 80s SynthwavePatcher
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (135 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews51.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings135 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.5 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size167 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAudiobus Pty LtdJames Cox

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

Patcher

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

Patcher

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 Patcher free?
Patcher is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Patcher have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Patcher does not.

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