# Cyclop for iPad vs AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

The clearest difference is monetization model: Cyclop for iPad at free with in-app purchases against AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's subscription. Cyclop for iPad also leads on ads (none vs shown). AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (2.1K vs 85). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cyclop for iPad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Cyclop for iPad against 4.8 for AudioKit Digital D1 Synth. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AudioKit Digital D1 Synth has 2.1K ratings behind it against 85, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 74% of Cyclop for iPad's written reviews are positive against 76% of AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's.

Cyclop for iPad ships an update every 2 months, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cyclop for iPad | AudioKit Digital D1 Synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclop-for-ipad/id976074849/reviews) | **[4.8 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 85 | **2.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 74.0% of reviews | **76.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 303 MB | 636 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Cyclop for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclop-for-ipad/id976074849)

This app is a monophonic synthesizer designed to create powerful, deep bass sounds. It offers extensive sound design possibilities with a versatile modulation system, integrated effects, and real-time control. Ideal for electronic music production, it delivers unique and thick low-end frequencies.

**Highlights:** Monophonic bass synthesizer, Advanced sound design capabilities, Integrated effects sequencer, Versatile modulation system, Real-time control knobs, Preset browser with iCloud sync, Full MIDI support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cyclop Full Version | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Beautiful and futuristic UI
- 🎵 Amazing and unique sound possibilities
- 💡 Powerful modulation options
- 🎛️ Versatile and complex synth
- 🎹 Great for electronic music producers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Difficult to learn/use
- 💸 Expensive for some users
- 💻 High CPU usage
- 🐢 Slow patch switching
- 📱 UI elements too small on iPad Air

**Reported bugs**

- Sticky keys
- App crashes
- Unstable with Audiobus and Ableton Link
- Patches don't change when selected
- Notes get stuck

**Requested features**

- Tutorials for recording own sounds
- More downloadable presets for simple users
- Bigger search window for iPad Pro
- Hotkeys
- Sequencer


### AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540)

This app is a virtual analog and PCM synthesizer for iPad, inspired by the digital synthesizers of the 80s and 90s. It offers a vast library of presets, advanced synthesis features, and built-in effects for creating rich, retro-inspired sounds.

**Highlights:** 64-voice hybrid digital poly synthesis, 1GB+ of original samples, Stand-alone, IAA, and AUv3 support, Vintage-style arp/step sequencer, 3 LFOs with fun routings, Dual independent per-layer filters, Built-in FX suite

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| D1 PCM Expansion-01 | Free | one-time |
| Platinum Expansion PCM EXP-01 | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 🎹 Versatile and inspiring presets
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Great value for the price
- 🔥 Cutting-edge digital synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Lack of Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- 🤔 Some presets not easily usable
- 🕰️ Slow loading times in certain DAWs

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading correctly
- MIDI note dropouts and latency
- Crashes when used with certain DAWs
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- Improve MIDI integration and responsiveness
- Implement a built-in recording/sampling feature
- Expand preset library with more genres and styles
- Add more sound design controls and modulation options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cyclop for iPad free?

Cyclop for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is AudioKit Digital D1 Synth free?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Cyclop for iPad or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is rated higher. Cyclop for iPad averages 4.7 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while AudioKit Digital D1 Synth averages 4.8 from 2.1K ratings.

### Do Cyclop for iPad or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth have ads?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth shows ads; Cyclop for iPad does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cyclop for iPad or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth?

Cyclop for iPad ships an update every 2 months, and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth every 3 weeks. Most recently, Cyclop for iPad was updated on November 6, 2026 and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth on November 11, 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.*