Comparison

KQ Sampei Legacy vs Async Sampler

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

Head to head
About

KQ Sampei Legacy

This sampler synthesizer allows users to customize sound sets using various formats like Sound Font and DLS. It supports MIDI messages, includes a MIDI file player, and can be used as a plugin with other music apps. Micro-tuning and external storage are also supported.

Highlights
  • Customizable sound sets (Sound Font, DLS)
  • Multi-timbral synthesis
  • MIDI message support (GM, GS, XG, MPE)
  • MIDI File Player
  • Audio Unit v3 and Inter-App Audio plugin support
  • Micro-tuning support
  • External MIDI device compatibility
Features
Read full description

### THIS IS A DEPRECATED PRODUCT. Get KQ Sampei 26 instead. ### If you bought this app recently, you can request a refund. A sampler synthesizer which sound sets can be changed. It is multi-timbral. Available Sound Set Formats: Sound Font(sf2), Compressed Sound Font(sf3), Downloadable Sound(DLS) Supports a part of common MIDI messages (GM, GS, XG, MPE). Includes a MIDI File Player. It supports Standard MIDI Files and RIFF MIDI Files. It also supports multiple ports and loops. Supports external storages. DO NOT USE ON-DEMAND LOADING WITH SLOW STORAGES SUCH AS HDD, USB STICKS, SD CARDS. You can customize sound sets with "Modifiers". In default, a modifier which adds soft pedal function, and GS Custom Controller mod are being applied. You can select "Original" and disable GS Custom Controller if you want. Supports Audio Unit v3 and Inter-App Audio. You can use this synth as a plugin for another app such as GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, etc... To maximize compatibility with other SoundFont players such as FluidSynth, select the engine V3, turn off "Custom GS Controllers", "Slow LPF", "Smooth Volume Level". Supports Micro-tuning. Place AnaMark TUN files into Tuning folder. You can use sound sets as long as the device memory allows. The actual memory limit seems to be around the half of the hardware RAM. Not that the limit of Audio Unit is much smaller. You may be able to load sounds over the memory size if you turn on "Load On Demand" (Streaming load). In the developer's environment, 4.2 GB of SoundFont could be loaded on an iPhone with 1 GB of memory. You can play this app with external MIDI devices and Virtual MIDI apps. URL Scheme: kqsampei:// Includes a sound set, "GeneralUser GS v1.471" by S. Christian Collins. I prepared modifiers for this set. This app developer does not collect any user information other than what is collected by iOS/iPadOS. This app and the description contain machine translated text.

About

Async Sampler

Create captivating sound collages, dynamic textures, and rhythmic patterns with this powerful musical instrument. It offers asynchronous and synchronous playback modes, a versatile LFO, and an effects processor to elevate your sound design.

Highlights
  • Standalone and AUv3 versions
  • Three independent samplers
  • Extensive sample library
  • Upload your own samples
  • Asynchronous and synchronous playback
  • Flexible LFO system
  • Effects processor
Read full description

Async Sampler, a powerful musical instrument designed to bring your soundscapes to life. This flexible tool is dedicated to crafting captivating sound collages, dynamic asynchronous textures, rhythmic patterns, and rich sound designs. It opens up a world of creative possibilities, making it the perfect companion for music producers, sound designers, ambient, and noise enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a curious explorer, Async Sampler is here to inspire and elevate your musical journey. App comes with a rich library of unique samples, and you can easily upload and use your own sounds. Async Sampler fundamentally consists of three samplers that can reproduce sound asynchronously, meaning they can operate without being tied to a specific BPM, or synchronously, using an external MIDI clock source or the tempo of your project if you're using Async Sampler as an AUv3 plugin. The instrument features a versatile LFO that allows you to control any parameter. Async includes an effects processor and a master bus section. Also, you have the option to use external MIDI controllers, save and load your custom presets and samples, among other features. Key features: — Standalone and AUv3 versions — Three independent samplers — Extensive sample library out of the box — Ability to upload your own samples — Asynchronous and synchronous playback modes for each sample — Flexible LFO system that can control almost any parameter — Effects processor — Ability to save presets — And much more

Screenshots

KQ Sampei Legacy4 screens
Async Sampler3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: KQ Sampei Legacy at 4.9 against Async Sampler's 4.5. KQ Sampei Legacy also leads on review sentiment (94% vs 78%) and price ($11.99 vs $14.99). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

KQ Sampei Legacy costs $11.99 and Async Sampler $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

KQ Sampei Legacy holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 18 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of KQ Sampei Legacy's written reviews are positive against 78% of Async Sampler's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and August 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
KQ Sampei Legacy versus Async Sampler: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKQ Sampei LegacyAsync Sampler
Price$11.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.9 (19 ratings) — better4.5 (18 ratings)
Positive reviews94.1% of reviews — better77.8% of reviews
Number of ratings19 — better18
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.411.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB235 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyouta KiraSergei Zhulkov

Customer experience

KQ Sampei Legacy

All ratings19 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive94.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative5.9%

Async Sampler

All ratings18 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%

In-app purchases

None

KQ Sampei Legacy

No in-app purchases

None

Async Sampler

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is KQ Sampei Legacy free?
KQ Sampei Legacy costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Async Sampler free?
Async Sampler costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, KQ Sampei Legacy or Async Sampler?
KQ Sampei Legacy is rated higher. KQ Sampei Legacy averages 4.9 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Async Sampler averages 4.5 from 18 ratings.
Do KQ Sampei Legacy or Async Sampler have ads?
Neither KQ Sampei Legacy nor Async Sampler shows ads.
Which is updated more often, KQ Sampei Legacy or Async Sampler?
KQ Sampei Legacy ships an update every 2 weeks, and Async Sampler every 2 weeks. Most recently, KQ Sampei Legacy was updated on September 19, 2026 and Async Sampler on August 4, 2026.

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