Quarked vs VAPolyFMWest
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Quarked
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Quarked is a high-performance granular synthesizer designed for precision sound design. Built around a native C-based audio engine, it prioritizes low-latency manipulation and a functional workflow that stays out of your way. Capture audio directly via the integrated tape-style recorder or import existing samples to begin deconstructing them. Quarked treats sound as a physical material, allowing you to zoom, slice, and re-texture with tactile, high-precision controls. The Engine: Granular Core: Independent control over grain size, density, position, and scan speed. Performance First: A native audio backend ensures smooth parameter interpolation without artifacts. Note-Level ADSR: Professional-grade envelope shaping with exponential curves for natural release. The Workflow Precision Ruler: Navigate waveforms with high-resolution sliders designed for micro-adjustments. Technical Aesthetic: A flat, distraction-free interface inspired by modern studio hardware. Dynamic FX Chain: A reorderable signal path featuring Delay, Reverb, Shimmer, and a 3-band technical EQ. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
VAPolyFMWest
This app combines FM and West Coast synthesis with a 4-operator FM engine and wave folder/lowpass gate. It offers a standalone mode with Ableton Link and MIDI support, plus an AudioUnit Extension for iOS and Mac. Includes built-in effects and a step sequencer.
- 4-operator FM synthesizer
- Wave folder and lowpass gate
- AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support
- Ableton Link and MIDI connectivity
- Built-in delay, chorus, reverb, EQ, compressor
- 3-channel step sequencer
- iCloud Drive project sharing
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VAPolyFMWest is a combination of FM and West Coast synthesis. It features 4 operator, 8 waveform, 8 algorithm FM synthesizer inspired by iconic rack mount FM synthesizer in 1980’s and wave folder and lowpass gate, which are key components of the west coast synthesis. VAPolyFMWest 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 - FM Synthesizer - 4 operators, 8 waveforms and 8 algorithms - Wave folder and lowpass gate - 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 Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. - Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. - 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, blown and red. - Font size for title of controls are adjustable. - Factory Preset 128 - Effects Preset 40 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.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: VAPolyFMWest at $3.99 against Quarked's $14.99. VAPolyFMWest also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 8 days). Quarked's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
Quarked costs $14.99 and VAPolyFMWest $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Quarked ships an update every 8 days, VAPolyFMWest every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Quarked | VAPolyFMWest |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | $3.99 — better |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 23 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Syam Anand | Ryo Togawa |
In-app purchases
Quarked
No in-app purchases
VAPolyFMWest
No in-app purchases









