Patchsynth vs SJ
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Patchsynth
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Patchsynth is a Eurorack-style modular synthesizer for iPhone and iPad — and a place to actually learn how modular synthesis works, one patch cable at a time. Instead of a fixed synth engine with knobs, you build your own instrument by dragging cables between modules: oscillators into filters, envelopes into amplifiers, LFOs wobbling anything you point them at. If you've ever wanted to understand what a Eurorack rig actually does, this is the fastest way in. LEARN BY PATCHING, NOT BY READING 28 hands-on Lessons cover every module, from your first oscillator to full generative patches — some just explain, others build a real patch step-by-step in front of you as you tap "Next." No prior synthesis knowledge required. TRAIN YOUR EAR 15 Challenges hide a patch and play it for you — your job is to rebuild it by ear, with hints if you get stuck. A genuinely fun way to internalize how filters, envelopes, and modulation actually sound. 21 REAL MODULES Oscillator · Filter · VCA · ADSR Envelope · LFO · Noise · Delay · Reverb · Mixer · Sequencer · Arpeggiator · Clock · Attenuverter · Quantizer · Slew Limiter · Sample & Hold · Logic · Ring Modulator · Sampler · Keyboard · Output (with a live oscilloscope) Record your own sounds with the Sampler, or use the built-in factory drum kit. Quantize any CV to a musical scale. Chain multiple clocks for polyrhythms. It's a real modular rig, just without the cables costing $30 each. 70+ FACTORY PATCHES From simple bass and pad sounds to sprawling, 20+ module "flagship" patches — browse them, load them, take them apart to see how they're wired, then make them your own. PLAY IT WITH REAL GEAR Full MIDI support over Bluetooth or USB — plug in any MIDI keyboard or controller and play your patch's Keyboard module directly, no setup beyond pairing. BUILT FOR TOUCH, NOT PORTED FROM DESKTOP Every interaction — dragging cables, turning knobs, panning and zooming a big patch — is designed for a phone screen from the ground up. A dedicated Patch Bay view even gives you a spreadsheet-style matrix of every connection when patches get complex. Undo and redo everything. Save as many patches as you like. No ads, no in-app purchases, no internet connection required — just synthesis.
SJ
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SJ-SQUARE is a Super Jupiter–inspired analog polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone. A warm brown chassis and amber glow meet a hands-on module layout: oscillators, filter, envelopes, LFO, and effects — built for playing, not menus. FEATURES • Multi-oscillator panel with wave, octave, and level controls • Filter with resonance, envelope intensity, and key tracking • Filter envelope & amp controls for expressive shaping • LFO, OSC 2 detune / live layer, chorus, delay, and reverb • Unison (1–4 voices), tempo / tap, and scale snap • Full on-screen keyboard with octave shift & range minimap • MIDI input support for external controllers • Built-in presets ready to play • Landscape-optimized performance UI Craft rich pads, biting leads, and stacked unison tones. Tweak cutoff and envelopes in real time, then perform with the keyboard or your MIDI gear. From the maker of KG-SQUARE, JP-SQUARE, and DX-SQUARE — hardware-inspired synth apps for musicians who love hands-on sound design.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: SJ at $0.49 against Patchsynth's $7.99. SJ also leads on chart position (#192 vs unranked). Patchsynth's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.5). 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
Patchsynth costs $7.99 and SJ $0.49 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Patchsynth | SJ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 | $0.49 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Best chart rank | — | #192 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 26.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Martin Adler | Kouki Yoshimoto |
In-app purchases
Patchsynth
No in-app purchases
SJ
No in-app purchases









