# Soundbeam vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

The clearest difference is rating: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 at 4.9 against Soundbeam's 4.5. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 74). Soundbeam's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $5.99) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.4). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Soundbeam costs $0.99 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.4K ratings behind it against 74, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 89% and 89% positive.

Soundbeam ships an update every 9 months, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Soundbeam | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [4.5 (74 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundbeam/id494982357/reviews) | **[4.9 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 74 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 88.7% of reviews | **89.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 7 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PZ Mobile Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780374779) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## What reviewers say

### Soundbeam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundbeam/id494982357)

Visualize sound in real-time with this audio analyzer. It displays sound as a classic oscilloscope and offers spectral visualization using Fourier transform. Connect instruments or use the built-in mic to explore audio frequencies and intensity.

**Highlights:** Spectrum and waveform views, Real-time audio analysis, High-resolution Fourier transform, Recording functionality, Gesture controls for adjustments, Connect external audio devices

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🎨 Beautiful, elegant skeumorphic design
- ⚡ Smooth performance with no lag or crashes
- 🔬 Effective oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer functionality
- 💰 Excellent value for price (under $1)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Audio blocking issue when app is running
- 📈 No timebase control for oscilloscope mode
- ⏱️ Limited recording duration (14-15 seconds)
- 🎚️ Difficult intensity knob adjustment
- 📱 Poor support for newer iPhone/iPad screen sizes

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPhone 5 with no waveform display
- Waveform display not appearing despite controls working
- Quarter-second latency between audio and display
- Moving waveform displayed even when music is paused
- iPhone reset during app usage

**Requested features**

- Longer recording capability (with IAP option)
- Horizontal zoom in waveform mode with time scale display
- X/Y function for advanced analysis
- Timebase adjustment controls
- Trigger functionality


### NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

**Highlights:** Virtual Analog Synthesizer, 40+ Classic Waveforms, Arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, Lush Effects Suite, Four-voice Unison, AUv3 Plugin Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Outstanding synth
- 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
- 🎨 Great presets and sound design
- 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
- 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
- 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
- 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
- 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Soundbeam free?

Soundbeam costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Soundbeam or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. Soundbeam averages 4.5 out of 5 from 74 ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do Soundbeam or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?

Neither Soundbeam nor NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Soundbeam or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

Soundbeam ships an update every 9 months, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, Soundbeam was updated on October 26, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on October 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*