Pentaholic Synth vs SynthBridge MIDI Synth
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
SynthBridge MIDI Synth
Transform your device into a versatile MIDI sound module and virtual piano. Load SoundFont files, connect controllers, and utilize expressive performance tools for practice, production, or live music.
- MIDI controller support (Bluetooth, USB, Network)
- SoundFont (SF2/SF3) loading and playback
- Multi-touch piano keyboard and drum pads
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels
- MIDI file playback and recording
- Customizable velocity curves
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Connect your MIDI keyboard, choose a sound, and play. SynthBridge turns your phone or tablet into a portable sound module and practice workspace. You can also start with the on-screen piano and drum pads. Your sounds: use the built-in library or import SF2/SF3 SoundFonts. Layer sounds and adjust their balance, effects and keyboard ranges. Your keyboard: connect compatible USB MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI devices. Control supported parameters with MIDI CC messages. Your practice: play MIDI files, follow the note visualization, and combine a metronome, loops and Style accompaniment. Your ideas: record MIDI performances, keep named drafts, preview takes and export MIDI files. MIDI files can also be converted to WAV or AAC audio. Your setup: save performance scenes and return to your sounds and playing settings. Use portrait or landscape layouts on phones and tablets. Some features and resources require in-app purchases. iOS or iPadOS 15.0 or later. USB and Bluetooth MIDI require compatible devices and accessories. https://synth.64bit.us/privacy.html https://synth.64bit.us/terms.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: SynthBridge MIDI Synth at 100% against Pentaholic Synth's 57%. SynthBridge MIDI Synth also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.8). Pentaholic Synth's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, 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
Both are free to download. Pentaholic Synth sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SynthBridge MIDI Synth sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
SynthBridge MIDI Synth holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of Pentaholic Synth's written reviews are positive against 100% of SynthBridge MIDI Synth's.
Pentaholic Synth ships an update every 6 days, SynthBridge MIDI Synth every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Pentaholic Synth | SynthBridge MIDI Synth |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.8 (6 ratings) | 4.8 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 21 MB | 76 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | Andrew Strickland | 啟东 徐 |
Customer experience
Pentaholic Synth
SynthBridge MIDI Synth
In-app purchases
Pentaholic Synth
- Full Features$28.00
SynthBridge MIDI Synth
- Cloud Monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
- Cloud Yearly7 Days trial$12.991 Year
- Supporter Tip$0.99
- Remove Ads$1.99
- Supporter Plus$4.99
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- SynthBridge Pro$4.99
- Supporter Patron$9.99
Questions
Is Pentaholic Synth free?
Is SynthBridge MIDI Synth free?
Which has better reviews, Pentaholic Synth or SynthBridge MIDI Synth?
Do Pentaholic Synth or SynthBridge MIDI Synth have ads?
Which is updated more often, Pentaholic Synth or SynthBridge MIDI Synth?
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