Comparison

Pentaholic Synth vs JP

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

Head to head
About

Pentaholic Synth

This app digitally recreates a classic polyphonic synthesizer, offering authentic sound design and songwriting inspiration. It features a 300-note sequencer, multiple oscillators per voice, and performance controls like a joystick and expression pedal inputs.

Highlights
  • Authentic 5-voice polyphony
  • 3 oscillators per voice with 8 waveforms
  • Component-level circuit modeling
  • Dual ADSR envelopes
  • 300-note polyphonic sequencer
  • Joystick and expression pedal support
Features
Read full description

Pentaholic is the first digital recreation of the Gleeman Pentaphonic. It's audio signal path is traced at the component level and built specifically for Apple Silicon devices utilizing native Metal 3D graphics featuring classic and clear UI. In 1982, the Gleeman Pentaphonic was released as a "sketchpad synth" with a 300-note polyphonic sequencer boasting 5 voices, 3 digitally controlled oscillators per voice, and 8 waveforms per oscillator, all from an 8-bit microprocessor. After DAC, a trio of CEM chips per voice passes the audio: a 3310 envelope generator, 3320 configured as a 24dB low-pass resonant filter, and a 3360 as dual voltage-controlled amplifiers. Each subsequent stage of audio is summed out to a LM348 op amp, stacking saturation through to output. Add performance controls like expression pedal inputs and a joystick for modulation and pitch bend for a performance powerhouse synth. Pentaholic brings the circuit to life in the digital realm for the first time ever on any platform. The concept of a sketchpad synth was the main inspiration for this - getting back to the fundamentals of songwriting and sound design. Pentaholic is meant to inspire ideas faster and prevent Producer Paralysis induced by too many options on the piano roll. Record your idea to the sequencer and play over it - the keyboard takes precedence over the sequencer notes so you can nail down your melody or adjust your groove with the rate and delay of the sequencer. • Authentic 5-Voice Polyphony: True chorusing detune of OSC 2/3 relative to OSC 1's pitch (not BBD!) - oldest note first voice stealing. • 3 Oscillators Per Voice: 8 waveforms CMP 1 CMP 2 3% PULSE 12% Pulse SQR SAW TRI SIN per OSC and a HIGH or LOW octave mode. • One octave of chromatic pitch: transposing progressions or leads just like you put a capo on a guitar. • Component-Level Modeling: The soul of the synth - a 24dB resonant low-pass filter - self-oscillation, and nonlinear harmonic drive of the legendary CEM 3320 filter chip for a distinct bite with each subsequent gain stage pushing into saturation through a LM348 op amp. • Dual ADSR Envelopes: Precise, vintage-snappy envelope generators for exacting control over amplifier and filter contours. Subtle noise and quick snap attacks from resistor-capacitor networks the envelopes pass through. • The Polyphonic Sketchpad Sequencer: A massive 300-note sequencer honoring the original hardware workflow. Recording polyphonic chords in real time and yielding to performance on the keyboard in playback. • Joystick and expression pedal hookups: +/- 5 step pitch bend, modulation of depth of the LFO destination and cutoff expression all from the joystick even more control with expression pedals. Pentaholic honors the original but Gotham Paradise recognizes the value and convenience of advances for performance available from soft-synths, MIDI 2.0 and Bluetooth. • *MIDI Polyphonic Expression - *MIDI Learn - *6 Octave Pitch Change - *Master Volume - *Re-assignable joystick 0 to 5 steps - *Sync'd parameters for glide, sequencer rate/delay, LFO rate - *Game controller performance using scales to the directional pad and ABXY buttons, stick click sequencer recording and playback - Bluetooth MIDI controller Connectivity *Pentaholic is fully functional from download but the following features are accessible with in-app purchase *Sequencer Volume *Keyboard Volume *Master Volume *6 Octave Pitch *Unison *Sync'd Parameters *Recall or Automation of parameters when hosted in a DAW such as Logic for iPad or Garageband *User Preset Saving *MIDI Learn/MIDI CC Parameter Assignment *M.P.E. *Sequencer records and plays back but resets when stopped *MIDI export of recorded Sequences *Game Controller Performance Mode *Reassignable Joystick Pitch bend Keeping Pentaholic's core functionality free for young and new producers who can't afford the full version is important to Gotham Paradise, purchasing the full featured synth helps pay it forward.

About

JP

This application emulates a legendary analog polyphonic synthesizer, offering 8 distinct analog synth voices. Users can sculpt sounds with authentic VCF and ADSR controls, utilize an arpeggiator, and split the keyboard for dual-sound performance. Built-in effects and pitch lever allow for expressive sound design on the go.

Highlights
  • 8 Analog Synth Voices
  • Authentic VCF Control
  • ADSR Envelope
  • Arpeggiator with 5 Patterns
  • Split and Solo Modes
  • Reverb & Chorus Effects
  • Pitch Lever
Features
Read full description

An iPhone app that recreates the legendary analog polyphonic synthesizer. [Key Features] 8 Analog Synth Voices: JP-Brass / JP-Strings / JP-Warm Pad / JP-Choir / JP-Saw Lead / JP-Square / JP-Bass / JP-Bell Authentic VCF Control: Manipulate Cutoff, Resonance, and ENV in real time. Shape your sound freely by sweeping the filter. ADSR Envelope: Intuitively control Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release via sliders. Arpeggiator: 5 patterns (Up, Down, U&D, As Play, Random) with adjustable BPM and octave range. Split Mode: Split the keyboard into two zones to play two different sounds simultaneously. Solo Mode: Monophonic operation tailored for searing lead lines and solo play. Reverb & Chorus: Add depth and space to your sound with built-in spatial effects. Pitch Lever: Perform expressively with real-time pitch bends. LFO / VCO Control: Create rich, evolving textures with modulation. [Recommended For] Fans of iconic '80s synth sounds. Music producers and DTM creators. Anyone looking to enjoy synthesis on the go. Those who love the signature "JP voice" sound. *This app contains ads. *Using headphones or external speakers is highly recommended for the best sound experience.

Screenshots

Pentaholic Synth3 screens
JP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Pentaholic Synth at 3.8 against JP's 1.0. Pentaholic Synth also leads on ratings volume (6 vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.5). JP's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model 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

Both are free to download. Pentaholic Synth sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. JP asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Pentaholic Synth holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pentaholic Synth has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pentaholic Synth ships an update every 6 days, JP every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Pentaholic Synth versus JP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPentaholic SynthJP
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (6 ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews57.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better26.5
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrew StricklandKouki Yoshimoto

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Pentaholic Synth

One-time1
  • Full Features$28.00
None

JP

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pentaholic Synth free?
Pentaholic Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is JP free?
JP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Pentaholic Synth or JP?
Pentaholic Synth is rated higher. Pentaholic Synth averages 3.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while JP averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Pentaholic Synth or JP have ads?
Neither Pentaholic Synth nor JP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pentaholic Synth or JP?
Pentaholic Synth ships an update every 6 days, and JP every 2 weeks. Most recently, Pentaholic Synth was updated on October 24, 2026 and JP on October 28, 2026.

Other comparisons