Comparison

Addictive Synth vs Nambu

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

Head to head
About

Addictive Synth

Create unique sounds and driving loops with a powerful wavetable synthesizer. Explore a vast sonic universe with dynamic oscillators, spectral noise generation, and intelligent randomizers. Play live with an onscreen keyboard or connect a MIDI controller.

Highlights
  • Dynamic wavetable synthesis
  • Spectral noise generator
  • Intelligent randomizer for sounds and arpeggios
  • Onscreen keyboard with live playing capabilities
  • MIDI keyboard compatibility
  • Programmable arpeggiator
  • Audiobus and Inter-app audio support
Read full description

It was never so easy to create beautiful sounds and driving loops. The unique dynamic wavetable synthesis allows you to explore an unprecedented wide range of sonic territory. From acid loops, crystal clear percussions, realistic human choirs to complex musical soundscapes nothing seems impossible with only a handful parameters to tweak. The new spectral noise generator adds a new dimension to the already huge sound universe of Addictive Synth. This generator is the first of its kind and allows for extraordinarily detailed control over the dynamic spectrum of the noisy part of sounds. Despite its complexity it's pretty easy to use and integrates naturally into the sound design philosophy of Addictive Synth. Together with the intelligent randomizer for both sounds and arpeggios you will loose any sense of time and space while exploring unknown sonic territories. Right from the beginning you'll understand why it's named Addictive. ***Best iPad Apps of the Week*** AppAdvice.com "Addictive Synth fixes your craving for a massively customizable synthesizer experience on the iPad." - AppAdvice.com "App Of The Week" at iDesignSound.com Features: Dynamic wavetable synthesizer • Six dynamic wavetable oscillators per voice, up to 48 total. • Continuous morphing between two oscillator sets. • Realtime editing of up to 128 partials (overtones). • Realtime editing of filter structure to create arbitrary body resonances. • Extensive modulation possibilities using up to 4 LFOs and 4 Envelopes. • Control matrix allows real time control of five parameters using the X/Y touch pad, the modulation wheel and the tilt sensors of the iPad.  • Monophonic or polyphonic with 8 voices. • 128 factory presets, unlimited user presets can be shared.  • Up to three effects concurrently usable selected from: equalizer, phaser, flanger, chorus and stereo/cross delay. Live  • Play melodies live with the onscreen keyboard. Drag fingers for slides and vibrato.  • With the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit you can use a CoreMIDI compatible MIDI Keyboard to control Addictive Synth. • Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer compatible. • Velocity sensitive keyboard. • Select from dozens of scales and play them with scale optimized keyboard layout.   Full featured programmable Arpeggiator • Uses programmable sequences with up to 32 steps.  • Can trigger single notes and chords. • Unique randomizer generates Arpeggios with 100% usability. • 32 Arpeggios included, unlimited useer arpeggios possible. • For each step you can program tie, accent, transposition and note order Global • Audiobus 2 compatible (Output) (requires iOS7 or newer). • Inter-app audio compatible (Instrument/Generator) • Export loops as audio and midi files. • Audio pasteboard for exchange with other Apps • Exchange user presets with File Sharing in iTunes.

About

Nambu

This app is a semi-modular FM synthesizer offering a unique sound design experience. It combines traditional FM operators with six distinct operator types, including analog-style oscillators, noise, filters, and resonators.

Highlights
  • Semi-modular FM synthesis
  • Six operator types
  • Analog synth-style oscillators
  • AM synthesis
  • Noise generator
  • Filters and resonators
Features
Read full description

NAMBU is a semi-modular FM synthesizer that allows you to create sounds by combining not only typical FM operators but also six different types of operators: analog synth-style oscillators capable of AM, noise, texture particles, filters, and resonators. For more detailed information about the product, please visit the website. The website offers detailed product descriptions, manuals and videos, as well as important notices. https://icegear.net/

Screenshots

Nambu4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Addictive Synth at $6.99 against Nambu's $16.00. Addictive Synth also leads on iOS requirement (6.0 vs 12.0). Nambu's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On 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

Addictive Synth costs $6.99 and Nambu $16.00 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Nambu holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 48 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of Addictive Synth's written reviews are positive against 92% of Nambu's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Addictive Synth ships an update every 4 months, Nambu fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Addictive Synth versus Nambu: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAddictive SynthNambu
Price$6.99 — better$16.00
Rating4.5 (15 ratings)4.8 (48 ratings) — better
Positive reviews78.1% of reviews92.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1548 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS6.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size47 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsiceWorks, Inc.

Customer experience

Addictive Synth

All ratings15 ratings
Positive86.7%
Neutral6.7%
Negative6.7%
Written reviews114 reviews
Positive78.1%
Neutral7.0%
Negative14.9%

Nambu

All ratings48 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral2.1%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive92.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative8.0%

Bugs and requests

Addictive Synth

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • App crashes upon opening on iOS 15.1
  • Static/audio glitches on startup
  • Keyboard width inconsistency across pages
  • Stuck notes with external MIDI controllers
  • Audio playback at 2x speed when pasting from certain apps
Show 8 more
  • Backing track audio silences when switching apps
  • Recording menu doesn't allow selection of new recordings
  • Monophonic playback over virtual MIDI with chords
  • Keyboard lag behind keystrokes
  • Oscillator phase inconsistency
  • Fundamental sine wave audible even when all harmonics disabled
  • Flaky sequence saving functionality
  • App crashes during audio recording/export

Requested features

19 requests
  • MIDI learn functionality
  • Audiobus and IAA sync support
  • MIDI clock/start/stop synchronization
  • Ableton Link integration
  • White/pink noise generator
Show 14 more
  • Better patch/preset organization and banking
  • Undo button for waveform/filter drawing
  • WiFi and email export options
  • Improved recording with flexible bar counts
  • Drawable modulation signals
  • Traditional filter types (LPF, HPF, BPF)
  • MIDI volume control (CC7)
  • Metronome on/off toggle
  • Better visualization of harmonics/partials
  • Evenly spaced harmonic controls
  • Click track during looping
  • Tempo saving with presets
  • More modulation options and FM synthesis
  • Hardware synth versions

Nambu

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Addictive Synth

No in-app purchases

None

Nambu

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Addictive Synth free?
Addictive Synth costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Nambu free?
Nambu costs $16.00, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Addictive Synth or Nambu?
Nambu is rated higher. Addictive Synth averages 4.5 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Nambu averages 4.8 from 48 ratings.
Do Addictive Synth or Nambu have ads?
Neither Addictive Synth nor Nambu shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Addictive Synth or Nambu?
Addictive Synth ships an update every 4 months, and Nambu fortnightly. Most recently, Addictive Synth was updated on October 17, 2026 and Nambu on October 16, 2026.

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