Comparison

VAPolyTS vs RedNova

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VAPolyTS

Create iconic electronic music sounds with this polyphonic synthesizer. It offers advanced oscillator stacks, a step sequencer, and built-in effects for crafting Trance, House, and Techno. Seamlessly share projects across iPhone, iPad, and Mac via iCloud.

Highlights
  • Polyphonic subtractive synthesizer
  • Stack oscillators with detuned and octave-shifted outputs
  • Analog style step sequencer with piano roll editor
  • Built-in delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, EQ, and compressor
  • Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) and Ableton Link support
  • MIDI 2.0 and Bluetooth MIDI compatibility
  • iCloud Drive project sharing across Apple devices
Features
Read full description

VAPolyTS is polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It is inspired by the synthesizers which contributed to shape iconic sounds of Trance, House and Techno Music in 1990’s. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. The synthesizer features two stack oscillators. The one of them can generate mix of detuned seven oscillator outputs. The other one can generate mix of several octave shifted oscillator outputs. It also features a mixer, a resonant low pass filter, a resonant hight pass filter, an amplifier, two envelope generators, two LFO and analog style step sequencer. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. VAPolyTS 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 Polyphonic subtractive synthesizer. Stack oscillator which can generate mix of seven detuned oscillator outputs. Stack oscillator which can generate mix of several octave shifted oscillator outputs. Analog Style Step Sequencer. Eight Assignable Controllers. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Built-in effects and piano roll sequencer. Audio Export. Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3). Support MIDI 2.0. Support Foot Pedal and Per Note Control. Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. Include 256 Factory Presets. Improvements Support MIDI Foot Pedal (CC#11, CC#64) Support MIDI2.0 Per Note Control Messages MIDI CC Settings are saved. It will be recovered when the app launched in the next time. System Requirements iOS 17.0 or later Devices with Apple Silicon are recommended. A13 Fusion or above is highly recommended. if sound is distorted when using a device with less CPU power, 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.

About

RedNova

This audio plugin offers intelligent compression and spatial positioning for professional sound design. It adapts to your audio, allowing you to control dynamics and place sounds forward for presence or back for warmth. Transform recordings into spatially positioned compositions with intuitive controls.

Highlights
  • Intelligent adaptive compression
  • VCA compressor with analog saturation
  • Forward/back spatial positioning
  • Visual position orb feedback
  • Advanced sidechain control
  • AUv3 plugin format
Features
Read full description

RedNova: Intelligent Compressor + Spatial Positioning Welcome to a new genre of professional audio plugins. RedNova is the first of the Nova series of plugins by Simon Alexander that combines unique and musical audio effects with intuitive forward/back spatial positioning. Intelligent processing adapts to your audio while giving you complete control over effect dynamics and mix placement. From punchy upfront compression to warm distant textures, discover how one brilliantly designed plugin transforms flat or unruly recordings into professionally processed, spatially positioned compositions! Instantly Transform Your Dynamics & Depth: * Intelligent compression that adapts to your source material automatically * Professional VCA compressor with musical saturation and life-like analog circuitry dynamics * Move sounds forward for clarity and presence or back for warmth and space * Watch the position orb grow larger as sounds move forward, smaller as they recede * Advanced sidechain control over compression AND spatial positioning Made for Everyone: * Producers: Get broadcast and album-quality compression with professional spatial control * Beatmakers: Compress drums while positioning elements in mix depth * Singer-Songwriters: Gentle vocal compression to driving saturation with forward positioning for presence * Podcasters: Broadcast-safe compression with spatial separation for voice and music * Beginners: Set-and-forget intelligent processing with simple visual controls * Experts: Advanced sidechain routing with multi-parameter control Professional Features, Intelligently Simple: Intelligent Compressor: 1. Adaptive Processing - Content-aware compression that automatically adjusts to your source material 2. Safety-First Design - Multi-stage limiting ensures broadcast-safe output 3. Musical Response - Professional VCA style compressor with enhanced musical saturation 4. Thread-Safe Architecture - Lock-free processing prevents audio dropouts in demanding sessions SuperSitter Positioning: 1. Forward - Brings sounds closer with intelligent EQ and transient enhancement 2. Back - Creates warm distance with spatial processing and controlled filtering 3. Center - Complete transparency when positioning isn't needed 4. Visual Feedback - Dynamic orb scaling shows exact spatial position Advanced Sidechain Control: 1. Multi-Target Control - Route sidechain to compression threshold, ratio, AND forward/back position 2. Global or Individual - Control all parameters together or individually 3. Self-Signal Mode - Use the track's own signal for dynamic control (DAW dependent) 4. LED Indicators - Color-coded feedback shows which parameters are under sidechain control Technical Excellence: * AUv3 Plugin Format for all iOS/iPadOS DAWs that utilize them * Real-time intelligent content analysis with adaptive processing * CPU-efficient design allows multiple instances without performance issues * Zero-latency processing with automatic phase alignment * Broadcast-safe output limiting with extended dynamic range * Full parameter automation support with smooth transitions * Touch-optimized interface with floating value displays * 20 professionally crafted presets to get you started on any kind of track RedNova represents a new genre of audio plugins combining unique and intelligent audio effects with easy and intuitive spatial positioning. Download RedNova now and hear professional results in seconds! RedNova's intelligent design makes studio and broadcast-quality compression and spatial positioning accessible to everyone.

Screenshots

VAPolyTS4 screens
RedNova3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: RedNova at every 4 weeks against VAPolyTS's every 10 months. RedNova also leads on price ($9.99 vs $14.99) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). On rating, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

VAPolyTS costs $14.99 and RedNova $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for VAPolyTS against 5.0 for RedNova. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VAPolyTS ships an update every 10 months, RedNova every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
VAPolyTS versus RedNova: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVAPolyTSRedNova
Price$14.99$9.99 — better
Rating5.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS16.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyo TogawaSimon Alexander

Customer experience

VAPolyTS

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

RedNova

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

VAPolyTS

No in-app purchases

None

RedNova

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VAPolyTS free?
VAPolyTS costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RedNova free?
RedNova costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, VAPolyTS or RedNova?
VAPolyTS and RedNova are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do VAPolyTS or RedNova have ads?
Neither VAPolyTS nor RedNova shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VAPolyTS or RedNova?
VAPolyTS ships an update every 10 months, and RedNova every 4 weeks. Most recently, VAPolyTS was updated on October 1, 2026 and RedNova on October 4, 2026.

Other comparisons