Async Sampler vs VAPolyMkII
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Async Sampler
Create captivating sound collages, dynamic textures, and rhythmic patterns with this powerful musical instrument. It offers asynchronous and synchronous playback modes, a versatile LFO, and an effects processor to elevate your sound design.
- Standalone and AUv3 versions
- Three independent samplers
- Extensive sample library
- Upload your own samples
- Asynchronous and synchronous playback
- Flexible LFO system
- Effects processor
Read full descriptionHide full description
Async Sampler, a powerful musical instrument designed to bring your soundscapes to life. This flexible tool is dedicated to crafting captivating sound collages, dynamic asynchronous textures, rhythmic patterns, and rich sound designs. It opens up a world of creative possibilities, making it the perfect companion for music producers, sound designers, ambient, and noise enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a curious explorer, Async Sampler is here to inspire and elevate your musical journey. App comes with a rich library of unique samples, and you can easily upload and use your own sounds. Async Sampler fundamentally consists of three samplers that can reproduce sound asynchronously, meaning they can operate without being tied to a specific BPM, or synchronously, using an external MIDI clock source or the tempo of your project if you're using Async Sampler as an AUv3 plugin. The instrument features a versatile LFO that allows you to control any parameter. Async includes an effects processor and a master bus section. Also, you have the option to use external MIDI controllers, save and load your custom presets and samples, among other features. Key features: — Standalone and AUv3 versions — Three independent samplers — Extensive sample library out of the box — Ability to upload your own samples — Asynchronous and synchronous playback modes for each sample — Flexible LFO system that can control almost any parameter — Effects processor — Ability to save presets — And much more
VAPolyMkII
This virtual analog synthesizer offers a 16-voice bitimbral polyphonic sound engine with two distinct filter models and extensive modulation options. It includes a built-in sequencer, various effects, and supports AudioUnit Extension for integration with DAWs. Projects can be synced across iPhone, iPad, and Mac via iCloud.
- 16-voice bitimbral polyphonic synthesizer
- Two analog-modeled filter types
- Extensive modulation capabilities
- Built-in piano roll sequencer
- Multiple audio effects
- AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support
- iCloud Drive project syncing
Read full descriptionHide full description
VAPolyMkII is a virtual analog bitimbral polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It features 16 voice synthesizer, effects, sequencer and audio visualization tools. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. The synthesizer consists of two 8 voice synthesizer, which features two oscillators, two ADSR envelopes, resonant high pass and low pass filter and an amplifier per voice. The oscillators features continuously variable wave shape and wide variety of modulation. The filters are modeled on the Sallen-Key filter circuit and cascaded OTA filter circuit for classic analog sound. The Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. The sequencer features piano roll and parameter automation editor to program 16 bar pattern per clip. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. - Main Features - Virtual analog 16 voice bitimbral polyphonic synthesizer Two type of Lowpass filter, cascaded OTA model and Sallen-key model. Patch points for modulation. Support MIDI 2.0 New User Interface built by SwiftUI for improved performance. Built-in Sequencer. 16 bar patterns per clip. Total 8 clips. Piano Roll and Parameter automation. Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. Audio Export. Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. - System Requirements - A13 Fusion or above is recommended. AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) requires host application which support AudioUnit Extension. AudioUnit Extension is supported by Apple Logic and Apple Garage Band on iOS and macOS. For any other DAW, it depends on the application and some of them don’t support AudioUnit Extension.
Screenshots
Verdict
Async Sampler and VAPolyMkII both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 78% of Async Sampler's written reviews are positive against 67% of VAPolyMkII's. Async Sampler also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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
Async Sampler costs $14.99 and VAPolyMkII $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Async Sampler against 4.5 for VAPolyMkII. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 11 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 78% of Async Sampler's written reviews are positive against 67% of VAPolyMkII's.
Async Sampler ships an update every 2 weeks, VAPolyMkII weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Async Sampler | VAPolyMkII |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| Rating | 4.5 (18 ratings) | 4.5 (11 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews — better | 66.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 18 — better | 11 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 235 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sergei Zhulkov | Ryo Togawa |
Customer experience
Async Sampler
VAPolyMkII
In-app purchases
Async Sampler
No in-app purchases
VAPolyMkII
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Async Sampler free?
Is VAPolyMkII free?
Which has better reviews, Async Sampler or VAPolyMkII?
Do Async Sampler or VAPolyMkII have ads?
Which is updated more often, Async Sampler or VAPolyMkII?
Other comparisons















