DynaSynth vs Tapko
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DynaSynth
This virtual instrument plugin offers a unique sound synthesis experience with dual analog-flavored oscillators. Its dynamic modulation system allows for complex sonic textures that evolve with the sound itself. It's compatible with AU hosts and can be used standalone with a MIDI device.
- Dynamic shape synthesizer
- Dual analog-flavored oscillators
- 8-voice polyphonic
- Velocity-sensitive MIDI instrument
- AUv3 compatible
- Standalone operation
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DynaSynth Dynamic Shape Synthesizer (AUv3) DynaSynth is a virtual instrument plugin that can run standalone, or in any AU compatible host such as Logic Pro or GarageBand. Please note that the standalone version does not include a built-in keyboard - you need to connect a suitable MIDI device to play the synth. Overview DynaSynth is an original design based on variable shaped dual analog-flavoured oscillators for each of its 8 voices, that uses its own output to modulate parameters dynamically. This can produce interesting sonic results that would be very difficult, if not impossible to achieve using traditional fixed LFOs and envelopes. That's because: As the sound changes, so does the modulation amount, which changes the sound, which affects the modulation amount... Dynamic / Modulation & Display At the top of the UI is a realtime display of "dynamics", wave shapes and all the modulation being applied. The (D) dynamics indicator is essentially an envelope follower with variable damping that is used as a modulation source for the oscillator shapes (1/2), vibrato (v) and filter (f) cutoff. MIDI Implementation DynaSynth is an 8 voice polyphonic velocity-sensitive MIDI instrument and is playable over a keyboard range from A0 (21) to C7 (96) on any MIDI channel. DynaSynth also responds to mod wheel, expression (CC#11), sustain (CC#64), channel aftertouch, all notes off (CC#123) and pitch-bend. DynaSynth vs. DynaSinth While they can be confusing, the names are very similar on purpose, representing a shared design theme, i.e. a synth that is dynamic. The DynaSynth design actually came first, and it is based on fairly traditional analog-flavoured oscillators. DynaSinth shares the same dynamics engine but with a modified set of parameters designed to complement the sound of its sine wave oscillators. While I like to think both synths have their own character, and can sound fairly unique, DynaSynth is probably more capable of producing familiar analog synth tones, and DynaSinth lends itself more to keys and pads. Both synths are also good for those who like to experiment with "out there" / "Sci-Fi" type sounds, and DynaSynth is probably better suited for that sort of thing. For more info and support please visit: www.waverley-instruments.com/robjackson
Tapko
This powerful drum sampler allows musicians to load, shape, and play custom drum kits. It offers extensive per-pad sound manipulation, built-in effects like reverb and delay, and advanced sampling features. Seamlessly integrate with other music production apps or use it standalone.
- 16-pad grid with per-pad sample import
- Per-pad EQ, volume, pan, and FX sends
- Built-in reverb and delay effects
- Advanced sampling with velocity layers and round robin
- Sample Editor with waveform manipulation
- Integrated sequencer with step editor
- MIDI Learn for controller integration
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Tapko is a no-nonsense drum sampler for iPhone and iPad, built for live use. Load your sounds, shape your kit and play—standalone or inside your AUv3 host (AUM, Loopy Pro, GarageBand, Cubasis, and more). Swipe to mix, connect your MIDI controller and add a groove when you need one. 16 PADS, TOTAL CONTROL • 16-pad grid with per-pad sample import (WAV, AIFF, MP3, M4A, FLAC, CAF) • Per-pad 3-band EQ, volume, pan, gain, choke groups, and Fade Out • Swipe pads to set volume, EQ, pan, reverb send, and delay send on the fly • MIDI Learn — tap a pad, play a note, done • Swipe left/right on single-sample pads to cycle saved versions • Varispeed pitch per pad, per velocity layer, and per round-robin sample SOUND FX ON EVERY PAD • Pitch envelope, transient shaper, saturation, bitcrusher, and a resonant filter with a per-hit sweep • Everything is automatable from your host TAPKO SPACE REVERB & DELAY • Reverb: Room, Plate, Hall, and Cosmos, with Space, Decay, Pre-delay, Color, Clarity, and Modulation • Delay: Clean, Warm, Diffuse, and Reverse, synced to your host's tempo (1/2 to 1/32, straight, dotted, or triplet) or free-running, and it can feed its echoes into the reverb • Per-pad sends and dry level, global wet levels • Drum-focused factory presets plus your own, to save, export, and import; shared kits sound the same anywhere ADVANCED SAMPLING • Velocity layers — up to 5 per pad with adjustable ranges • Round robin — up to 5 samples per pad, sequential or random • Layer mode — stack up to 5 samples and trigger them together • Sample Editor with a zoomable waveform, trim handles, start delay, attack, and gain. Play sounds exactly like hitting the pad • Render Pad — bounce a pad to a new sample with its EQ, pitch, Sound FX and, if you like, reverb and delay baked in • Sample Recorder (standalone app) — record from the mic or an audio interface straight into your Media Library • Global Media Browser — import clips once and use them in any kit, with nested folders, multi-select, and export/import KITS & SHARING • Create, rename, duplicate, and delete kits; import and export .tapkokit files • Sort your kits into categories • Kit Store — browse featured kits and categories and download free community kits, with each kit's icon and info kept in your kit list • Full backup of kits, media, and presets to one .tapkobackup file • iCloud backup and restore with live progress • Web Manager (Beta) — edit kits and your Media Library from a browser on your computer BUILT-IN SEQUENCER • A bonus for when you want a groove: open it from the toolbar, press Play, and your own kit plays the pattern • Ready-made grooves plus percussion and hi-hat parts, each with A, B, C loops and a Fill • Switch loops and trigger fills while it plays; changes land on the next bar • Step editor with velocity and extra reverb or delay per hit; save your own patterns and share grooves as files • Assign each instrument to any pad, per kit • Internal clock, or follow your host's tempo and transport • Control it from function pads, host parameters, or MIDI CC (optional preset on channel 16) MULTI-OUTPUT ROUTING • 9 stereo outputs (1 Main + 8 Aux) for multi-output hosts • Send any pad to its own Aux bus for separate mixing MIDI & HOST INTEGRATION • MIDI input with customizable note mapping (GM drums by default) • Per-pad MIDI channel (omni or 1–16) • Chromatic MIDI Channels (Beta) — play each pad chromatically from its own channel • MIDI output and Program Change for kit switching • Function pads — one tap can mute pads, switch effects, set sends, play pads, send MIDI CC, or load a kit, and your host can press them too • Pad, Sound FX, and Mixer parameters automatable from the host BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE • Real-time C++ DSP engine with vDSP acceleration, designed for low CPU use • Standalone: optional Play in Background (Settings > Other) • 48-voice polyphony with smart voice stealing
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: DynaSynth at $2.99 against Tapko's $5.99. DynaSynth also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.2). 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
DynaSynth costs $2.99 and Tapko $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for DynaSynth against 5.0 for Tapko. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 2 respectively.
| Parameter | DynaSynth | Tapko |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 — better | $5.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (4 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | — | Weekly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 18.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 13 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Rob Jackson | David Lars Guva |
Customer experience
DynaSynth
Tapko
In-app purchases
DynaSynth
No in-app purchases
Tapko
No in-app purchases






