Comparison

Sunrizer synth vs iSEM Synthesizer

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

iSEM Synthesizer

This app is a touch-based emulation of the classic 1974 Oberheim SEM synthesizer, known for its warm analog sounds. It offers a wide range of sonic possibilities, from fat basses to lively leads, and includes over 500 preset sounds.

Highlights
  • Classic Oberheim SEM emulation
  • Two oscillators with PWM
  • 12dB/oct multi-mode filter
  • Added LFO, Noise, Sub oscillator, Arpeggiator, Portamento
  • Polyphonic playability
  • 500+ preset sounds
  • MIDI and AudioUnit v3 support
Features
Read full description

COMPATIBILITY Apple’s AudioUnit v3, Inter-App Audio connectivity, AudioBus 3, Korg’s WIST and Apple’s CoreMIDI are all supported. Furthermore, iSEM is fully compatible with the Audio Unit Extension format. It can be directly launched in any Audio Unit host applications. DESCRIPTION iSEM is a recreation of the classic 1974 Oberheim SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module), one of the world's first self-contained synthesizer modules and the first to bear the "Oberheim Electronics" name. The Oberheim SEM was made famous by artists and bands such as Lyle Mays, Jan Hammer, Joseph Zawinul, Supertramp, 808 State, Vince Clarke and Depeche Mode. Based on the TAE® technology found in our Oberheim SEM V software, iSEM brings back the sound and special characteristics of this iconic synth in an sonically accurate and expanded touch-based emulation. What you can do with the iSEM? The iSEM is a powerful instrument capable of producing a wide range of warm analog sounds.  Reproducing the unique SEM architecture, with its oscillator sync, characteristic filter shape and specific envelope response, the iSEM is able to generate the fat basses that have made the Oberheim brand so popular. Thanks to its simple and clever PW and pitch modulations, it is also very easy to produce moving and lively leads. Its remarkable 12 dB/oct multimode filter is a real blast from the past, becoming an awesome weapon in the context of current electronic music. This unique module can instantly tailor your sound to fat, crisp, or spectral textures with access to all the nuances in between… iSEM comes with over 500 sounds that you can browse through and play. You can also easily create your own sounds with the easy to use interface. Play iSEM's numerous sounds from the iPad keyboard or control iSEM from a MIDI keyboard or other app via CoreMIDI and integrate it into your studio or live performance. If you are an owner of of the Arturia SEM V software on your Mac or PC, you can even import and export sounds between your laptop or desktop SEM V and iSEM. FEATURES All the original parameters of the Oberheim SEM: two oscillators, each offering sawtooth wave and variable-width pulse wave with PWM, sine wave LFO, 12dB/oct multi-mode Filter with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch, two ADS envelope generators. Added functionalities: New LFO, Noise, Sub oscillator, Arpeggiator, Portamento. Polyphonic playability 8 Voice Programmer module allows each voice to have different settings HOLD and CHORD modes. Virtual Analog Chorus. Virtual Analog Delay. Full user MIDI mapping of panel controls. Supports WIST sync to other iOS devices. Support of AudioUnit Extension, AudioBus 3 and Apple’s Inter-App Audio connectivity. The Oberheim™ name used here is a trademark of the Gibson Guitar Corp. The trademark is used by license to Arturia.

Screenshots

Sunrizer synth3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Sunrizer synth at 4.7 against iSEM Synthesizer's 4.1. Sunrizer synth also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 74%) and device support (3 vs 1). iSEM Synthesizer's advantage is price ($9.99 vs $12.99). On update cadence, 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 iSEM Synthesizer $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Sunrizer synth holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 183 and 61 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Sunrizer synth's written reviews are positive against 74% of iSEM Synthesizer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, iSEM Synthesizer every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Sunrizer synth versus iSEM Synthesizer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSunrizer synthiSEM Synthesizer
Price$12.99$9.99 — better
Rating4.7 (183 ratings) — better4.1 (61 ratings)
Positive reviews87.8% of reviews — better73.7% of reviews
Number of ratings183 — better61
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 5 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS10.3 — better12.1
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB80 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeepStreetArturia

Customer experience

Sunrizer synth

All ratings183 ratings
Positive90.2%
Neutral5.5%
Negative4.4%
Written reviews303 reviews
Positive87.8%
Neutral5.3%
Negative6.9%

iSEM Synthesizer

All ratings60 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral8.3%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews243 reviews
Positive73.7%
Neutral9.1%
Negative17.3%

User reviews

Sunrizer synth

From 183 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

iSEM Synthesizer

From 61 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎹 Fantastic sound quality
  • 💯 Faithful to the original Oberheim SEM
  • 🎨 Versatile sound design capabilities
  • 🎚️ Intuitive and responsive interface
  • 🔊 Rich, warm, and analog-like tones

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
  • 🔌 Poor integration with DAWs and MIDI controllers
  • 🕰️ Slow preset loading times
  • 🔇 Limited modulation options compared to hardware
  • 🤔 Uninspiring factory presets

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

iSEM Synthesizer

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Preset loading issues
  • MIDI connectivity problems
  • Unexpected crashes when switching between presets
  • Envelopes causing clicks and pops in some patches
  • Unresponsive controls when used as an AUv3

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add MIDI program change support
  • Improve preset management and organization
  • Implement a global tuning option
  • Enhance MIDI mapping and automation capabilities
  • Provide more comprehensive AUv3 support

In-app purchases

None

Sunrizer synth

No in-app purchases

None

iSEM Synthesizer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sunrizer synth free?
Sunrizer synth costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is iSEM Synthesizer free?
iSEM Synthesizer costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Sunrizer synth or iSEM Synthesizer?
Sunrizer synth is rated higher. Sunrizer synth averages 4.7 out of 5 from 183 ratings, while iSEM Synthesizer averages 4.1 from 61 ratings.
Do Sunrizer synth or iSEM Synthesizer have ads?
Neither Sunrizer synth nor iSEM Synthesizer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sunrizer synth or iSEM Synthesizer?
Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, and iSEM Synthesizer every 5 months. Most recently, Sunrizer synth was updated on October 13, 2026 and iSEM Synthesizer on October 15, 2026.

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