Comparison

Sunrizer synth vs Hammerhead Rhythm Station

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • SuperSaw sound emulation
  • Dual filters with configurable routing
  • Morph Group for parameter control
  • CoreMidi and background audio support
  • Multi-mode oscillator multiplication
  • Microtuning support
Features
Read full description

"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"

About

Hammerhead Rhythm Station

This mobile app is a modern take on a classic software drum computer, offering a playful and intuitive way to create rhythms. It features a built-in drum synth, extensive sound options, and the ability to import custom audio, all within a pocket-sized groovebox experience.

Highlights
  • Import custom WAV sounds
  • Built-in drum synthesizer
  • Standalone and AUv3 plugin support
  • MIDI input and output
  • One-click compression and distortion
  • Random pattern generator
  • Create polyrhythms
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

The little shark is back. After 25 years, the new Hammerhead is a fresh, mobile reinterpretation of the classic software drum computer that started it all. Hammerhead is still simple, fun and playful. It still feels like a little 90s groovebox. Except this time it fits in your pocket, it integrates in your plugin ecosystem and comes with a lot more creative possibilities... - Pick from dozens of classic sounds and loops, or import your own WAVs - Use the built-in drum synth to design your own kicks, bobs, tocks and thwacks - Runs standalone and as a state-of-the art AUv3 Audio Unit plugin (e.g. in Garageband) - AU plugin supports individual outputs per channel, MIDI output and fullscreen modes - Trigger sounds and patterns using MIDI (when hosted as an AU plugin) - One-click compression and distortion, with several sound models - Let the universe decide: random pattern generator, mutation, glitch and much more - Easily create complex evolving polyrhythms - Designed for creative fun: no menu diving or arcane expert settings. Just dive in and create Find the manual on Ruismaker.com

Screenshots

Sunrizer synth3 screens
Hammerhead Rhythm Station4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Hammerhead Rhythm Station at every 2 weeks against Sunrizer synth's every 6 months. Hammerhead Rhythm Station also leads on price ($7.99 vs $12.99) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). Sunrizer synth's advantage is iOS requirement (10.3 vs 12.0). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Sunrizer synth costs $12.99 and Hammerhead Rhythm Station $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Hammerhead Rhythm Station holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 184 and 108 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Sunrizer synth's written reviews are positive against 98% of Hammerhead Rhythm Station's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, Hammerhead Rhythm Station every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Sunrizer synth versus Hammerhead Rhythm Station: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSunrizer synthHammerhead Rhythm Station
Price$12.99$7.99 — better
Rating4.7 (184 ratings)4.9 (108 ratings) — better
Positive reviews88.5% of reviews98.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings184 — better108
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank—#200 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.3 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB172 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeepStreetBram Bos

Customer experience

Sunrizer synth

All ratings183 ratings
Positive90.2%
Neutral5.5%
Negative4.4%
Written reviews512 reviews
Positive88.5%
Neutral4.9%
Negative6.6%

Hammerhead Rhythm Station

All ratings108 ratings
Positive98.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative1.9%
Written reviews65 reviews
Positive98.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative1.5%

User reviews

Sunrizer synth

From 184 App Store ratings

What 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

Hammerhead Rhythm Station

From 108 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use and intuitive workflow
  • 💡 Great for improvisational music making
  • 🎶 Excellent sound quality and presets
  • 🚀 Quick to use with amazing results
  • 💾 Ability to import own audio samples

Room to improve

  • ❓ Some users want more features
  • 🎛️ Limited effects per voice
  • 🎚️ MIDI mapping could be more extensive
  • 🎛️ Drum synth engine could be deeper
  • 🎚️ User folder for voices in-app needed

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

Hammerhead Rhythm Station

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • AUv3 starts playing in sequence mode on pattern 2 instead of pattern 1
  • Mute buttons are somewhat hard to tap reliably
  • Upper knobs are somewhat hard to tune
  • Chan. Config button makes pattern settings disappear

Requested features

18 requests
  • Deeper drum synth engine
  • More extensive MIDI mapping (solo per voice)
  • User folder for voices in-app
  • Ability to send presets into user storage
  • Effects per voice
Show 13 more
  • Solo/mutes for MIDI mapping
  • Ableton Link support
  • At least 32-step sequences
  • 16 steps per page formatted option
  • Control over setting locking randomization parameters on each sound individually
  • Show note designation under pitch control
  • Export loops to .wav files
  • MIDI export function
  • Repeat patterns like in Rozeta Cells
  • Basic EQ for each sound (high pass/low pass)
  • Option to alter the attack of sounds
  • Reverse option
  • Allow usage on M1 Mac

In-app purchases

None

Sunrizer synth

No in-app purchases

None

Hammerhead Rhythm Station

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sunrizer synth free?
Sunrizer synth costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Hammerhead Rhythm Station free?
Hammerhead Rhythm Station costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Sunrizer synth or Hammerhead Rhythm Station?
Hammerhead Rhythm Station is rated higher. Sunrizer synth averages 4.7 out of 5 from 184 ratings, while Hammerhead Rhythm Station averages 4.9 from 108 ratings.
Do Sunrizer synth or Hammerhead Rhythm Station have ads?
Neither Sunrizer synth nor Hammerhead Rhythm Station shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sunrizer synth or Hammerhead Rhythm Station?
Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, and Hammerhead Rhythm Station every 2 weeks. Most recently, Sunrizer synth was updated on October 27, 2026 and Hammerhead Rhythm Station on October 25, 2026.

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