GSDSP Quantum Distortion vs VAPolyMkII
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GSDSP Quantum Distortion
Explore four distinct distortion effects—Saturation, BitCrush, Ring Modulation, and Downsampling—blended and controlled via an intuitive XY pad. Shape harmonics, reduce digital resolution, introduce inharmonic motion, and create classic digital degradation for unique audio textures.
- Four distortion algorithms (Saturation, BitCrush, Ring Modulation, Downsampling)
- Intuitive XY pad for blending effects
- Custom waveshaping saturation
- BitWarp for tonal variation
- Tunable oscillator for ring modulation
- Adjustable downsampling rate and jitter
- AUv3 audio effect plugin
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Four complementary distortion algorithms — Saturation, BitCrush, Ring Modulation, and Downsampling — blended and shaped through an intuitive XY pad. Saturation Shape harmonics using Quantum Distortion’s custom waveshaping saturation. Adjust Drive to set the intensity from subtle warmth to strong coloration, and use Asymmetry to introduce controlled even-harmonic emphasis of vintage tube characteristics. BitCrush Reduce digital resolution using BitCrush and reshape the crushed signal with BitWarp, which bends the quantization curve for additional tonal variation. This combination allows precise control over both the amount of reduction and the character of the resulting digital artifacts. Ring Modulation Introduce inharmonic motion using ring modulation, generated by multiplying the input with a tunable oscillator. Adjust frequency and amount in real time to create anything from light metallic shading to dense, shifting sidebands. Downsampling Lower the sample rate using Downsampling, reducing temporal resolution for classic digital degradation effects. Set the rate down to 200 Hz or introduce Jitter for controlled randomness, adding instability and movement to the downsampled signal. XY Pad Blending Navigate between the four distortion algorithms using the XY pad, allowing smooth transitions or static blends across the processing modes. The background updates to reflect the current region, providing clear visual feedback while exploring hybrid distortion shapes and interactions. Quantum Distortion is an AUv3 audio effect plugin compatible with Logic Pro, AUM, Cubasis, GarageBand and many more. A Desktop version is also available for Windows and macOS (VST3 / AU / AAX). More information here: https://gs-dsp.com/products
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
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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
The clearest difference is rating: GSDSP Quantum Distortion at 5.0 against VAPolyMkII's 4.5. GSDSP Quantum Distortion also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). VAPolyMkII's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). On price, ratings volume, 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
GSDSP Quantum Distortion costs $14.99 and VAPolyMkII $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
GSDSP Quantum Distortion holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 11 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of GSDSP Quantum Distortion's written reviews are positive against 67% of VAPolyMkII's.
GSDSP Quantum Distortion ships an update every 5 weeks, VAPolyMkII weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GSDSP Quantum Distortion | VAPolyMkII |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (10 ratings) — better | 4.5 (11 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 66.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 10 | 11 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 80 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gustav Scholda | Ryo Togawa |
Customer experience
GSDSP Quantum Distortion
VAPolyMkII
In-app purchases
GSDSP Quantum Distortion
No in-app purchases
VAPolyMkII
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is GSDSP Quantum Distortion free?
Is VAPolyMkII free?
Which has better reviews, GSDSP Quantum Distortion or VAPolyMkII?
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Which is updated more often, GSDSP Quantum Distortion or VAPolyMkII?
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