# KORG iM1 vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

The clearest difference is price: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 at $5.99 against KORG iM1's $29.99. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 7 months). KORG iM1's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.4). On ratings volume, ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

KORG iM1 costs $29.99 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 $5.99 up front. KORG iM1 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1K and 1.3K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of KORG iM1's written reviews are positive against 90% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

KORG iM1 ships an update every 7 months, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | KORG iM1 | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $29.99 | **$5.99** |
| Rating | [4.7 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-im1/id966030326/reviews) | **[4.9 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1K | **1.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 81.5% of reviews | **90.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#126** | #165 |
| Size | 200 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [KORG INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/363714046) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## What reviewers say

### KORG iM1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-im1/id966030326)

**Currently charting:** #126 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This app faithfully reproduces the legendary M1 synthesizer, offering its iconic sounds and expanded features for modern music creation. It provides a vast library of presets and intuitive performance tools, making it accessible to both experienced musicians and beginners.

**Highlights:** Faithful reproduction of original M1 sound, Expanded filter resonance and 18 effects, Gigantic library of 3,300 sounds, Intuitive KAOSS pad for performance, Smart Sound Browser for quick sound selection, Compatible with KORG Gadget

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| M1 Cards Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| T1 Cards Pack | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Authentic M1 sound reproduction
- 💰 Great value for money
- 🎹 Faithful recreation of the original hardware
- 🎨 Powerful sound customization options
- 🔗 Works well with MIDI controllers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or stability issues
- 🔇 Low output volume compared to other apps
- 🤔 Confusing UI for patch editing and saving
- 🔴 Missing AUv3 support for integration with DAWs

**Reported bugs**

- Disappearing or missing purchased sound cards
- Bluetooth MIDI connectivity issues
- Compatibility problems with certain iOS versions or devices

**Requested features**

- Add AUv3 support for better DAW integration
- Improve preset management and saving capabilities
- Increase master volume control options
- Expand sound library with more cards/expansions


### NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564)

**Currently charting:** #165 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

**Highlights:** Virtual Analog Synthesizer, 40+ Classic Waveforms, Arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, Lush Effects Suite, Four-voice Unison, AUv3 Plugin Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Outstanding synth
- 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
- 🎨 Great presets and sound design
- 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
- 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
- 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
- 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
- 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KORG iM1 free?

KORG iM1 costs $29.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, KORG iM1 or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. KORG iM1 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1K ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.3K ratings.

### Do KORG iM1 or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?

Neither KORG iM1 nor NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, KORG iM1 or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

KORG iM1 ships an update every 7 months, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, KORG iM1 was updated on September 23, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, KORG iM1 or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

KORG iM1 currently peaks at #126 in the App Store charts, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 at #165. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*