Comparison

Sunrizer synth vs KORG iM1

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

KORG iM1

This app faithfully reproduces the legendary M1 synthesizer, offering its iconic sounds and expanded features for modern music creation. It provides a vast library of presets and intuitive performance tools, making it accessible to both experienced musicians and beginners.

Highlights
  • Faithful reproduction of original M1 sound
  • Expanded filter resonance and 18 effects
  • Gigantic library of 3,300 sounds
  • Intuitive KAOSS pad for performance
  • Smart Sound Browser for quick sound selection
  • Compatible with KORG Gadget
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

A complete reproduction - and more - of the legendary M1 that defined an era. Mobile Digital Synthesizer for the iPad. ● Selected by Apple as "App Store Best of 2015" ● Ranked #1 on the App Store on Top Paid Music category in more than 20 countries! (15/5/27) Since it went on sale in 1988 the legendary M1 music workstation rapidly achieved record-breaking sales, becoming a mainstay of the music scene from the late 1980s and beyond. The common element of electronic instruments that have left their name in history is that they had a unique sound that was difficult if not impossible to replicate. Sounds such as the “M1 Piano” is instantly recognizable and have appeared on countless hit records over many years, and yet these are sounds that could only be produced by the M1. And that’s what you can now have on your iPad! ● A faithful reproduction of the original M1 Sound The PCM data provides the library of the original M1. For the hardware, we analyzed the circuit diagram of the original design, and completely replicated it in software down to the last detailed parameters. Engineers with an exhaustive knowledge of the M1 made careful adjustments in order to obtain the sound of the original unit, something that cannot be obtained simply by sampling the original sounds. ● A continued evolution of the M1 Not content with simply reproducing the original, iM1 provides further evolutionary developments. Synth parts now have the Filter Resonance that was requested at the time of the original. The effect parts, originally consisting of only two effects, have been powered-up to 18 effects. The user interface has also been refreshed with additions such as a KAOSS pad. iM1 is the ultimate version of the KORG M1. ● A gigantic library encompassing 3,300 sounds and 34 cards* In addition to all 19 of the ROM cards originally released for the M1, iM1 also covers the sounds of the M1EX which expanded the internal PCM of the M1, as well as the sounds of the T-series which appeared as an evolution of the M1. There’s also “BEST OF M1”, a selection of 100 great M1 programs. The new “Smart Sound Browser” makes it quick to find the desired sound. You can also view the sounds ranked by how often they are selected by iM1 users around the world. *with all the expansion card installed via in-app purchase ● KAOSS pad lets anybody perform iM1 features a KAOSS pad from the popular KAOSSILATOR, allowing you to perform intuitively just by touching the screen. By using the dual KAOSS pads to play phrases or adjust the sound, even people who are not accustomed to keyboard instruments or knowledgeable about synthesizers can enjoy performing the iM1. There’s also a conventional keyboard, as well as the “Smart Keyboard”, which lets you specify a scale setting and play phrases with a single finger. ● Use with KORG Gadget for song production iM1 can be used together with Gadget, the music production DAW app that won the App Store Best App of 2014 award in Japan. If both apps are installed, you can use iM1 as a sound module within Gadget, taking advantage of the program sounds in iM1 for music production. iM1 also supports Audiobus and Inter-App Audio, so it can also be used for GarageBand etc. ● Connect a MIDI keyboard and use as a sound module In addition to enjoying iM1 on its own, you can connect a USB MIDI keyboard* via a Lightning adaptor and play the iM1 as an external sound module. You can easily take along an even more powerful workstation sound module as part of your iPad-based compact mobile system. *microKEY, nanoKEY etc. ● Interchangeable with the KORG Legacy Collection and the original M1 Sounds that you create in iM1 can be sent from your iPad via iTunes to a Mac/PC. If you have the Legacy Collection M1, you can use those sounds in a DAW. More info at korg.com

Screenshots

Sunrizer synth3 screens
KORG iM14 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Sunrizer synth at $12.99 against KORG iM1's $29.99. Sunrizer synth also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 12.0). KORG iM1's advantage is chart position (#59 vs unranked) and ratings volume (1K vs 183). On rating, review sentiment, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Sunrizer synth costs $12.99 and KORG iM1 $29.99 up front. KORG iM1 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Sunrizer synth asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Sunrizer synth against 4.7 for KORG iM1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: KORG iM1 has 1K ratings behind it against 183, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of Sunrizer synth's written reviews are positive against 82% of KORG iM1's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, KORG iM1 every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Sunrizer synth versus KORG iM1: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSunrizer synthKORG iM1
Price$12.99 — better$29.99
Rating4.7 (183 ratings)4.7 (1K ratings)
Positive reviews87.8% of reviews — better81.5% of reviews
Number of ratings1831K — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 months — betterEvery 7 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank—#59 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.3 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB200 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeepStreetKORG INC.

Customer experience

Sunrizer synth

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

KORG iM1

All ratings1,007 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral2.3%
Negative3.9%
Written reviews487 reviews
Positive81.5%
Neutral7.4%
Negative11.1%

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

KORG iM1

From 1K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Authentic M1 sound reproduction
  • 💰 Great value for money
  • 🎹 Faithful recreation of the original hardware
  • 🎨 Powerful sound customization options
  • 🔗 Works well with MIDI controllers

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes or stability issues
  • 🔇 Low output volume compared to other apps
  • 🤔 Confusing UI for patch editing and saving
  • 🔴 Missing AUv3 support for integration with DAWs

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

KORG iM1

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Disappearing or missing purchased sound cards
  • Bluetooth MIDI connectivity issues
  • Compatibility problems with certain iOS versions or devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add AUv3 support for better DAW integration
  • Improve preset management and saving capabilities
  • Increase master volume control options
  • Expand sound library with more cards/expansions

In-app purchases

None

Sunrizer synth

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

KORG iM1

One-time2
  • M1 Cards Pack$4.99
  • T1 Cards Pack$4.99

Questions

Is Sunrizer synth free?
Sunrizer synth costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is KORG iM1 free?
KORG iM1 costs $29.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Sunrizer synth or KORG iM1?
Sunrizer synth and KORG iM1 are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 183 and 1K ratings respectively.
Do Sunrizer synth or KORG iM1 have ads?
Neither Sunrizer synth nor KORG iM1 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sunrizer synth or KORG iM1?
Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, and KORG iM1 every 7 months. Most recently, Sunrizer synth was updated on October 13, 2026 and KORG iM1 on October 16, 2026.

Other comparisons