Comparison

shapesynth vs YMCK Player 2

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

Head to head
About

shapesynth

Create unique retro-inspired sounds by drawing oscillator waveforms. This polyphonic synthesizer offers extensive modulation options, built-in effects, and recording capabilities. Seamlessly integrate with other music apps and hardware for a versatile creative experience.

Highlights
  • Draw custom oscillator waveforms
  • 16-voice polyphony
  • Arpeggiator and stereo delay
  • Resonant filter
  • Parameter modulation via keyboard, MPE, accelerometer
  • Tape recorder with infinite overdubs
  • Inter-app audio and AUv3 support
Features
Read full description

Shape is a polyphonic synthesiser allowing the user to draw the shape of the oscillator waveform. The first half of the oscillator is represented by 32 blocks and the second half is its mirror, generating all sorts of possible raw retroish sounds. 16 pages per oscillator allows to interpolate between different shapes. Add effects like arpeggio, stereo delay and a resonant filter and record your sounds on a classic tape. Modulate any parameter with keyboard, MIDI MPE or the device accelerometer. Connect to other apps with AudioBus, IAA, AUv3 and midi. +++ 16 voice polyphony +++ 2 oscillators, draw your own shape +++ 3 oscillator mixing functions (add, subtract or multiply) +++ Lfo modulation with ADSR: envelope, pitch, duty cycle, square, page or filter +++ Record on tape with infinite overdubs (save, load, import, export) +++ Arpeggiator +++ Stereo delay +++ Resonant filter (low, band and high pass) +++ Modulate any parameter using keyboard, MIDI MPE or accelerometer (Built in or Sphero) +++ Mini linear sequencer with euclidean rhythm +++ On screen 25 key stylophone style keyboard +++ AudioBus, Inter App Audio and AUv3 +++ Ableton link or AUv3 host sync +++ CoreMIDI, IAA MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI, limited MPE and MIDI out +++ Audio Paste, files app drag’n drop or open with

About

YMCK Player 2

This musical instrument app allows you to play solos by sliding or tilting your device. It offers multiple key/scale assignments and scene memory for live performances, with light and dark themes for different stage environments.

Highlights
  • Slide to play solos
  • Tilt for vibrato and scrolling
  • Multiple key/scale assignments
  • Scene memory for live shows
  • Light/Dark color themes
Features
Read full description

YMCK Player 2 is a simple musical instrument. You can play a stunning solo only by sliding on the screen or by tilting the device. This version "2" is more focused on the functionalities useful in your live stage than decorative visuals. * Easy to play Slide on the screen. That's all you need to play a solo. Additionally you can tilt the device vertically to scrool the keyboard and tilt it backward to apply vibrato. * Multiple Key/Scales You can assign multiple key/scales in a single screen, which allows you to use it in a song with key changes. * Scene Memory You can register multiple Scenes, and switch quickly the settings during your live show. * Color Themes Light/Dark color themes. Dark theme will help you operating in a dark stage environment.

Screenshots

shapesynth4 screens
YMCK Player 24 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: shapesynth at 65% against YMCK Player 2's 0%. shapesynth also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.0) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 41 months). YMCK Player 2's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

shapesynth costs $4.99 and YMCK Player 2 $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

shapesynth holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: shapesynth has 24 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of shapesynth's written reviews are positive against 0% of YMCK Player 2's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

shapesynth ships an update every 2 months, YMCK Player 2 every 41 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
shapesynth versus YMCK Player 2: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametershapesynthYMCK Player 2
Price$4.99$1.99 — better
Rating4.9 (24 ratings) — better3.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews65.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings24 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 41 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperErik Sigth武志 除村

Customer experience

shapesynth

All ratings24 ratings
Positive95.8%
Neutral4.2%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews40 reviews
Positive65.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative25.0%

YMCK Player 2

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

shapesynth

No in-app purchases

None

YMCK Player 2

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is shapesynth free?
shapesynth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is YMCK Player 2 free?
YMCK Player 2 costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, shapesynth or YMCK Player 2?
shapesynth is rated higher. shapesynth averages 4.9 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while YMCK Player 2 averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.
Do shapesynth or YMCK Player 2 have ads?
Neither shapesynth nor YMCK Player 2 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, shapesynth or YMCK Player 2?
shapesynth ships an update every 2 months, and YMCK Player 2 every 41 months. Most recently, shapesynth was updated on September 25, 2026 and YMCK Player 2 on June 3, 2026.

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