# BK vs AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

The clearest difference is review sentiment: AudioKit Digital D1 Synth at 76% against BK's 33%. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.7) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months). BK's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. BK asks for nothing beyond the download.

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AudioKit Digital D1 Synth has 2.1K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of BK's written reviews are positive against 76% of AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's.

BK ships an update every 9 months, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BK | AudioKit Digital D1 Synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bk-9-performance-editor/id668979731/reviews) | **[4.8 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **2.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **76.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 22 MB | 636 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.1** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Roland Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/387333694) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### BK

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bk-9-performance-editor/id668979731)

Control and edit the real-time performance parameters of your Roland BK-9 Backing Keyboard directly from your iPad. Enhance your playing, practicing, and composing experience with quick access to tone editing, part mixing, and effects.

**Highlights:** Real-time parameter editing, Tone editing, Part mixing control, Effects adjustment, iPad touchscreen interface, Enhanced performance tool

**In-app purchases:** none


### AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540)

This app is a virtual analog and PCM synthesizer for iPad, inspired by the digital synthesizers of the 80s and 90s. It offers a vast library of presets, advanced synthesis features, and built-in effects for creating rich, retro-inspired sounds.

**Highlights:** 64-voice hybrid digital poly synthesis, 1GB+ of original samples, Stand-alone, IAA, and AUv3 support, Vintage-style arp/step sequencer, 3 LFOs with fun routings, Dual independent per-layer filters, Built-in FX suite

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| D1 PCM Expansion-01 | Free | one-time |
| Platinum Expansion PCM EXP-01 | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 🎹 Versatile and inspiring presets
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Great value for the price
- 🔥 Cutting-edge digital synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Lack of Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- 🤔 Some presets not easily usable
- 🕰️ Slow loading times in certain DAWs

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading correctly
- MIDI note dropouts and latency
- Crashes when used with certain DAWs
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- Improve MIDI integration and responsiveness
- Implement a built-in recording/sampling feature
- Expand preset library with more genres and styles
- Add more sound design controls and modulation options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BK free?

BK is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is AudioKit Digital D1 Synth free?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, BK or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is rated higher. BK averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while AudioKit Digital D1 Synth averages 4.8 from 2.1K ratings.

### Do BK or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth have ads?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth shows ads; BK does not.

### Which is updated more often, BK or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth?

BK ships an update every 9 months, and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth every 3 weeks. Most recently, BK was updated on October 23, 2026 and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth on October 21, 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.*