Sunrizer synth vs ButterSynth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Sunrizer synth
This virtual analog synthesizer offers a rich, warm sound with advanced features like SuperSaw emulation and morphing parameter control. It integrates seamlessly with MIDI hardware and sequencers, providing a professional-grade sound design experience on iOS.
- SuperSaw sound emulation
- Dual filters with configurable routing
- Morph Group for parameter control
- CoreMidi and background audio support
- Multi-mode oscillator multiplication
- Microtuning support
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"This really is the synth that keeps on giving! Inspiration and intuition truly blend together in this musical instrument." Alan Parsons Sunrizer Synth is a virtual analog synthesizer that takes the definition of iOS synthesizer to the next level. Thanks to carefully designed architecture and heavy usage of coprocessor it blurs the boundaries between iOS and hardware synthesizers. Sunrizer was built to perform and works perfectly with any MIDI keyboard or sequencer. A lot of research has been done in order to achieve unique character, warmth and clarity. HIGHLIGHTS · True SuperSaw sound emulation, first found in the legendary Roland JP-8000 synthesizer. SuperSaw is a layered waveform consisting of multiple saw waves which are detuned to create an extremely full and epic sound. · Two filters per voice with configurable routing. 16 filter types available, including less common like Comb, Formant or Frequency shifter. · The Morph Group function lets you continuously morph of up to 30 parameters in a sound (including effects), using only the modulation wheel. · Full support for CoreMidi, MIDI mapping, Virtual Midi Ports and background audio. · Multi mode lets you multiply oscillators to get unbelievably fat and full sound. · Support for microtuning - load scl and tun files. Create fascinating microtonal music which uses intervals not found in the Western system of 12 equal intervals to the octave. OSCILLATORS · 2 warm-sounding analog modelled oscillators, 2 sub-oscillators (except SuperSaw). Available waveforms: Saw, PWM pulse,Triangle, SuperSaw, FM (frequency of phase modulation). 6 oscillators per voice in multi-sono mode. · Oscillator 2 hard-sync and configurable routing · FM (true frequency modulation) and PM mode · Osc-mix, ring modulator · White noise oscillator FLEXIBLE MULTI FILTERS · Two independent filters per voice with configurable routing. Filter types: LPF, HPF, BPF, Analog LPF, Notch, Comb, All pass, Power LPF, Power BPF, Wave shaper, Resonator, Resampler, LPF+Resampler, Frequency shifter. · Configurable routing: serial or parallel with bypass option. · ADSR envelope, keyboard tracking and full LFO control. MODULATION · Two LFOs per voice. It's possible to assign each LFO to almost any parameter. 3 LFO running modes: trigger, 1 shot, global. 6 waveforms, phase and fade-in knobs. · The Morph Group function lets you continuously morph of up to 30 parameters in a sound (including effects), using only the modulation wheel. · Two Modulation ADSR Envelopes for amplitude and filters cutoff. · Pitch and modulation wheels. EFFECTS · A number of effects are built in: distortion, hi-q reverb, chorus, rotary speaker simulation, equalizer, phaser and stereo delay. Dual-band FX processing. ARPEGGIATOR · Sunrizer incorporates very powerful programmable arpeggiator. You should think of it more like a small step sequencer. OTHER FEATURES · Over 380 presets, 7 additional banks available for FREE in web library (more coming soon) · Hold button allows you to to keep notes sustaining until you play new notes · With Chord Memory function you can play the chord by only pressing single keys · Phrase sequencer · Compatible with AudioBus · Adjustable polyphony: 6-20 voices · Playback modes: poly, solo, arp · Built-in recorder supporting AudioCopy, DropBox and iTunes file sharing. · Supports AUv3, MIDI, IAA, AudioBus 2.0 Visit www.beepstreet.com for user manual and audio demos. * Sunrizer is now available on Mac and PC, check our website for more info "Specs aside, the most important thing is the sound… and it’s great." musicradar.com "Sunrizer is the first truly mature polyphonic synth for the iPad, a real, smooth and powerful sounding option for all sorts of stage and studio performances." Mark Jenkins, author "Analog Synthesizers"
ButterSynth
This powerful synthesizer app offers a hybrid approach, combining wavetable, FM, and sample-based synthesis. Create unique sounds with a vast sonic range, advanced modulation, and a built-in effects rack. It caters to both experienced sound designers and beginners with extensive presets.
- Hybrid 6-oscillator synthesis (wavetable, FM, sample)
- Built-in wavetable editor
- FM engine with 4 operators
- Sample and Granulator engines
- 32-slot modulation matrix
- Internal FX rack with 16 modules
- Extensive preset library
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ButterSynth is a hybrid 6-oscillator wavetable/FM/sample-based AUV3 and standalone synthesizer with a vast sonic range, from gentle pads to screaming leads and basslines. Mix any combination of wavetable, FM, sample and other synthesis engines for one truly massive sound. For the more advanced users, you'll love using ButterSynth's thoughtfully designed interface, incredibly powerful modulation matrix, fully-featured internal FX rack, factory waveform and sample libraries, and almost limitless scope for fun, experimentation and sound design. For less experienced synth programmers, ButterSynth includes a library of hundreds of ready-to-use presets, sparking your creativity to start making music right away. Headline features include - Mix and match any combination of 6 synthesis engines to either emulate your favourite synths of yester-year or build a synth ready for the future. - Dual-wavetable engines also feature 9 phase modes, wave folding, and deep unison controls modelled on vintage hardware synths. - Built-in wavetable editor gives you the ability to tweak, morph, and hand-draw your own custom wavetables, with each wavetable supporting up to 256 frames. - FM engine offers 4 operators with a selection of 12 modulation paths. Each operator can be loaded with any waveform from the factory or user library, and can also self-modulate via the feedback dial. - Sample and Granulator engines both let you load samples (either imported or from the factory library) and control precisely how they are chopped, triggered and layered. Both also feature the same powerful unison modes available in the WT engine. - Highly configurable 32-slot modulation matrix featuring precise mix/max ranges, self-modulation (via the amount target), plus configurable response curves and layer modes. Simply long-tap any parameter to set it as a Mod destination! - Full suite of versatile control sources which includes: 4x MSEG-style looping curve envelopes, 4x LFOs, 4x step sequencers, X/Y pad with motion recording, 8x Macro dials and a powerful arpeggiator inspired by Kirnu Interactive’s Cream. - The EFX rack lets you build your own insert effects chain using any combination of the 16 built-in FX modules. Modules available at launch include delay, reverb, distortion, chorus, OTT compression etc. Note - FX parameters can also be targeted by the mod matrix, unlocking the possibility to program ‘per voice’ modulated effects. - All presets, wavetables, samples and other settings are stored in the Files app, making bulk import/export, backup and community sharing quick and easy. - All of this is housed in an irresistibly designed 4-tab UI that makes synth programming quick and fun.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Sunrizer synth at 4.7 against ButterSynth's 4.0. Sunrizer synth also leads on price ($12.99 vs $19.99) and review sentiment (88% vs 60%). ButterSynth's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Sunrizer synth costs $12.99 and ButterSynth $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Sunrizer synth holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 183 and 62 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Sunrizer synth's written reviews are positive against 60% of ButterSynth's.
Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, ButterSynth every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Sunrizer synth | ButterSynth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 — better | $19.99 |
| Rating | 4.7 (183 ratings) — better | 4.0 (62 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 87.8% of reviews — better | 59.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 183 — better | 62 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 — better | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 28 MB | 468 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | BeepStreet | Arto Vaarala |
Customer experience
Sunrizer synth
ButterSynth
User reviews
Sunrizer synth
From 183 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🎨 Exceptional sound quality
- 👍 Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- 🎹 Powerful and flexible synth engine
- 💡 Excellent preset library
- 🎚️ Comprehensive modulation and effects
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and glitches
- 🔌 Compatibility issues with certain DAWs
- 🔇 Limited audio export options
- 🧭 Confusing preset management
ButterSynth
From 62 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- ✨ Deep sound design capabilities
- 🎛️ Versatile modulation matrix
- 🔊 Great sound quality
- 💡 Innovative wavetable generator
- 🌟 Serum-like experience
Room to improve
- 📱 Fiddly on small screens
- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🐛 Disappears in Cubasis
- 🐛 Spikes CPU usage
- 🐛 Crashes on patch change
Bugs and requests
Sunrizer synth
Reported bugs
3 issues- Synth freezes when loading certain presets
- Inconsistent behavior when using multiple instances
- Graphical issues on newer iPad models
Requested features
4 requests- Improved MIDI integration and control
- Expanded arpeggiator and sequencing capabilities
- More advanced sound design tools
- Ability to save custom tunings
ButterSynth
Reported bugs
39 issues- App crashing with AUM
- Disappears in Cubasis randomly
- Crashes all the time inside Logic
- Changing a patch spikes CPU to 99%
- Crashes on every patch change
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- No audio when rendering or freezing track
- Keyboard doesn't load on iPhone
- iOS18 broke ButterSynth (audio recording issues)
- Failed to load as Auv3
- Crashes as soon as a preset is selected
- Some patches hanging/sounding without input
- CPU spikes to 100% on preset switching
- Audio crackles on preset switching
- Sample module has consistent buzz
- LFOs are extremely simple (no phase offset)
- Square wave LFO is not square (has slew)
- Step sequencer always has glide/slew
- Cannot save custom presets
- No undo function in wave table editor
- AUv3 plugin resets when ButterSynth crashes
- Does not show up as auv3 in Cubasis, AUM, or Audio Evolution
- Crashes regularly even on newest iPad
- Preset changes every time play is pressed
- Not resizing appropriately on smaller screens
- Crashes with unison function in AUM
- White noise on crash with unison
- Sound continues after song stops in GarageBand
- Preset changes on stop, rewind, or play in GarageBand
- Keeps crashing in GarageBand (AUv3)
- Patches in standalone sound different as AUv3
- Crashes when hitting play with arpeggiator/sequencer on iPhone
- No keyboard appears in iPhone standalone mode
- Audio Unit Extension quit error on export
- Lots of crashes in standalone and hosted in AUM
- MIDI not working
- Automation still doesn’t work in Logic Pro
- Random LFO is great for recording sequences
- Preset browser closes each time a new preset is selected
- Works as AUv3 after starting in standalone mode
Requested features
20 requests- MPE popup possible on top of the auv3
- Button to hide built-in keyboard
- Buffer size option
- Additional MIDI mappings (e.g., arpeggiator toggle)
- Sustain pedal support
Show 15 moreShow fewer
- Longer LFO speed for evolving soundscapes
- Alternative skins/color themes
- Pinable preset browser
- Virtual keyboard to remain active while browser is pinned
- Make app take up whole screen (no black borders)
- Master detune
- Parameter lock
- More presets
- Fix square wave LFO to be truly square
- Fix step sequencer glide/slew for discrete steps
- Undo function in wave table editor
- Filter key follow button
- Adjust envelope curves (especially release)
- Easier way to adjust modulation matrix amount
- Phase distortion inclusion
In-app purchases
Sunrizer synth
No in-app purchases
ButterSynth
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Sunrizer synth free?
Is ButterSynth free?
Which has better reviews, Sunrizer synth or ButterSynth?
Do Sunrizer synth or ButterSynth have ads?
Which is updated more often, Sunrizer synth or ButterSynth?
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