Comparison

shapesynth vs IAP Control

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

IAP Control

Features
Read full description

Illusonic Audio Processor (IAP) is like a Swiss Army Knife for audiophiles. It optimizes almost any sound system, room, and listening situation. IAP Control app allows network-based remote control of IAP. Power On/Off, Input, Volume, and Presets can be set. All detail parameters of the presets can be controlled as well.

Screenshots

shapesynth4 screens
IAP Control2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: IAP Control at Free against shapesynth's $4.99. shapesynth's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 12.0). On ads, in-app purchases 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

IAP Control is free to download; shapesynth costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

shapesynth ships an update every 2 months, IAP Control every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
shapesynth versus IAP Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametershapesynthIAP Control
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (24 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews65.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings24 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperErik SigthIllusonic GmbH

In-app purchases

None

shapesynth

No in-app purchases

None

IAP Control

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is shapesynth free?
shapesynth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is IAP Control free?
IAP Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do shapesynth or IAP Control have ads?
Neither shapesynth nor IAP Control shows ads.
Which is updated more often, shapesynth or IAP Control?
shapesynth ships an update every 2 months, and IAP Control every 9 months. Most recently, shapesynth was updated on November 1, 2026 and IAP Control on October 26, 2026.

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