Comparison

Marco Synth vs How Far?

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

Head to head
About

Marco Synth

This powerful synthesizer app offers a unique dual hard sync engine with four independent oscillators. Explore a vast sonic palette with intelligent randomization and a tactile workflow designed for sound discovery. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians.

Highlights
  • Dual hard sync engine
  • Four independent oscillators
  • Intelligent randomization
  • Extensive waveform and filter options
  • Master FX bus
  • AUv3 plugin support
  • Built-in keyboard
Features
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Marco is a powerful 4-oscillator synth built around dual hard sync, with independent shaping on every oscillator. Randomize to spark fresh ideas, then tweak to shape them - a fast, tactile workflow made for finding your own sounds, not just recalling presets. Marco is a new kind of synthesizer built around three breakthrough ideas: • Dual Hard Sync - two parallel hard-sync chains running side by side • Four oscillators, each with its own signal shaping path • Intelligent randomization and tweak system The result is shimmering harmonics, screaming overtones, and evolving timbres no other iOS synth can give you. Whether it's your first synth or your fortieth, Marco meets you where you are. Hit the dice for an instant new sound. Cycle through every valid Dual Hard Sync combination with one tap. Or dive deep into per-oscillator sound design when you're ready. DUAL HARD SYNC • Two parallel hard-sync chains - A, B, or free per oscillator • One-tap cycling through every valid Dual Hard Sync combination • 10 Signature presets built around Dual Hard Sync FOUR INDEPENDENT OSCILLATORS • Waveforms: sine, triangle, saw, ramp, pulse, noise • Filters: LP 6/12/18/24, BP, HP, Notch, Formant • Envelopes: VCA + Filter, linear or exponential, drone mode • LFOs: filter, volume, wavefold, pitch - with phase, reset, fade and clock sync • Glide: exponential, linear, log, S-curve, legato • Master FX bus with drive, compressor, delay, reverb, stereo width and limiter • Hard sync and wavefolding • Link envelopes, filters, LFOs, glide or effects across oscillators when wanting traditional shaping • Monophonic sounds usually only possible in large modular setups INTELLIGENT RANDOMISATION • Musical preset generator - usable sounds, not chaos • Generate by style: Mild, Wild and Recipe • Target by category: Bass, Lead, Pad, Keys, FX, Drone • Tweak system for subtle, context-aware variations • One-tap dice button for instant inspiration EFFORTLESS WORKFLOW • Consistent UI across all four oscillators • Per-oscillator scopes with live visual feedback • Live LFO indicators on every modulated parameter • Expressive XY pad • Built-in keyboard on iPad standalone BUILT FOR REAL MUSIC • 100+ presets, including 10 Signature sounds • Preset import / export • Master Preset import / export • Deep MIDI: full Note + CC mapping (CC mapping AUv3 only) • Dedicated MIDI for Random Generate, Tweak, Dual Hard Sync Cycle, Scope, Preset Browser, XY Pad (AUv3 only) • Clock-synced LFOs lock to host tempo • AUv3 plugin - works in AUM, Loopy Pro, Drambo, Logic Pro, GarageBand, Cubasis and more • Built-in song player with public domain tracks (standalone only)

About

How Far?

Features
Read full description

Put every sound in its place. How Far? is an AUv3 mixing effect that makes spatial placement and perceived distance easy to control. Move across the XY pad to position or widen a sound, then move vertically to bring it forward or push it deeper into the mix. How Far? combines level, tone, presence, transient softening, reflections, diffusion and stereo cues to create a natural sense of depth. Use it to: • Create separation between instruments • Bring important parts forward • push supporting sounds behind the lead • Place sounds across the stereo field • Add width without losing control • Build depth without stacking multiple plug-ins Choose from Pan, Width, Space, Wide+ and Angle modes. Fine-tune each distance component on the Details page, or start quickly with the included presets. Use How Far? as an AUv3 effect in compatible hosts, or capture, audition and export audio in the standalone app.

Screenshots

Marco Synth4 screens
How Far?3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: How Far? at $2.99 against Marco Synth's $4.99. On ads, in-app purchases, 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

Marco Synth costs $4.99 and How Far? $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Marco Synth versus How Far?: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMarco SynthHow Far?
Price$4.99$2.99 — better
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGlenn VassalloADBC INNOVATION PTY LTD

In-app purchases

None

Marco Synth

No in-app purchases

None

How Far?

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Marco Synth free?
Marco Synth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is How Far? free?
How Far? costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Marco Synth or How Far? have ads?
Neither Marco Synth nor How Far? shows ads.

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