# NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 vs Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest

The clearest difference is price: Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest at Free against NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's $5.99. Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 89%). NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 8). On rating, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest is free to download; NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99 up front. Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 against 5.0 for Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.4K ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's written reviews are positive against 100% of Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest's.

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 ships an update fortnightly, Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 | Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.9 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews) | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beethovens-staffrunner-quest/id6499357432/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.4K** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 89.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Size | 242 MB | 301 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.4** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) | [Powerful Piano LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1743256418) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beethovens-staffrunner-quest/id6499357432)

This app gamifies music education, transforming note learning into an engaging experience. Designed by an experienced teacher, it simplifies music theory for students and educators alike. Practice daily, enhance note recognition, and build confidence through interactive gameplay.

**Highlights:** Gamified note learning, Interactive gameplay, Note recognition improvement, Confidence building, Daily practice integration, Suitable for students and teachers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Monthly Plan | $0.99 | per month |
| Enterprise Plan 25 Seats | $18.99 | per month |
| Enterprise Plan 50 Seats | $35.99 | per month |
| Enterprise Plan 100 Seats | $69.99 | per month |
| Enterprise Plan 200 Seats | $134.99 | per month |
| Enterprise Plan 400 Seats | $259.99 | per month |
| Enterprise Plan 600 Seats | $379.99 | per month |
| 500 BBux | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1000 BBuxs Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| 2000 BBuxs Pack | $12.99 | one-time |
| 5000 BBuxs Pack | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

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

### Is Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest free?

Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 or Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest?

Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest is rated higher. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.

### Do NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 or Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest have ads?

Neither NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 nor Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 or Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 ships an update fortnightly, and Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest every 3 weeks. Most recently, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 was updated on October 30, 2026 and Beethoven’s StaffRunner Quest on October 18, 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.*