Best Vhs Synth | 80S Synthwave Apps

4.0😞(135 ratings)

FreeAdsIn-App Purchases

This app creates unique synth sounds by recording classic synths to VHS tape and then resampling them. It offers a vast library of presets and effects to achieve lo-fi, retro vibes for various music genres. An AUv3 plugin and standalone app are included.

What We Love

🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres
⭐ Great value for money initially
🎼 Capable MIDI implementation
👨‍🎨 Featured preset artist (Mark Hupkins) creates exceptional sounds

Room to Improve

💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
😠 Lack of developer communication about changes
🎯 Disrespectful treatment of original AudioKit legacy
💼 Perceived as 'hijacking' of abandoned app
🤝 Loss of customer trust due to business model shift

King of VHS: VCR Synth by AudioKit Pro

NEW: LO-FI Synthesizer + AUv3!

Strong Contender

4.9😊(299 ratings)

$4.99

This app captures the authentic sound of vintage synthesizers recorded through a VCR, offering a unique lo-fi character. It features a powerful built-in synth engine, extensive sample libraries, and a step sequencer for creative sound design. Ideal for adding retro warmth and analog charm to your music.

What We Love

👍 Beautiful interface
🚀 Great playability
💡 Interesting and unique sounds
👍 Packed with features
👍 Excellent value for the price

Room to Improve

🐛 Crashes with multiple instances in GarageBand
🐛 Resource-intensive
⚠️ Misleading advertising claims

88 Synthwave: Retro Synth by Soft Brew Mobile

Chaos-driven Track Generator

Worth Considering

tono: Pocket Synth & Sampler

5.0(5 ratings)

FreeIn-App Purchases

This application automatically generates complete synthwave tracks with intros, verses, choruses, and outros. It utilizes chaotic mathematical models for melody and rhythm generation, offering a variety of styles and customizable soundscapes. Users can also play along with the generated music.

More Vhs Synth | 80S Synthwave apps to explore

Looper, beat maker & drum pads

Multiple synth enginesBuilt-in sampler with recordingCustomizable drum pads

Create music on the go with a portable studio featuring synthesizers, a sampler, drum pads, and a loop tape. Record, edit, and export your creations directly on your device.

Polywave - Wavetable Synth

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AUv3 & MIDI Polyphonic Synth

Wavetable sequencerCustom waveform drawingExpansive waveform library

Create unique, evolving sonic experiences with a novel wavetable sequencer inspired by vintage synths. Draw your own waveforms, explore a vast library, and connect to external keyboards or DAWs. Record your creations directly within the app.

(34)

A pocket synth in your hand

PocketTone - Retro Synth

Five retro voices (Piano, Flute, Violin, Fantasy, Guitar)Program custom synth voicesTen built-in rhythms

This app recreates the experience of a hand-drawn, retro pocket synthesizer. It features a vintage LCD display, slide switches, and chunky buttons, allowing users to play various retro voices, program custom sounds, and jam along to built-in rhythms. Users can also record and share their musical creations.

Polyphonic expressive XY Synth

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AudioKit Synth One Synthesizer

Feature-packed Pro Synthesizer

Over 300+ PresetsMIDI SupportVintage-Style Sequencer

This is a free, open-source professional synthesizer app for iOS devices. It offers over 300 presets, MIDI support, a sequencer, and vintage-inspired filters. Learn music production basics and create your own sounds.

Vintage Polyphonic Synth

$12.99

$19.99 | 35% OFF

This app faithfully emulates a classic 1980s polyphonic analog synthesizer. It meticulously models the original's circuits, offering its warm sound and signature chorus effect in a software format. It functions as both an AUv3 plugin and a standalone application.

Faithful emulation of iconic 1980s polyphonic analog synthDetailed circuit modelingWarm DCO sound

King of FM 2: DX Synth/E Piano

(15)

paid

#1 DX7 Sounds & Electric Piano

Over 300 unique synth presetsAuthentic DX7 and SY77 inspired soundsStandalone app and AUv3 plugin

This app offers over 300 unique synth instrument sounds inspired by 80s FM synthesizers, providing authentic DX7 and SY77 tones. It functions as a standalone instrument or a plugin for DAWs and supports MIDI control for expressive live performance.

Make Any Sound An Instrument

Three-oscillator synth engine16-slot sampler with loop pointsAudio recording and import

Transform any sound into a playable instrument with this powerful synth and sampler. Create custom instruments, layer sounds, and perform with your unique audio creations. Supports SoundFonts and offers advanced synthesis features.

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All-In-One Rompler/Synthesizer

Pure Synth® Platinum

Rompler, synthesizer, and wavetable enginesAdvanced automation and modulation systemIncludes VKFX Suite and additional free effects

This app is a versatile virtual instrument player for iOS, serving as a comprehensive solution for rompler, synthesizer, and wavetable needs. It offers advanced modulation, built-in effects, and expandable sound libraries. Users can store samples on external drives and customize their sound with unique features.

📊 Productivity

(54)

Rarevision VHS Lite: Retro Cam

U can't not love our VHS look!

Realistic VHS video simulationOn-screen date customizationCustom animated titles

Record and share retro videos that look and sound like authentic VHS tapes. Add custom titles, glitch effects, and a fake zoom to create a nostalgic 80s or 90s aesthetic. Fool your friends into thinking you own a time machine with these vintage-style recordings.

📷 Photo & Video

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Syntheremin: Theremin Synth

A theremin played in the air

Touchless pitch and volume controlHand gesture sound sculptingHarmonic texture layering

This app transforms your iPhone's front camera into a touchless musical instrument. Control pitch and volume with hand movements, sculpt sound with wrist gestures, and layer harmonic textures. It offers multiple synth characters and scale-based note gravity for intuitive play.

Classic late-'70s analog synth

free

JenDie - Analog Synth

$4.99

This app faithfully emulates a classic 1970s Italian monophonic analog synthesizer for iPhone and iPad. It offers authentic vintage sound with modern touch controls, allowing for expressive leads, basses, and evolving textures. Use it standalone or as an AUv3 plugin in compatible hosts.

Faithful Jen SX-1000 emulationAuthentic & Clean sound modesContinuous waveform morphing

This app emulates a classic monophonic analog synthesizer with advanced DSP technology. It features three variable wave oscillators, dual ladder filters, an LFO, and two modulation busses for versatile sound design. An intuitive interface and extensive preset library make it ideal for creating thick bass and rich lead sounds.

Three continuously variable wave oscillatorsDual ladder filters (Lowpass/Highpass)Multi-wave LFO

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Mega 80s/90s/2000s Synthesizer

$7.99

This app is a virtual analog and PCM synthesizer inspired by iconic digital synths from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. It offers over 900 presets, extensive sound design capabilities, and can be used as a plug-in in various DAWs.

64-voice Hybrid Digital PCM & VA Synth900+ Handmade PresetsDual Layers per Voice

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Maqam, quarter-tone, MPE glide

Glide, press, and sing

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(0)

AUv3 Vintage Keyboard & MIDI

Authentic analog and vintage synth soundsFull synthesizer editing sectionProfessional-grade effects

Explore authentic analog and vintage synth sounds with a powerful editor and professional-grade effects. Layer sounds, connect MIDI controllers, and integrate with DAWs. Unlock premium features for unlimited creative possibilities.

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