VAPolyMk3 vs SessionDock
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VAPolyMk3
This polyphonic synthesizer offers multi-synthesis capabilities inspired by classic analog synths. Explore subtractive and modular FM synthesis with extensive oscillator routing, built-in effects, and an analog-style sequencer. Save projects via iCloud for seamless cross-platform use.
- Multi-synthesis (Subtractive & FM)
- 3 Oscillators + 3 Modulation Oscillators
- Resonant Low/High Pass Filters
- Analog Style CV Sequencer
- Built-in Effects (Delay, Chorus, Reverb, etc.)
- Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) Support
- iCloud Project Sync
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VAPolyMk3 is a multi synthesis polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Inspired by the last generation of classic analog synthesizers in the late 1980’s such as Oberheim Matrix series synthesizers, It offers Subtractive Synthesis and modular FM Synthesis. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. Oscillator Section features 3 Oscillators and 3 Modulation Oscillators. Each Oscillator has envelope and amplifier. Oscillators can be routed for Subtractive Synthesis and FM Synthesis. Signal from Oscillators are routed to mixer, resonant low pass filter, resonant hight pass filter and amplifier. The synthesizer also features two ADSR envelopes per voice, two LFO and analog style sequencer. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. VAPolyMk3 also includes sequencer which features piano roll editor and parameter automation. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. Main Features 3 oscillators and 3 modulation oscillators can be routed for Subtractive Synthesis and FM Synthesis. Analog Style CV Sequencer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Built-in effects and sequencer. Support MIDI 2.0. Support Foot Pedal (CC#11, CC#64) and Per Note Control. 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. Option to turn off anti-aliasing for devices with less CPU power. Include 271 Factory Presets. System Requirements iOS 17.0 or later This app requires a lot of CPU power. Devices with Apple Silicon or equivalent A series chip are recommended. A13 Fusion or above is highly recommended. If sound is distorted when using a device with less CPU power, turn Anti-Aliasing-Option off or reduce number of voices. 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.
SessionDock
Browse and preview your music projects, notes, and metadata from your Mac on your iPhone. This read-only companion app keeps your desktop library intact while offering waveform note viewing and CarPlay support for on-the-go reference.
- View all saved sessions
- Preview session audio/mixdown
- Read project notes and metadata
- Waveform notes viewer
- CarPlay support
- Read-only interface
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Note: This app requires SessionDock for macOS to sync and view your sessions. SessionDock Companion – View Your Sessions Anywhere SessionDock Companion lets you browse your SessionDock sessions from your Mac, right on your iPhone. Quickly view your projects, notes, and metadata in a clean, read-only interface. The Companion app is designed for safe reference—no editing, tagging, or changes—so your desktop library always stays intact. New in this version: Waveform Notes Viewer See timestamped notes directly on your mixdown waveform. Tap “Show Notes” to reveal markers that highlight in sync with playback, and use the Session Notes list below to jump to any moment. It’s a powerful way to review your creative thoughts while listening on the go. Key Features • View all sessions saved from the desktop app • Preview session audio/mixdown. • Read project names, notes, and metadata • Fast, lightweight, and read-only • Keeps your creative catalog consistent and secure • CarPlay support — browse and play session previews hands-free while driving SessionDock Companion makes it easy to stay connected to your music projects wherever you go. For more details about SessionDock Pro subscriptions: Privacy Policy: https://sessiondock.com/privacy.txt Terms of Use (Apple Standard EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: SessionDock at 100% against VAPolyMk3's 50%. SessionDock also leads on price (Free vs $14.99) and rating (5.0 vs 4.5). VAPolyMk3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ratings volume (6 vs 1). On ads and device support 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
SessionDock is free to download; VAPolyMk3 costs $14.99 up front. SessionDock sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. VAPolyMk3 asks for nothing beyond the download.
SessionDock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VAPolyMk3 has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of VAPolyMk3's written reviews are positive against 100% of SessionDock's.
VAPolyMk3 ships an update every 7 months, SessionDock every 11 days. Both last shipped on September 20, 2026.
| Parameter | VAPolyMk3 | SessionDock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.5 (6 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | Every 11 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, Mac, Apple TV |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ryo Togawa | WARNER WEB DEVELOPMENT LLC |
Customer experience
VAPolyMk3
SessionDock
In-app purchases
VAPolyMk3
No in-app purchases
SessionDock
- SessionDock Share Monthly$4.991 Month
- SessionDock Pro$5.991 Month
- SessionDock Share Yearly$39.991 Year
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- SessionDock Pro$49.991 Year
- SessionDock Pro (Lifetime)$39.99
Questions
Is VAPolyMk3 free?
Is SessionDock free?
Which has better reviews, VAPolyMk3 or SessionDock?
Do VAPolyMk3 or SessionDock have ads?
Which is updated more often, VAPolyMk3 or SessionDock?
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