Sunrizer synth vs Scythe Synthesizer
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"
Scythe Synthesizer
Design new sounds with an intuitive interface on your iPad. This synthesizer offers a wide range of sonic possibilities, from classic analog tones to unique digital effects. Record and export your creations easily.
- Intuitive sound design interface
- Versatile oscillators (analog & digital)
- Audio clip recording and export
- Extensive modulation
- Wide range of effects
- MIDI support
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Scythe is a MIDI synthesizer for iPad and Mac built for fast, hands-on sound design. Shape analog and digital waveforms, explore deep modulation, save custom presets, and record and share clips without leaving the app. Scythe makes it easy to move from happy accidents to playable sounds fast. Features: • Fast, tactile sound design with the bend workflow • Analog and digital waveforms • Deep modulation and filter shaping • Delay, chorus, phaser, and bitcrusher effects • Factory presets plus your own saved presets • Record, copy, trim, and share audio clips • Core MIDI support as both controller and sound module • Designed for iPad, also available on Mac
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Scythe Synthesizer at $4.99 against Sunrizer synth's $12.99. Sunrizer synth's advantage is review sentiment (88% vs 77%) and device support (3 vs 1). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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 Scythe Synthesizer $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Sunrizer synth against 4.6 for Scythe Synthesizer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 185 and 134 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of Sunrizer synth's written reviews are positive against 77% of Scythe Synthesizer's.
Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, Scythe Synthesizer every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.
| Parameter | Sunrizer synth | Scythe Synthesizer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | $4.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (185 ratings) — better | 4.6 (134 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 88.5% of reviews — better | 77.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 185 — better | 134 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 4 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 28 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | BeepStreet | Miles Egan |
Customer experience
Sunrizer synth
Scythe Synthesizer
User reviews
Sunrizer synth
From 185 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
Scythe Synthesizer
From 134 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 💡 Innovative bend feature
- 🎶 Great sound quality
- 🎛️ Intuitive interface
- 🎚️ Randomization function is a winner
- ✨ Unique and engaging sounds
Room to improve
- 🐛 Distortion on iPad Pro
- 🐛 Glitched artifacts
- 🐛 Unintended distortion
- 🐛 Crackles on iPad Pro
- 🐛 Keyboard issues (delay, sizing)
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
Scythe Synthesizer
Reported bugs
11 issues- Doesn't load AUM after update, crashes
- Crackle on iPad Pro
- Unintended distortion, glitched artifacts on iPad Pro
- Confirming distortion on every patch on iPad Pro 11 inch
- Bad digital distortion on iPad Pro 11 inch
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- Weird delay on lower portion of keyboard keys
- Triggered keyboard sizing while playing with multiple fingers
- Presets don't save half the time
- Preset sounds nothing like when working on it
- Stopped sound output, dies permanently after switching apps
- Certain patches distort quite a bit after update
Requested features
14 requests- Ability to choose MIDI channel
- Controllable randomization range
- More presets
- Bend modulation to loop
- Bend to be tempo synced
Show 9 moreShow fewer
- Randomize effects section
- Backward compatibility with older iOS
- Ability to rename/save presets with custom names
- Key/note hold feature
- CoreMIDI support (historically)
- Preset sharing
- Continuum (scale) controller
- Bend feature to loop back into itself
- Bends to be voiced for each new key stroke
In-app purchases
Sunrizer synth
No in-app purchases
Scythe Synthesizer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Sunrizer synth free?
Is Scythe Synthesizer free?
Which has better reviews, Sunrizer synth or Scythe Synthesizer?
Do Sunrizer synth or Scythe Synthesizer have ads?
Which is updated more often, Sunrizer synth or Scythe Synthesizer?
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