# iVCS3 vs iSEM Synthesizer

The clearest difference is price: iSEM Synthesizer at $9.99 against iVCS3's $19.99. iSEM Synthesizer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (12.1 vs 17.0). iVCS3's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.1) and review sentiment (91% vs 74%). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

iVCS3 costs $19.99 and iSEM Synthesizer $9.99 up front. iVCS3 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. iSEM Synthesizer asks for nothing beyond the download.

iVCS3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 205 and 60 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of iVCS3's written reviews are positive against 74% of iSEM Synthesizer's.

iVCS3 ships an update every 2 months, iSEM Synthesizer every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iVCS3 | iSEM Synthesizer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$9.99** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (205 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927/reviews)** | [4.1 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isem-synthesizer/id673921187/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **205** | 60 |
| Positive reviews | **90.7% of reviews** | 73.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 107 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [apeSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/464660782) | [Arturia](https://appshunter.io/developer/549089551) |

## What reviewers say

### iVCS3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927)

This application emulates the iconic EMS VCS3 synthesizer, a pioneering portable synthesizer from 1969. It recreates the original's unique sound generation capabilities, including its oscillators, filters, and patch matrix, allowing users to explore its distinctive sonic palette.

**Highlights:** Official EMS VCS3 emulation, Three oscillators (2 VCOs, 1 LFO), Noise generator, Voltage controlled low pass filter (VCF), Patch board matrix, Joy-stick controller, Voltage controlled spring reverb

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Red Sky Lullaby - 180 Presets | Free | one-time |
| Singe Difficile by RUST(i)K | Free | one-time |
| RUMBLE | Free | one-time |
| OLD GRIT - COLLECTION | Free | one-time |
| JEC 2018 Iconic PinkFloyd | Free | one-time |
| JEC EMS-50 | Free | one-time |
| SINAPSYA - Under The Dust | $2.99 | one-time |
| LALA - Sonic Pleasures | $3.99 | one-time |
| JEC Mega Bank | $4.99 | one-time |
| Essential EMS Modifications | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Faithful recreation of the original
- 👍 Powerful and versatile sound
- 🎨 Gorgeous vintage interface
- 💡 Additional features beyond the original
- 🎛️ Excellent integration with MIDI and other apps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🤔 Steep learning curve
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate the matrix

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading
- Crashes on iOS 15.04
- Sampler not functioning properly

**Requested features**

- Mac compatibility
- Improved preset management
- Expanded sampling capabilities


### iSEM Synthesizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isem-synthesizer/id673921187)

This app is a touch-based emulation of the classic 1974 Oberheim SEM synthesizer, known for its warm analog sounds. It offers a wide range of sonic possibilities, from fat basses to lively leads, and includes over 500 preset sounds.

**Highlights:** Classic Oberheim SEM emulation, Two oscillators with PWM, 12dB/oct multi-mode filter, Added LFO, Noise, Sub oscillator, Arpeggiator, Portamento, Polyphonic playability, 500+ preset sounds, MIDI and AudioUnit v3 support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎹 Fantastic sound quality
- 💯 Faithful to the original Oberheim SEM
- 🎨 Versatile sound design capabilities
- 🎚️ Intuitive and responsive interface
- 🔊 Rich, warm, and analog-like tones

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🔌 Poor integration with DAWs and MIDI controllers
- 🕰️ Slow preset loading times
- 🔇 Limited modulation options compared to hardware
- 🤔 Uninspiring factory presets

**Reported bugs**

- Preset loading issues
- MIDI connectivity problems
- Unexpected crashes when switching between presets
- Envelopes causing clicks and pops in some patches
- Unresponsive controls when used as an AUv3

**Requested features**

- Add MIDI program change support
- Improve preset management and organization
- Implement a global tuning option
- Enhance MIDI mapping and automation capabilities
- Provide more comprehensive AUv3 support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iVCS3 free?

iVCS3 costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is iSEM Synthesizer free?

iSEM Synthesizer costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, iVCS3 or iSEM Synthesizer?

iVCS3 is rated higher. iVCS3 averages 4.9 out of 5 from 205 ratings, while iSEM Synthesizer averages 4.1 from 60 ratings.

### Do iVCS3 or iSEM Synthesizer have ads?

Neither iVCS3 nor iSEM Synthesizer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iVCS3 or iSEM Synthesizer?

iVCS3 ships an update every 2 months, and iSEM Synthesizer every 5 months. Most recently, iVCS3 was updated on October 25, 2026 and iSEM Synthesizer on October 23, 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.*