Comparison

Addictive microSynth vs Kalimba Keys

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

Head to head
About

Addictive microSynth

Create beautiful sounds and driving loops with a powerful wavetable synthesizer and a 4-track loop recorder. Explore vast sonic territories with intelligent randomization and real-time editing. Compatible with hardware controllers for an enhanced experience.

Highlights
  • 4-track loop recorder with overdubbing
  • Dynamic wavetable synthesizer
  • Live performance keyboard
  • Programmable arpeggiator
  • Audiobus 2 support
  • MIDI keyboard compatibility
  • Export audio and MIDI files
Features
Read full description

Combines the synthesis power of Addictive Synth with an easy to use 4 track loop phrase recorder. #1 Staff Favorites on US App Store ! 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. 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. With Version 1.1 you get instant hardware access together with the AKAI SynthStation 25. Use the hardware buttons for scrolling through presets and arpeggios, operating the Arpeggiator and rolling our famous dice to get instant new arpeggio creations ! Features: 4 track Loop recorder • Live recording/playback of phrases divided in up to 4 tracks with unlimited overdubbing. • Mute/Solo for each track. • Paste loops from other music Apps in one of the 4 tracks. • Loop length can be set from one to eight bars. Dynamic wavetable synthesizer • Six dynamic wavetable oscillators per voice, up to 48 total. • Continous 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 MIDI Breath and Footcontroller, the modulation wheel and the tilt sensors.  • Monophonic or polyphonic with 4 voices. ( 2 voices on older devices ) • 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 onscreen keyboard pads. Drag fingers for slides and vibrato.  • Use a CoreMIDI compatible interface to play with a MIDI Keyboard. • Musical scale setting makes for easy playing.    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 user arpeggios possible. • For each step you can program tie, accent, transposition and note order Global • Audiobus 2 support (requires iOS 7 or newer) • Export loops as audio and midi files. • Audio pasteboard for exchange with other Apps • Exchange user presets with File Sharing in iTunes.

About

Kalimba Keys

This app offers a realistic and expressive Kalimba instrument experience with studio-quality sound. It features detailed sampling, a variety of built-in effects, and cross-platform preset management for seamless creativity.

Highlights
  • Individually-sampled Kalimba notes
  • Multiple Kalimba sound variations
  • Modulation and Space & Time FX
  • Adjustable effects order
  • 35 included presets
  • Cross-platform preset sharing
  • Standalone app and AUv3 compatibility
Features
Read full description

Kalimba Keys is your gateway to expressive Kalimba sounds. Experience the richness of Kalimba Keys, the go-to Kalimba instrument app that brings studio-quality sound to your fingertips. Immerse yourself in authenticity with round robin and per-key sampling, allowing for genuine and nuanced playback. Elevate your compositions with essential effects, including tape-style delay, powerful stereo reverb, and versatile modulation FX (Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, Auto Pan). Unlock the simplicity of creativity as you save and load configurations with cross-platform presets, ensuring seamless compatibility across sessions. Enjoy the freedom of full automation control, sculpting your ideal sound effortlessly. AUv3 compatible for use with your favorite host apps like Cubasis, GarageBand, AUM, & more! Explore the world of expressive Kalimba Keys – where simplicity meets precision. Features - Individually-sampled Kalimba notes - 4X Kalimba Sounds (Original, Classic, Large, & Small) - Modulation Multi-FX: Multiple FX section with 6 modes including Chorus, Flanger, Phase, Vibrato, Tremolo, Auto Pan - Space & Time FX: Further customize your sounds with natural reverb and tape-style delay effects - Effects Pre/Post Mode: Space & Time and Modulation effects orders can be swapped. - 35 Presets include for instant playability and inspiration - Cross-platform support: presets can be shared between iOS and macOS & Windows - Preset Manager included for saving, editing, and loading different presets - Standalone app and AUv3 included

Screenshots

Addictive microSynth4 screens
Kalimba Keys3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Kalimba Keys at 5.0 against Addictive microSynth's 3.0. Kalimba Keys also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 81%). Addictive microSynth's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (5.1.1 vs 12.0). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 microSynth costs $0.99 and Kalimba Keys $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Kalimba Keys holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Addictive microSynth's written reviews are positive against 100% of Kalimba Keys's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Addictive microSynth ships an update every 13 months, Kalimba Keys every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Addictive microSynth versus Kalimba Keys: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAddictive microSynthKalimba Keys
Price$0.99 — better$4.99
Rating3.0 (6 ratings)5.0 (14 ratings) — better
Positive reviews81.1% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings614 — better
Update frequencyEvery 13 monthsEvery 6 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS5.1.1 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB112 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsOSC Audio

Customer experience

Addictive microSynth

All ratings6 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews37 reviews
Positive81.1%
Neutral8.1%
Negative10.8%

Kalimba Keys

All ratings14 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Addictive microSynth

No in-app purchases

None

Kalimba Keys

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Addictive microSynth free?
Addictive microSynth costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Kalimba Keys free?
Kalimba Keys costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Addictive microSynth or Kalimba Keys?
Kalimba Keys is rated higher. Addictive microSynth averages 3.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Kalimba Keys averages 5.0 from 14 ratings.
Do Addictive microSynth or Kalimba Keys have ads?
Neither Addictive microSynth nor Kalimba Keys shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Addictive microSynth or Kalimba Keys?
Addictive microSynth ships an update every 13 months, and Kalimba Keys every 6 months. Most recently, Addictive microSynth was updated on October 11, 2026 and Kalimba Keys on September 23, 2026.

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