Comparison

PatchLens vs PX1 FM Synth

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

Head to head
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

About

PX1 FM Synth

Create rich, wide stereo sounds with a dual-engine FM synthesizer. Explore classic 1980s digital synth tones, from electric pianos to metallic bells, with extensive operator and envelope controls. It functions as a standalone app or an AUv3 plugin for music production.

Highlights
  • Dual independent 6-operator FM engines
  • 32 classic FM algorithms
  • Per-operator envelopes and pan
  • Five macro knobs for sound shaping
  • Built-in reverb
  • AUv3 plugin support
  • Random patch generator
Features
Read full description

PX1 is a dual-engine FM synthesizer inspired by the classic 6-operator digital synths of the 1980s. Each engine features six operators, 32 algorithms, and full envelope control — giving you everything from glassy electric pianos and punchy basses to evolving pads and metallic bells. What makes PX1 special is the dual-engine architecture. Two completely independent FM voices run side by side. Copy one engine to the other, make subtle changes, then use the Spread control to place them across the stereo field. The result is a lush, wide sound that a single FM engine simply cannot produce. FEATURES • Two independent 6-operator FM engines • 32 classic FM algorithms • Per-operator envelopes (4 rates + 4 levels) • Per-operator pan for detailed stereo placement • Five macro knobs — Brightness, Touch, Attack, Decay, Spread • Copy/Paste between engines for instant layering • Random patch generator exploring the classic FM sound palette • Built-in reverb (Size, Damp, Amount) • Mono, Legato, and Portamento modes • LFO with triangle, saw, square, and random waveforms • Pitch bend range and transpose controls • Key velocity sensitivity per operator • Keyboard rate scaling and level scaling • Operator Key Sync on/off for consistent or organic attacks AUv3 PLUGIN PX1 works as a standalone instrument and as an Audio Unit v3 plugin. Load it directly inside GarageBand, Logic Pro, AUM, Cubasis, or any AUv3-compatible host. Full parameter automation is supported — record knob movements in your DAW and play them back. DESIGNED FOR MUSICIANS The interface stays close to the original FM programming model that experienced synthesists know, while macro controls make it approachable for anyone. Turn one knob and shape the entire sound; dive into individual operators when you want surgical control. LISTEN TO EXAMPLES Hear PX1 in action — sound demos are available at: https://soundcloud.com/peter-sj-gren/sets/px1-demo Requires no in-app purchases. No subscriptions. No ads. No tracking.

Screenshots

PatchLens3 screens
PX1 FM Synth4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: PatchLens at Free against PX1 FM Synth's $7.99. PatchLens also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). PX1 FM Synth's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

PatchLens is free to download; PX1 FM Synth costs $7.99 up front. PatchLens sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PX1 FM Synth asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PatchLens ships an update weekly, PX1 FM Synth every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
PatchLens versus PX1 FM Synth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPatchLensPX1 FM Synth
PriceFree — better$7.99
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB121 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperClashware SàrlPeter Sjogren

In-app purchases

1 purchases

PatchLens

One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$4.99
None

PX1 FM Synth

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PatchLens free?
PatchLens is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PX1 FM Synth free?
PX1 FM Synth costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do PatchLens or PX1 FM Synth have ads?
Neither PatchLens nor PX1 FM Synth shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PatchLens or PX1 FM Synth?
PatchLens ships an update weekly, and PX1 FM Synth every 2 weeks. Most recently, PatchLens was updated on November 12, 2026 and PX1 FM Synth on November 10, 2026.

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