Comparison

Async Sampler vs VAPolyMkII

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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 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

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read 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

Async Sampler3 screens
VAPolyMkII4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Async Sampler costs $14.99 and VAPolyMkII $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Async Sampler ships an update every 2 weeks, VAPolyMkII weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Async Sampler versus VAPolyMkII: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAsync SamplerVAPolyMkII
Price$14.99$14.99
Rating4.5 (18 ratings)4.5 (11 ratings)
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews — better66.7% of reviews
Number of ratings18 — better11
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size235 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSergei ZhulkovRyo Togawa

Customer experience

Async Sampler

All ratings18 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%

VAPolyMkII

All ratings11 ratings
Positive90.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.1%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

None

Async Sampler

No in-app purchases

None

VAPolyMkII

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Async Sampler free?
Async Sampler costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VAPolyMkII free?
VAPolyMkII costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Async Sampler or VAPolyMkII?
Async Sampler and VAPolyMkII are both rated 4.5 out of 5 on the App Store, from 18 and 11 ratings respectively.
Do Async Sampler or VAPolyMkII have ads?
Neither Async Sampler nor VAPolyMkII shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Async Sampler or VAPolyMkII?
Async Sampler ships an update every 2 weeks, and VAPolyMkII weekly. Most recently, Async Sampler was updated on September 30, 2026 and VAPolyMkII on October 7, 2026.

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