# DXi FM synthesizer vs iVCS3

The clearest difference is price: DXi FM synthesizer at $1.99 against iVCS3's $19.99. DXi FM synthesizer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (8.4 vs 17.0). iVCS3's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (208 vs 19). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

DXi FM synthesizer costs $1.99 and iVCS3 $19.99 up front. iVCS3 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. DXi FM synthesizer asks for nothing beyond the download.

iVCS3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iVCS3 has 208 ratings behind it against 19, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of DXi FM synthesizer's written reviews are positive against 91% of iVCS3's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | DXi FM synthesizer | iVCS3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [4.3 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dxi-fm-synthesizer/id370138065/reviews) | **[4.9 (208 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 19 | **208** |
| Positive reviews | 87.6% of reviews | **90.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#181** |
| Size | 5 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Takashi Mizuhiki](https://appshunter.io/developer/370138068) | [apeSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/464660782) |

## What reviewers say

### DXi FM synthesizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dxi-fm-synthesizer/id370138065)

Create unique sounds and music with this FM synthesizer app inspired by 80s hardware. Explore a variety of parameters to craft special tones and effects, and even record your creations. Includes a bonus 16-step loop sequencer for added musical exploration.

**Highlights:** 4 operator FM synthesis, 8 algorithms, Adjustable operator parameters, Master LPF and Delay effects, 16-step loop sequencer, Audio recording and export, MIDI keyboard support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### iVCS3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927)

**Currently charting:** #181 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This app is an official emulator of a pioneering analog synthesizer from 1969. It faithfully recreates the original's sound-generating capabilities, including oscillators, filters, and a unique patch board matrix. Explore its vintage interface and powerful sonic potential for music creation and sound design.

**Highlights:** Official EMS VCS3 emulator, Faithful recreation of original hardware, Multiple oscillators and LFO, Voltage-controlled low-pass filter, Unique patch board matrix, Includes DK1 keyboard controller emulation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Red Sky Lullaby - 180 Presets | Free | one-time |
| Singe Difficile by RUST(i)K | Free | one-time |
| RUMBLE | Free | one-time |
| OLD GRIT - COLLECTION | Free | one-time |
| JEC 2018 Iconic PinkFloyd | Free | one-time |
| JEC EMS-50 | Free | one-time |
| SINAPSYA - Under The Dust | $2.99 | one-time |
| LALA - Sonic Pleasures | $3.99 | one-time |
| JEC Mega Bank | $4.99 | one-time |
| Essential EMS Modifications | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Faithful recreation of the original
- 👍 Powerful and versatile sound
- 🎨 Gorgeous vintage interface
- 💡 Additional features beyond the original
- 🎛️ Excellent integration with MIDI and other apps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🤔 Steep learning curve
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate the matrix

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading
- Crashes on iOS 15.04
- Sampler not functioning properly

**Requested features**

- Mac compatibility
- Improved preset management
- Expanded sampling capabilities


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DXi FM synthesizer free?

DXi FM synthesizer costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is iVCS3 free?

iVCS3 costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DXi FM synthesizer or iVCS3?

iVCS3 is rated higher. DXi FM synthesizer averages 4.3 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while iVCS3 averages 4.9 from 208 ratings.

### Do DXi FM synthesizer or iVCS3 have ads?

Neither DXi FM synthesizer nor iVCS3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DXi FM synthesizer or iVCS3?

DXi FM synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, and iVCS3 every 2 months. Most recently, DXi FM synthesizer was updated on November 6, 2026 and iVCS3 on November 6, 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.*