Comparison

VAPolyTZFM vs KR8

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

Head to head
About

VAPolyTZFM

This app is a polyphonic synthesizer that utilizes Through Zero FM for musical sound generation. It offers a standalone mode with Ableton Link and MIDI support, as well as an AudioUnit Extension for use with other music software. Built-in effects and iCloud Drive integration enhance its creative capabilities.

Highlights
  • Through Zero FM synthesis
  • AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support
  • Ableton Link and MIDI connectivity
  • Built-in effects suite
  • iCloud Drive project sharing
  • Analog style step sequencer
  • Up to 8 voice polyphony
Features
Read full description

VAPolyTZFM is polyphonic synthesizer featuring Through Zero FM, which is a type of linear frequency modulation and it is capable to maintain the pitch therefore it can deliver more musical results. VAPolyTZFM operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. Main Features Through Zero FM 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

KR8

Features
Read full description

KR8-0 is a drum machine for live performance. It runs a step sequencer with 16 to 64 steps, four drum kits, per-channel mute and solo, per-channel volume, and a BPM range of 40 to 220. The audio engine runs on a dedicated thread separate from the UI, so the tempo holds regardless of what's happening on screen. Four kits are included. The default kit is synthesis-based: each sound is generated from mathematical waveforms and envelopes computed in real time, with no sample files involved. The three additional kits are sample-based, using recorded drum sounds loaded from audio files on the device. No internet connection is used at any point. No account is required. No data leaves the device.

Screenshots

VAPolyTZFM4 screens
KR83 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: KR8 at $2.99 against VAPolyTZFM's $14.99. KR8 also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 9 months). VAPolyTZFM's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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

VAPolyTZFM costs $14.99 and KR8 $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VAPolyTZFM ships an update every 9 months, KR8 every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
VAPolyTZFM versus KR8: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVAPolyTZFMKR8
Price$14.99$2.99 — better
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.6 — better17
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyo Togawadevin sewell

In-app purchases

None

VAPolyTZFM

No in-app purchases

None

KR8

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VAPolyTZFM free?
VAPolyTZFM costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is KR8 free?
KR8 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do VAPolyTZFM or KR8 have ads?
Neither VAPolyTZFM nor KR8 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VAPolyTZFM or KR8?
VAPolyTZFM ships an update every 9 months, and KR8 every 4 days. Most recently, VAPolyTZFM was updated on November 5, 2026 and KR8 on November 1, 2026.

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