# Cube Synth vs ShockWave

The clearest difference is price: Cube Synth at $1.99 against ShockWave's $19.99. Cube Synth also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 53%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). ShockWave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (190 vs 16). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Cube Synth costs $1.99 and ShockWave $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Cube Synth against 4.6 for ShockWave. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of Cube Synth's written reviews are positive against 53% of ShockWave's.

Cube Synth ships an update every 4 months, ShockWave every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 9, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cube Synth | ShockWave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cube-synth/id704213054/reviews)** | [4.6 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **190** |
| Positive reviews | **89.5% of reviews** | 52.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 19 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Harry Gohs](https://appshunter.io/developer/382428644) | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) |

## What reviewers say

### Cube Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cube-synth/id704213054)

Explore additive synthesis with intuitive sound morphing and deep parameter control. Create complex soundscapes, vocal phrases, or rhythms with ease. Offers a unique randomizer for instant patch generation.

**Highlights:** Additive synthesis engine, Intelligent sound morphing, Over 400 sound presets, Programmable arpeggiator, Multiple built-in effects, Audiobus and Inter-app audio support, Random sound patch generator

**In-app purchases:** none


### ShockWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670)

This app is a monophonic synthesizer for iOS and AUv3 plugins, utilizing Phase Distortion synthesis. It offers dual PD oscillators, sequencers, LFOs, and envelopes for complex sound design. Almost any control can be modulated by multiple sources, with real-time visual feedback.

**Highlights:** Phase Distortion Synthesis, Dual PD Oscillators, Dual 8-step Sequencers, Dual ASR Envelopes, Tempo-syncable LFOs, Extensive Modulation Matrix, MIDI and MPE Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Unique and amazing sounds
- 🔊 Heavy and brutal tones
- 💡 Innovative phase distortion synthesis
- 🎨 Beautiful and deep sound sculpting
- 🎹 Great for bass sounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- ❌ Not working in AUM/AUv3
- 🔇 No sound output in certain apps
- ❓ Difficult to use without a manual
- 📉 Laggy UI and slow patch loading

**Reported bugs**

- "Bad Signal" errors in AUM, stops sound generation.
- Intermittent "bad signal" prompt in AUM, requires reloading.
- Sounds awful, very distorted with glitchy UI.
- App crashes frequently.
- No sound coming out of AUv3 in GarageBand.

**Requested features**

- Provide a proper manual detailing all parameters and sections with examples.
- Implement a key trigger option for the sequencer to allow MIDI controller playback.
- Add a poly mode.
- Improve documentation and tutorials.
- Standardize knob appearance and response.


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cube Synth free?

Cube Synth costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ShockWave free?

ShockWave costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Cube Synth or ShockWave?

Cube Synth is rated higher. Cube Synth averages 4.7 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while ShockWave averages 4.6 from 190 ratings.

### Do Cube Synth or ShockWave have ads?

Neither Cube Synth nor ShockWave shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cube Synth or ShockWave?

Cube Synth ships an update every 4 months, and ShockWave every 2 months. Most recently, Cube Synth was updated on August 9, 2026 and ShockWave on September 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*