Comparison

sir Sampleton vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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

Head to head
About

sir Sampleton

Record and play back sounds on dual keyboards with a built-in rhythm machine. Inspired by 80s samplers, this app lets you create lush, complex musical textures from your voice, instruments, or other noises. Samples can be looped, customized, saved, and shared.

Highlights
  • Sample from microphone
  • Dual piano keyboards
  • Built-in rhythm machine
  • Save and email samples
  • Download free samples
  • Adjust tuning and effects
  • Sample from other apps via Audiobus
Features
Read full description

"surprisingly powerful" - Wall Street Journal used by DJ/producer Zedd! // supports Audiobus, MIDI, iOS13 Sir Sampleton is a sampling musical keyboard inspired by Casio and Yamaha samplers from the 80s. The app allows you to record sounds through the microphone and then play them on dual piano keyboards accompanied by a rhythm machine. You'll be surprised at the lush, complex musical sounds that can be created with samples of your voice, musical instruments, and other noises. Samples can be looped, customized, saved, and emailed, and we offer free samples for download on our website. Supports Audiobus, Inter-app Audio, CoreMIDI, MIDI Mobilizer 1 and 2. Works as a virtual instrument for apps like Cubasis, Beatmaker 2, and Genome sequencer. Capable of sampling other apps and effects through Audiobus. Sampleton applies a subtle stereo effects process to the audio giving it a fuller, warmer sound that you'd typically get from sampling a monaural microphone. If you like my apps please leave ratings or reviews! For support email sirsampleton@gmail.com FEATURES: • Sample from the microphone and immediately play your sounds on dual keyboards • Save and email sample packs to friends, or to yourself for backup/transfer • Download free samples from our website • Built-in beats and computer beat generator • Adjust tuning, release, vibrato, sample time, and much more • Record, add effects, and sample from other apps (requires Audiobus app) • Put a different sample on each keyboard in dual-sample mode • Multitouch with 18 voices for rich sound • Automatic smart microphone level adjustment • Supports all CoreMIDI devices, Line6 MIDI Mobilizer 1 and 2 • Virtual MIDI for compatibility with Cubasis, Beatmaker 2, and Genome • Multichannel MIDI mode places different samples on each MIDI channel, up to 24 samples • Supports iRig external audio input adapter and iRig microphone • Low latency • Coming soon: Audio copy/paste, additional sample banks, and more! INSTRUCTIONS: TO SAMPLE: press the red button and speak into the microphone. It will sample for about 3 seconds. TO PLAY A DRUM BEAT: press the drum icon button in the upper left to open the Rhythm Menu, and then select the beat you want to play. To change the tempo or beat volume, use the buttons on the right. Press the X to return to the keyboard. TO GENERATE A RANDOM BEAT: press the drum icon button to open the Rhythm Menu, and then press the RANDOM button. To generate a new random beat, press the button again. TO SAVE A SAMPLE: press the keyboard icon button in the upper left to open the Sounds Menu. Press SAVE and then choose one of the flashing numbered buttons. Your sample is then saved on that button. Press the X to return to the keyboard. TO LOAD A SAMPLE: press the keyboard icon button in the upper left to open the Sounds Menu. Press the numbered button where you saved the sample. Press the X to return to the keyboard. TO PREVIEW A SAVED SAMPLE: press and hold the numbered button in the Sounds Menu. TO SAVE CHANGES TO A SAMPLE'S SOUND SETTINGS: press and hold the 'save' button in the Sounds Menu.

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.

Screenshots

sir Sampleton4 screens
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against sir Sampleton's $0.99. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave also leads on rating (4.0 vs 3.3) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). sir Sampleton's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On ratings volume 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

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; sir Sampleton costs $0.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. sir Sampleton asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 135 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 66% of sir Sampleton's written reviews are positive against 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

sir Sampleton ships an update every 3 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and November 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
sir Sampleton versus VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parametersir SampletonVHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating3.3 (48 ratings)4.0 (135 ratings) — better
Positive reviews65.7% of reviews — better51.5% of reviews
Number of ratings48135 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.0 — better14.5
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB167 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPaul SlocumAudiobus Pty Ltd

Customer experience

sir Sampleton

All ratings47 ratings
Positive46.8%
Neutral19.1%
Negative34.0%
Written reviews105 reviews
Positive65.7%
Neutral10.5%
Negative23.8%

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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

User reviews

sir Sampleton

From 48 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Simple, intuitive, easy-to-use interface
  • 🎹 Great Casio SK-1 emulation and nostalgic appeal
  • 🎵 High-quality sound and audio fidelity
  • 🎧 MIDI and Audiobus support for integration
  • 🎨 Clean, minimalist design

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Screen orientation issues (stuck in portrait/vertical mode)
  • 🐛 Touch input misalignment and unresponsive controls
  • 🐛 Graphics scaling problems on newer devices
  • 📱 Incompatible with iOS 16 and later versions
  • 🐛 Distorted/crackling audio from microphone recording

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

From 135 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
  • 🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
  • 💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
  • 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
  • 🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres

Room to improve

  • 💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
  • 🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
  • 📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
  • 🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
  • 😠 Lack of developer communication about changes

Bugs and requests

sir Sampleton

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • Screen stuck in portrait mode, won't rotate to landscape
  • Touch input only registers on 1/4 of screen
  • Graphics and app engine mismatch causing display corruption
  • App incompatible with iOS 16, 16.2, 16.4.1, 17.5.1
  • Microphone recording produces unintelligible distorted crackling
Show 8 more
  • Audio outputs through earpiece speaker instead of main speaker
  • App crashes on startup
  • App freezes and locks up device
  • Keys play different notes than pressed
  • Some keys don't register input
  • Requires full device restart to fix screen orientation
  • MIDI interface not recognized
  • Volume too low or no volume after updates

Requested features

15 requests
  • Export samples as MP3/WAV files
  • Sequencer for arranging samples into songs
  • Reverse/reverse-loop functionality
  • Sustain button/function for live performance
  • Arpegiator feature
Show 10 more
  • Sample envelope presets
  • Ability to assign different samples per key
  • GarageBand compatibility
  • Audio copy/paste between apps
  • Sample gain adjustment
  • Pitch shift without changing playback rate
  • Record and layering features
  • Loop begin/end point selection
  • Effects (reverb, delay, etc.)
  • Sample naming and preset saving per sample

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

In-app purchases

None

sir Sampleton

No 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

Questions

Is sir Sampleton free?
sir Sampleton costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, sir Sampleton or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is rated higher. sir Sampleton averages 3.3 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.
Do sir Sampleton or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; sir Sampleton does not.
Which is updated more often, sir Sampleton or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
sir Sampleton ships an update every 3 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, sir Sampleton was updated on November 13, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on November 14, 2026.

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