Comparison

VAPolyLead vs PatchLens

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

VAPolyLead features 3 channel analog style step sequencer and a VCF modeled on sallen-key filter of iconic monophonic synthesizer in 1970’s. 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 don’t support AudioUnit Extension. - Sound may be distorted if CPU of the device doesn't have enough power. If it happens reduce number of voices.

About

PatchLens

Features
Read 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

VAPolyLead4 screens
PatchLens3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VAPolyLead ships an update every 2 weeks, PatchLens every 3 days. Both last shipped on November 13, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 5 level
VAPolyLead versus PatchLens: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVAPolyLeadPatchLens
Price$14.99Free β€” better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviewsβ€”
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 3 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
MonetizationPaidβ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac β€” betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.6 β€” better17.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size17 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyo TogawaClashware SΓ rl

In-app purchases

None

VAPolyLead

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

PatchLens

One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$4.99

Questions

Is VAPolyLead free?
VAPolyLead costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is PatchLens free?
PatchLens is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do VAPolyLead or PatchLens have ads?
Neither VAPolyLead nor PatchLens shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VAPolyLead or PatchLens?
VAPolyLead ships an update every 2 weeks, and PatchLens every 3 days. Most recently, VAPolyLead was updated on November 13, 2026 and PatchLens on November 13, 2026.

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