VAPolyLead vs PatchLens
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
VAPolyLead
This app offers a polyphonic synthesizer with analog-style sequencing, multiple oscillators, and a resonant low-pass and high-pass filter. It includes built-in effects, MIDI support, and can be used standalone or as an AudioUnit Extension across Apple devices.
- Polyphonic synthesizer
- Analog-style step sequencer
- Resonant low-pass and high-pass filters
- Multiple oscillators and LFOs
- Built-in effects (delay, chorus, reverb, etc.)
- AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support
- MIDI 2.0 and Ableton Link support
Read full descriptionHide full description
VAPolyLead features 3 channel analog style step sequencer and a VCF modeled on sallen-key filter of iconic monophonic synthesizer in 1970βs. This polyphonic synthesizer consists of three oscillators, resonant low pass filter resonant high pass filter, amplifier, ADSR envelope and five LFOs. VAPolyLead 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 - Polyphonic Synthesizer. - Lowpass filter modeled on -12dB per oct sallen-key filter. - 3 channel analog style step sequencer. - 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. - Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. - Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. - Factory Preset: 128, Effects: 40 Improvements - Support MIDI Foot Pedal (CC#11, CC#64) - MIDI CC Settings are saved. It will be recovered when the app launched in the next time. - UI Color can be selected from black, navy, gray or steel. System Requirements - iOS 17.0 or later - Devices with Apple Silicon are recommended. A13 Fusion or above is highly recommended. - 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 donβt support AudioUnit Extension. - Sound may be distorted if CPU of the device doesn't have enough power. If it happens reduce number of voices.
PatchLens
Read full descriptionHide full description
Never lose a great patch again. Photograph your synth, pedal, or semi-modular rig, mark the knobs and jacks that matter, and recall the exact sound in seconds. The demo and 3 patch records stay free; Pro Lifetime is a one-time unlock. Every musician knows the feeling: you spend an hour dialing in the perfect sound, move on, and can never quite find it again. PatchLens turns that moment into a permanent, searchable record: take a photo, tap the knobs and jacks that matter, add the values and notes that made it work, and it's yours forever. Take or import a photo, mark the knobs and jacks that matter, add values and notes, then search your local patch library later. Optional on-device text recognition can suggest visible panel labels, but you stay in control of every saved value. PatchLens does not require an account, does not upload your photos, and does not promise automatic universal knob or cable detection. Pro Lifetime is a one-time in-app purchase that unlocks the full local patch library, on-device OCR label assist, and recall-sheet sharing. The bundled demo and 3 patch records stay free. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://bonega.ai/patchlens/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: PatchLens at Free against VAPolyLead's $14.99. PatchLens also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). VAPolyLead's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
PatchLens is free to download; VAPolyLead costs $14.99 up front. PatchLens sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. VAPolyLead asks for nothing beyond the download.
VAPolyLead ships an update every 2 weeks, PatchLens every 3 days. Both last shipped on November 13, 2026.
| Parameter | VAPolyLead | PatchLens |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | Free β better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | β |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 3 days β better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No β better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | β |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac β better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 β better | 17.0 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ryo Togawa | Clashware SΓ rl |
In-app purchases
VAPolyLead
No in-app purchases
PatchLens
- Pro Lifetime$4.99









