Comparison

SynthMaster Player vs GeoShred Control

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

Head to head
About

SynthMaster Player

This mobile synthesizer app provides a vast library of sounds for music production. It allows users to play presets, make limited edits, and access additional sound banks through in-app purchases. It integrates with other music apps and offers a built-in keyboard for immediate playability.

Highlights
  • Preset-based sound library
  • Limited parameter editing
  • XY pads for modulation
  • AUv3 and InterApp Audio support
  • Audiobus integration
  • Built-in keyboard with pitch/mod wheels
  • Scales functionality
Read full description

SynthMaster Player for iOS received "2016 Editor's Choice Award" from Electronic Musician Magazine! SynthMaster desktop version is voted as "The Best VST/AU Synth Plugin" by MusicRadar readers and also received "Gear of the Year" award from MusicTech Magazine for "Best Software Instrument" category. SynthMaster has received very positive reviews from acclaimed music technology magazines: "SynthMaster: The most powerful softsynth you may not have heard of" Keyboard Magazine "If ever there was a desert island synth, SynthMaster is it, covering all sonic bases with authority and a superb tone" Computer Music Magazine "Many developers say that they've produced the one and only synth you'll ever need, but we've always felt that was a dubious claim. In SynthMaster’s case, though, it’s one that rings true" MusicRadar INTRODUCTION SynthMaster Player for iOS is the MOBILE PLAYER VERSION of the award winning SynthMaster software synthesizer. It is targeted towards users who prefer to use presets rather than designing their own sounds during music production. Although it is a preset based player, users can edit the following preset parameters: 1) 8 easy parameters assigned by the sound designer 2) 2 XY Pads assigned by the sound designer 3) Effect bypass states and send amounts 4) Layer bypass states and volumes 5) Master volume, polyphony The free app comes with 100 factory presets. When users complete registration by entering their names and email addresses they receive another 100 factory presets as a bonus! After completing registration, users can upgrade to the Pro version of the app by purchasing the "Factory Presets" bank via In-App-Purchase (IAP). With the Pro Upgrade all of the 800 factory presets are loaded and also the following features are unlocked: 1. Users can save the changes they have made to the presets. 2. Users can purchase additional preset banks via In-App-Purchase (IAP). We currently have 28 additional preset banks that contain 1750 presets for various genres/styles. 3. Existing SynthMaster users can download their previously purchased SynthMaster preset banks inside the app, so that they don't have to purchase them again. 4. Existing SynthMaster users can export their own presets in SynthMaster v2.x and import them into SynthMaster Player for iPad using iTunes. AUv3 SynthMaster Player for iOS supports AUv3, you can add multiple instrument instances to your tracks. INTERAPP AUDIO SynthMaster Player for iOS acts as an source/instrument in InterApp Audio. We demonstrate in our user manual how to connect it to InterApp enabled DAW apps. AUDIOBUS SynthMaster Player for iOS acts as a source/instrument in AudioBus, with state saving enabled. We demonstrate in our user manual how to connect it to AudioBus enabled DAW apps. BUILT-IN KEYBOARD The built-in 2 octave keyboard with pitch and modulation wheels lets users play notes without having to connect an external MIDI controller to their iPad. With its Scale functionality, it shows the users the notes on the scale, and with its Chord functionality the user can play a certain chord by pressing a single note. MIDI SETTINGS SynthMaster Player for iOS supports CoreMIDI and also virtual MIDI. It acts as a virtual MIDI destination for other DAW apps. Midi input device, midi input channel, and receive midi beat clock settings can be adjusted from the MIDI Settings window. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Minimum Operating System Supported: iOS 9 Minimum Hardware Supported: iPad4, iPhone 5 and above Recommended Hardware: iPad Air and above, iPhone6 and above

About

GeoShred Control

This app functions as a MIDI/MPE controller for music creation, offering an expressive playing surface and intelligent pitch rounding. It can control other synthesizers and software, with optional upgrades for advanced instrument modeling.

Highlights
  • Expressive playing surface
  • Intelligent pitch rounding
  • Diatonic keyboard
  • MIDI and MPE support
  • Arpeggiator
  • Support for world scales and temperaments
  • Customizable control surface
Features
Read full description

GeoShred Control Version 7 GeoShred Control is a standalone MIDI/MPE controller based on GeoShred. Important: GeoShred Control is a MIDI/MPE controller. It does not make sound and does not include a built-in audio engine. It is designed to control external synthesizers, apps, plug-ins, and hardware instruments. It can also be upgraded*** to the functionality of GeoShred Pro. If you already own GeoShred Pro (green icon), you do not need GeoShred Control, because GeoShred Pro already includes MIDI. GeoShred Control can also be used to control GeoShred Studio for macOS. Perform external MIDI and MPE instruments with GeoShred’s expressive playing surface. Move seamlessly between fretless and diatonic playing using GeoShred’s isomorphic keyboard and groundbreaking intelligent pitch rounding. GeoShred Control is especially expressive with instruments that support MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression). It is a powerful iPad and iPhone performance controller, and it can also operate as an AUv3 plug-in that sends MIDI. GeoShred Control includes an arpeggiator, backing tracks, alternative tunings, world scales and temperaments, and 3D Touch on supported devices. It can be upgraded*** to the functionality of GeoShred Pro, including GeoShred’s powerful physically modeled string instruments. Awards include: • 2nd Place Winner, 2022/2025 MIDI Innovation Award for Software • Gold Medal Winner, 2019 Denny Award • Winner, 2019 Guthman New Musical Instrument Award • Winner, 2017 Electronic Musician Editor’s Choice Award GeoShred Control Features • Send/Connect so GeoShred for iOS/iPadOS can control GeoShred Studio for macOS • Fluidly expressive playing surface • Intelligent pitch rounding • Diatonic keyboard mode where every key is in the scale • MIDI and MPE support • MIDI over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Virtual MIDI, and digital interfaces • MIDI configuration presets • iCloud preset synchronization • 3D Touch on supported iPhones • Customizable control surface mapped to MIDI controls • Backing tracks from the Music library • Built-in arpeggiator • Alternative tunings • Support for world scales and temperaments, including Indian ragas, Arabic scales, and Balinese scales • Easy preset sharing • Upgrade path to the functionality of GeoShred Pro If upgraded*, GeoSWAM and Naada instruments may be purchased and performed from the GeoShred keyboard, MPE controllers, conventional MIDI controllers, and wind controllers. We are dedicated to delivering the highest level of musical instrument experience for our customers worldwide. If you enjoy GeoShred Control, please leave a review on the App Store. Questions? Contact us at support@moforte.com Minimum Requirements iOS 13 or later is required for AUv3 support and GeoSWAM and Naada instruments. * GeoShred Control must be upgraded to the functionality of GeoShred Pro in order to purchase GeoSWAM and Naada instruments. ** Due to App Store limitations, previously purchased individual instrument IAPs cannot be applied to the purchase of a collection IAP. *** The Pro upgrade is to the functionality of GeoShred Pro. The app remains GeoShred Control, but gains all Pro features and becomes functionally identical to GeoShred Pro.

Screenshots

SynthMaster Player3 screens
GeoShred Control3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: GeoShred Control at every 2 weeks against SynthMaster Player's every 3 months. SynthMaster Player's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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

Both are free to download. SynthMaster Player sells 13 one-off in-app purchases and GeoShred Control sells 26 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for SynthMaster Player against 4.4 for GeoShred Control. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 55 and 122 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 52% of SynthMaster Player's written reviews are positive against 54% of GeoShred Control's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SynthMaster Player ships an update every 3 months, GeoShred Control every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
SynthMaster Player versus GeoShred Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSynthMaster PlayerGeoShred Control
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (55 ratings)4.4 (122 ratings)
Positive reviews52.1% of reviews54.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings55122 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size308 MB810 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKV331 AudioWizdom Music LLC

Customer experience

SynthMaster Player

All ratings55 ratings
Positive85.5%
Neutral5.5%
Negative9.1%
Written reviews261 reviews
Positive52.1%
Neutral16.1%
Negative31.8%

GeoShred Control

All ratings122 ratings
Positive83.6%
Neutral3.3%
Negative13.1%
Written reviews63 reviews
Positive54.0%
Neutral7.9%
Negative38.1%

Bugs and requests

SynthMaster Player

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Crashes on startup
  • Purchased presets not loading
  • Stuck notes
  • Incompatibility with newer iOS versions
  • Audiobus and IAA issues

Requested features

6 requests
  • Ability to edit and create own sounds
  • Improved preset management
  • Better integration with DAWs and Audiobus
  • Background playback support
  • Larger on-screen keyboard
Show 1 more
  • More customization options

GeoShred Control

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

13 purchases

SynthMaster Player

One-time13
  • Historical Synth Giants Vol 1$1.99
  • BigTone Signature Sounds Vol1$4.99
  • MK Expansion 2$4.99
Show 10 more
  • Nori Ubukata Art Rock Basics$4.99
  • Sounds of the World$4.99
  • Factory Presets (PRO Upgrade)$4.99
  • SynthMaster 2.7 presets$4.99
  • SynthMaster 2.8 Presets$4.99
  • Extra Factory Presets Bundle$9.99
  • SynthMaster EDM Bundle 1$13.99
  • Dawn Of Electronic Bundle$13.99
  • Synth Giants Bundle$13.99
  • Rob Lee EDM Bundle$19.99
26 purchases

GeoShred Control

One-time26
  • Naada Dukduk$10.00
  • GeoBassFlute$14.99
  • Naada Sitar$14.99
Show 23 more
  • GeoCello$14.99
  • GeoFlute$14.99
  • GeoTenorSax$14.99
  • GeoViolin$14.99
  • GeoPizzBass$14.99
  • Naada Oud$14.99
  • Naada Carnatic Violin$14.99
  • Naada Bansuri$14.99
  • GeoOboe$14.99
  • GeoViola$14.99
  • Naada Viola$14.99
  • GeoClarinet$14.99
  • GeoBassTrombone$14.99
  • GeoTrumpet$14.99
  • Naada Sarangi$14.99
  • GeoShred Control Upgrade$24.99
  • Artiphon promotion$31.99
  • Naada Collection III$50.00
  • Naada instruments collection 1$56.00
  • GeoSWAM Collection I$74.99
  • GeoSWAM Collection I & II$119.99
  • Naada Collection I & II$119.99
  • Naada Collection I & II & III & IV$173.99

Questions

Is SynthMaster Player free?
SynthMaster Player is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GeoShred Control free?
GeoShred Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SynthMaster Player or GeoShred Control?
SynthMaster Player and GeoShred Control are both rated 4.4 out of 5 on the App Store, from 55 and 122 ratings respectively.
Do SynthMaster Player or GeoShred Control have ads?
Neither SynthMaster Player nor GeoShred Control shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SynthMaster Player or GeoShred Control?
SynthMaster Player ships an update every 3 months, and GeoShred Control every 2 weeks. Most recently, SynthMaster Player was updated on September 24, 2026 and GeoShred Control on September 26, 2026.

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