Uncovering the Best AudioKit Synth One Alternatives for Mobile Musicians
AudioKit Synth One, a beloved open-source synthesizer app, has garnered significant acclaim, being featured in "Best iOS Apps of 2018" lists by Music Radar, Cult of Mac, and Ask.Audio. Developed by volunteers, it boasts MIDI support, a sequencer, vintage-inspired filters, expressive arpeggiators, warm delays, and over 300 presets, making it a fantastic tool for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Its open-source nature even allows users to learn from or modify its code. However, while AudioKit Synth One is an exceptional app, users often seek alternatives for various reasons – perhaps looking for different feature sets, specific platforms, or a change of pace. This article dives into the top AudioKit Synth One alternative options available today.
Top AudioKit Synth One Alternatives
Whether you're seeking a powerful desktop synth, another robust mobile solution, or something with a unique workflow, these alternatives offer compelling features that stand out.
Surge Synthesizer
Surge Synthesizer is an excellent open-source subtractive-hybrid synthesizer that was previously a commercial product. As a free, open-source virtual instrument available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it provides a robust desktop alternative for those who appreciate AudioKit Synth One's open-source philosophy but need a more powerful, multi-platform solution for detailed sound design and production.
Auxy Music Studio
Auxy Music Studio brings modern music creation to iPhone and iPad with a simple, inspiring format. While AudioKit Synth One focuses purely on synthesis, Auxy offers a broader music composer experience by removing distractions and focusing on core creation. It’s a freemium app, making it accessible for mobile creators looking for a streamlined workflow beyond just a synthesizer.
AudioKit FM Player
Another excellent example of the free and open-source AudioKit library, AudioKit FM Player is an iPad instrument specifically inspired by classic 80s FM synthesis. While AudioKit Synth One is a versatile analog-inspired synth, FM Player offers a distinct sonic palette and is a commercial yet open-source option for those looking to explore classic FM sounds and utilize its music composer and virtual instrument features.
Addictive Synth
Addictive Synth combines powerful synthesis with an easy-to-use 4-track loop phrase recorder. Available as a commercial app for iPhone and iPad, it stands out as a strong AudioKit Synth One alternative for users who want integrated looping capabilities alongside their synth. Its focus on phrase recording complements its synthesis power, making it a great tool for quick song sketches and ideas, with robust MIDI features.
Modular Synthesizer
Modular Synthesizer is a powerful sound design tool for iPhone and iPad that allows you to build custom synthesizers by connecting various sound modules. Unlike AudioKit Synth One's fixed architecture, Modular Synthesizer offers unparalleled flexibility, making it an ideal commercial alternative for users who want to dive deep into sound design and create unique synth patches from the ground up as a music composer.
cassini
Cassini is a polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone/iPod touch packed with features like 3 OSCs + 2 Filters + AMP + 9 EGs + 6 LFOs + 3-band EQ + Saturator + 2 Delays + Arpeggiator. This commercial app offers a deep and comprehensive synthesis engine, making it a powerful AudioKit Synth One alternative for those seeking an all-in-one synth solution with a vast array of sound shaping tools.
nlog Synth
nlog Synth is a professional virtual analogue synthesizer available as a commercial app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. With its polyphonic and multi-timbral capabilities, it provides a high-quality, comprehensive alternative to AudioKit Synth One for users who prioritize authentic analog-style synthesis and require a robust, professional-grade instrument across Apple's mobile and desktop ecosystem.
iMini Synthesizer
iMini Synthesizer is a recreation of the legendary Mini Moog, one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time. As a commercial virtual instrument for iPhone and iPad, it offers a distinct sonic character compared to AudioKit Synth One, focusing on classic, rich analog sounds that Moog synths are famous for. It's a prime choice for those seeking that specific vintage warmth and fatness.
iProphet Synthesizer
iProphet recreates the unique sound of the classic Sequential Circuits Prophet VS synthesizer. Available commercially for iPhone and iPad, it provides a distinct sonic flavor compared to AudioKit Synth One's analog inspiration, focusing on the Prophet VS's unique vector synthesis. This makes it a great alternative for users looking for classic digital-analog hybrid sounds and a robust modular system for studio use.
iSEM Synthesizer
iSEM is a recreation of the classic 1974 Oberheim SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module). This commercial app for iPhone and iPad offers a different take on analog synthesis than AudioKit Synth One, focusing on the Oberheim's distinct filter and oscillator sound. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a vintage, iconic sound with modular system capabilities for a studio environment.
While AudioKit Synth One remains a fantastic, free, and open-source option for mobile music creation, the world of synthesis apps is vast and diverse. Exploring these alternatives can open up new sonic possibilities, different workflows, and unique features tailored to your specific musical needs and preferences. We encourage you to try out a few to find the perfect fit for your mobile studio!