My Top 5 iOS Synthesizer Apps 2020 | haQ attaQ

Here are my Top 5 Synthesizer App picks from 2020. There have been a lot of good synth apps released for both iPhone and iPad this year, but these ones are most definitely my favourite ones. No doubts what so ever!
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➡️ APP LINKS ➡️
BLEASS ALPHA SYNTH ► apps.apple.com/app/bleass-alp...
FRMS ► apps.apple.com/app/frms-granu...
DRAMBO ► apps.apple.com/app/drambo/id1...
ADDSTATION ► apps.apple.com/app/addstation...
HOUSE: MARK 1 ► apps.apple.com/app/house-mark...
AGONIZER SYNTH ► apps.apple.com/app/agonizer/i...
CUBASIS 3 ► apps.apple.com/app/cubasis-3/...
🎥 APP VIDEOS 🎥
DRAMBO LIVE PERFORMANCE ► • Drambo Groovebox Live ...
DRAMBO HAQBOX ► • Drambo is Awesome BUT ...
ADDSTATION LIVE STREAM ► • Exploring Addstation |...
AGONIZER SYNTH ► • Agonizer Synthesizer |...
👊🏼 MORE iOS MUSIC KZbinRS 👊🏼
THESOUNDTESTROOM ► / thesoundtestroom
THEAUDIODABBLER ► / @theaudiodabbler
NU-TRIX THE SYNTH GUY ► / @nu-trix
HENNY THA BIZNESS ► / @hennythabizness
THEGARAGEBANDGUIDE ► / thegaragebandguide
DAVEYPOO ► / @daveypoommm
JAMIE MALLENDER ► / @jamiemallender
REDSKYLULLABY ► / redskylullaby
PETE JOHNS ► / @petejohnsmusic
DJ PUZZLE IPADLOOPS ► / ipadloops
▼ IOS MUSICIAN RESOURCE SITES ▼
Want even more information on how to create music with your iOS device?
►discchord.com
►www.matrixsynth.com/search/la...
►www.palmsounds.net
►www.synthanatomy.com/
►forum.audiob.us
►apptronica.us
►iosmusicandyou.com/
►apps4idevices.com
►smitematter.com

[@JakobHaq]

It's been a crazy year! Thank you for sticking with me! . . . Thank you GarageBand Guide for nominating Agonizer synth for your Best app list! GarageBand Guide Channel ► kzbin.info . . . ➡️ APP LINKS ➡️ BLEASS ALPHA SYNTH ► apps.apple.com/app/bleass-alpha-synthesizer/id1476042892 FRMS ► apps.apple.com/app/frms-granular-synthesizer/id1381392223 DRAMBO ► apps.apple.com/app/drambo/id1469365718 ADDSTATION ► apps.apple.com/app/addstation/id1500919657 HOUSE: MARK 1 ► apps.apple.com/app/house-mark-i/id1481734663 AGONIZER SYNTH ► apps.apple.com/app/agonizer/id1499426175 CUBASIS 3 ► apps.apple.com/app/cubasis-3/id1207839273 . . . 🎥 APP VIDEOS 🎥 DRAMBO LIVE PERFORMANCE ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ3ahnujndSSZ6M DRAMBO HAQBOX ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3_Kd59tbLBgoMU ADDSTATION LIVE STREAM ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXvZqoaaaNmNq5Y AGONIZER SYNTH ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZmugZRqmqysp8U

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Oh man, some amazing synths in this list! Wasn’t expecting to see my ugly mug in this video mate, thanks for the shout out 🤘 Great to see Agonizer make it onto so many end of year ‘best of’ lists too!

[@JakobHaq]

You’re beautiful bro and I’d feature you on my channel anytime! Thank you for covering Agonizer. I’m happy you liked it so much! 👊🏼

[@andrewculp1378]

Great video Jakob! Simply love everything you're up to and greatly appreciate the hard work and time you put into your music, videos, and now apps. Best wishes and thank you

[@johndeggendorf7826]

That’s a great list Jakob, thanks.🙏 I hadn’t heard of any of these! I’m gonna check out Drambo right now. Really appreciate your digging through this stuff in our behalf.

[@jeroen6969]

Happy Christmas Jakob and thank you for all your inspiration you shared with us! I started following you a few months ago and you inspired me! Thank you!!

[@leonlkowalski]

Thanks Jakob! Great overview which reminds me of why I purchased these synths in the first place... and that I should use then more. For example I'm very happy with FRMS because one of my favorites, Grain Science, doesn't work anymore. But sometimes I have to be remembered of things like that, and your videos are always extremely inspirational! Happy holidays, Jakob and everyone!

[@itsokyah3088]

Love the passion and enthusiasm in your delivery!

[@bengalinsky4300]

My main setup now is based on an Mpc5000 with an ipad pro running aum and auria, your channel has been a big help in getting this together in the past year. Wishing you a creative 2021!

[@studeeob2251]

Great video man I’ve learned a lot from your videos, great review of apps I haven’t even heard of

[@geierichubert]

Great job Jakob, you’re awsome dude. So inspiring. Thx for sharing your love for music. 🙏🏼 Agonizer omg🔥☄️💥⚡️💫

[@revel8or]

Thanks for the overview - concise and with good sound demos. Subbed :)

[@cgonzt5636]

Awesome dude! Very detailed & entertaining 😆

[@EnriquePage91]

Dude I’m so surprised I feel like NO ONE talked about FRMS by my dudes at Imaginando.. yet it made it onto your list and also into Gavinski’s ! I’m glad It did. Those guys are amazing and FRMS is a 💣

[@bitFetcher]

Just turned over the Rick that reveled AUM and your content is amazingly helpful! Keep up the great work. ✌🏻

[@hArtyTruffle]

Thanks for all your hard work in 2020 Jakob. You played an important part in my getting to grips with iOS music-making 🙏 FRMS is only the one that missed my buying frenzy 😂 🎄🎄🎄

[@TheMonsterExplorers]

I have so much respect for you for saying “Dislike the video if you didn’t like it.” So genuine! I’ve NEVER heard anyone on KZbin say that!

[@JamieMallender]

BLEASS Alpha, House Mark 1 and FRMS would definitely be on my list. Tal-U-No-LX would have to be on there because it’s just a perfect emulation that transports me right back in time to my first band and Mononoke because it’s a unique instrument that you have to actually learn how to play. I feel like I’m the only person in the world who doesn’t have Drambo so if I get App Store vouchers tomorrow, I’m going to buy it. :) Merry Christmas Jakob and thank you for all you do for the iOS community, you funky Swedish sausage you. X

[@chebtamer]

Great synth, great video.

[@rainchaser5389]

Happy Holidays and thanks for all that you do for this community.

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you so much for supporting my work! Thank you for all the views and interactions!

[@rainchaser5389]

@@JakobHaq You’re welcome. It is I who thanks you. 🎼

[@Rulon-bo1ig]

Audio kit synth one is a great one too! You’ll know it already as you’ve made some lush pad sounds for D1. Happy New Years Jakob!!

[@Weareroses]

Dude... not done with the video yet but that jam you made to demo the bleass synth... fiiiiire

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

Nice roundup. Drambo has largely cured me of my synth app acquisition syndrome and MixBox likewise of my FX apps. I will make an exception for Agonizer, which I will pick up now. Happy Holidays to your and yours Mr WithAK!

[@JakobHaq]

😘

[@davidianmusic4869]

My Solstice present this year, Agonizer. Very happy to get it, and support. Heading over to House Mk1 for the New Year’s present now. ThanX !

[@BananaJuice1984]

Thanks Jakob, great video. Now i will see if drambo is a thing to me. I hard love gadget, so i think it is not easy to go drambo or gadget . The only thing that is limited is the free creative TIME. Thank you for 2020 and your support of everything you showed us . Thank you for your Facebook group support, and .... 👍🙂🖖👏🏼

[@MrDmitryHammet]

I'm a big fan of granular synthesis, so I will go and try FRMS. Thanks Jakob!

[@mauriciorojasclaros2112]

This guy knows no lazyness........ his videos are so well planned, edited and explained..... this is a workhaholic perfectionist, obviously

[@BeepStreetAudio]

Jakob, you are the best!

[@JakobHaq]

No, you are! 😘😘

[@alexandercarder2281]

I just purchased Mode D mini moon app for my iPhone the other week and I absolutely love it. It’s how I found your channel because I was looking for a tutorial. I’m a guitarist and I do Christian worship but have had a life long fascination with Synthesisers. The first app I had was a modular synth but I forgot the name, it was a wired plug one and when I got my new iPhone and tried to open it it would t open and then I found out that the company no longer exists. But I found it strange how just because the company shuts down the app how it was able to make my downloaded version disabled. Anyway I now have Model D and I hope you can do some more tutorials. I’m subscribing right now.

[@timijandrpicminatti7506]

That is awesome! I was blown away by BLEASS Alpha and Drambo. I hope the BLEASS song gets released 🙂

[@timijandrpicminatti7506]

Just bought Alpha Synth. I am in love 😍

[@JakobHaq]

Haha, seee it’s good! I’ll try to finish that track bye! 😘

[@Instant_Nerf]

@@JakobHaq did you finish the track?

[@imagine9033]

Thanks. I like them all

[@youyou8277]

The Drambo track is an amazing track, happy to hear it again, and it’s set up is (for me) your best ☮️

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you!

[@flosipoposi]

What’s the setup you are using for this Drambo Jam? Especially which controller? And how does it work with it?

[@akcoen2]

I initially dismissed FRMS as a Quanta clone. But now that I know it can be converted into a 4-Op FM synth, I’m definitely much more interested !

[@piperfox74]

That Drambo track is gorgeous!

[@JakobHaq]

Aw, thank you! 💋

[@danielarmstrong968]

Thanks Jakob, now I see that al the buzz about obsidian was just hype. I’m going to go with all these although I’ve picked up House Mark I already.

[@JakobHaq]

I’m a bit confused. 😅 What is it about obsidian that is just hype? I never mention Obsidian synth in Nanostudio 2 (if that’s the one you’re referring to). I love that synth by the way. I love it so much that I made a 45 minute in depth video about it, detailing why it’s so awesome. ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5vSdJSAlr6FnZI

[@danielarmstrong968]

@@JakobHaq thank you for sharing the link with me, I’m definitely going to check it out:) 🤭 I’m sorry for the confusion.

[@TeddyLeppard]

Love using Agonizer and AddStation.

[@nathanbryers]

Ooh. Adding samples to oscillators... I think you just sold me a synth 😎👍

[@ImaginandoPt]

We are very surprised and honoured to see FRMS on this list. Great sounding presets you have made on the demo by the way. It would be awesome to have a full preset pack from you built-in into FRMS! :) Wishing you an excellent xmas and an awesome new year!

[@JakobHaq]

It’s a really powerful synth that you e made. Great work! 👊🏼🥰

[@MidiFister]

that'd be a sweet preset pack

[@joedarrow5422]

Wow, there you go, Jakob!

[@squishmusic]

I AM MISSING OUT! ;D

[@walrtbstudios5430]

Hmmm... I’m going to have to take another look at FRMS. But I really regret buying Drambo (it is simply way way beyond my understanding) and BLEASS Alpha only works for me as a standalone- it crackles in AUM and Cubasis even if it’s the only app open. My ‘synth’ of the year wasn’t mentioned- Apesoft’s Electric Vintage has been used far more than anything on my iPad with the sole exception of AUM. If I want a lead instrument, that’s it. Great for chords too, and perfectly usable for bass. Honourable mention to- of course- Agoniser; well done Jakob and Kai!

[@GertBoers]

I just recently bought Drambo (because of another KZbinr) and I think it's awesome! If you got some spare time, you can find an excellent walk-through in 70 (!) bite-size videos on: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKrQi52ne7WBkJY

[@Old_Man_Jay]

These apps are making it more and more compelling to buy an ipad!

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

I have to put on a life jacket when I open Drambo, it’s sooo deep and I haven’t learned to swim in those depths yet lol

[@EnriquePage91]

It’s amazing 😌😌😌

[@spikemoss]

Agree with alpha and Drambo! And Agonizer is 💯

[@careyviton]

Agonized is an extraordinary app! Many thanks.

[@careyviton]

Agonizer

[@rainchaser5389]

I knew what you meant. ✌🏻

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you! Makes me really happy that you like it! 🥰

[@dafingaz]

Nice list. I’ll probably have a video out for mine by the end of the year. Or after the end of the year. LOL.

[@JakobHaq]

Looking forward to it! 👊🏼

[@dafingaz]

@@JakobHaq 🙌🏾

[@johnhowardnardine6815]

Hi Jakob, with all due massive RESPECT for all the beneficent good you are doing for the iOS music community, I wonder whether you'd consider adding "MPE" to the compatibility checklist you use for instruments. IMHO, MPE is the big news in electronic music in the same way AUv3 is vitally important.

[@JakobHaq]

Yeah, the thought crossed my mind too. I’ll definitely add MPE checkbox in future lists.

[@johnhowardnardine6815]

@@JakobHaq Tack så mycket Jakob!!!

[@chriswilliamstunes1]

Jabok, Have you checked out Zenbeats? I know youbuse Roland stuff. Zenbeats 2.0 is nice! I would live to know your thoughts on it. I have struggled for a good while to find an app to work on Ipad or Iphone with. It takes some getting used to. Thanks, Chris

[@berokm]

1:08 I went to the App Store and bought it!

[@Lorichs]

Agonizer IS my favorit of 2020 💪🏼

[@JakobHaq]

Aw!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@robertsteinberger5667]

house mark one is a nice app but dont expect a normal rhodes and the amount of different sounds are limited.

[@airpaper2342]

I bought bless l, but it doesn't work with GarageBand ((((say what program do you use?

[@MathHammer]

I am a big fan of iOS synths that have desktop counterparts. I think the only one reviewed here that has a desktop counterpart is FRMS.

[@nameofpersonnumber8390]

I find the velocity on house mark one to be a little jank. I’ve stuck with the gospel musicans neo soul ones or the electric app for my EP sounds. It matters to me how they respond since I’m a player first and foremost.

[@FEO]

Drammmmmmmbo! 👍👌👍

[@ambientzoneofficial]

Stupid question, after couple of minutes there’s a commercial about weight loss (youtube fantastic) ...... and it lasts for over 3 mins! ( if you let it run) Now, we’re not there yet to include ads ourselves (yeahhhh) but as a host like you : you choose what type of ads you insert? Category wise? If so ... let’s not go ‘foods’ and ‘weightloss’😉 Love your video. Hate the ads.

[@JakobHaq]

Omg ... I Wish we could choose ourselves but unfortunately we can’t. 😅

[@fritzrinaldo3903]

Wonderful song

[@Kkidzz]

Jakob, please make your cut-out spin like Wheel of Fortune......just for Gits and Shiggles. ;) BLEASS = BLISS

[@iamgalaxey]

Can all these run inside cubasis?

[@5stringaustin]

Dangggg not sure how I missed AddStation - but it is insane!! Insta-buy!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@JakobHaq]

It’s a real gem that one!

[@juneaftn]

Thanks. One thing should be corrected. FRMS is for iOS, Android, Mac OS and Windows. It is shown as "ipad only" in the video.

[@JakobHaq]

Thanks you. Ah, Well I almost never talk about the desktop/laptop versions of any apps that might have them since I’m 100% iOS based in everything I do. I’ll review, demo and use portable gear like Volcas, UNO, 8bit warps, Pocket Operators and mobile apps etc. I stopped using laptop/desktop systems about 7-8 years ago. Everything you see on this channel has been made on iPads and iPhones including videos, music, narration, photo editing animations etc.

[@cthulhugravios499]

Is a iPad good enough for music production standalone without a laptop?

[@JakobHaq]

It all depends on the users needs and preference. And preference is everything. I would say yes because I have been using iOS for all of my production and recording needs for over 8 years. I stopped using desktop and laptop systems back then too. So everything you see and hear on my channel (800 vids) has been recorded, edited and processed with iDevices and apps. Again that includes Audio, Video, Photos, 3D graphics and drawings. I’ve also produced professional material for clients on iOS. I’m not sure that this is helpful too you because once you get t into it you might not like it, then again you might end up loving it. The biggest thing about iOS has been the portability which leads to me producing music, videos and other things, whenever and whenever I like. Going iOS meant freedom for me after being stuck with a desktop studio system for decades. iOS is different to desktop and laptop systems in many ways. Then again it’s becoming somewhat similar to those systems too. Only way you can know for sure is to try yourself. But yes, you can do almost everything on an iPad that you can do on desktop and laptop systems.

[@ElektroMoog]

Tines is the best Electric Piano.. House Mk 1 is ok.. but still not there yet

[@EnriquePage91]

Drambo 🥲 ily Drambo 🥲💜

[@davefk]

Jakob are any of these IOS synth apps better than Waldorf Nave IOS? God jul :-)

[@JakobHaq]

No, nor is Waldorf better than any of these. I don’t really subscribe to “best” as a concept even if I sometimes use that word when I speak and for my titles etc. I believe in the right tool for the right job. When it comes to synths I judge with my ears first. My choice of synth is also affected by the type of music I want to produce and/or the type of workflow that I’m looking for. . Even if Agonizer is the “best” synth for me I wouldn’t use it for everything I do. I never just stick to one thing and I try out as many things as possible. I do that because I’m always looking to be inspired and inspiration can many times comes from testing out a new app and finding a new sound, or a new way of doing things. . In the case of synth vs synth, these synths are all so different from one another in how they work and the synthesis’s method used, so I wouldn’t necessarily compare them to one another either. AddStation is additive synthesis, FRMS is granular synthesis, BLEASS Alpha is subtractive synthesis with osc V-sync, Drambo is a modular synth and sequencer host, House Mark 1 is a rompler. They’re all extremely different and they do not sound alike either. . Nave is a wavetable synth and the only thing that can compare to it is Agonizer because it is also a morphing-type wavetable Synthesizer. But they do not sound the same at all and they’re completely different in how their wavetable engines work and how the modulation workflow is setup. . I know that’s not the answer you’re looking for but unfortunately it’s the only one I can give. In the end I all about what you need and what you like. See, even if I told you ones better than the other, it’s very subjective and in the end you might completely disagree. 😅

[@davefk]

@@JakobHaq Thank you for such a detailed reply, your time doing so is appreciated.

[@JakobHaq]

My pleasure and stay creative! 👊🏼

[@davehards9054]

What? no Shockwave? I was planning on getting it but not seeing it here has put me off. Going to check out DRAMBO though.

[@JakobHaq]

shockwave was released back in 2019 .. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZK8m6GOe7d9n7M

[@hermask815]

Sorry, but what is that oscilloscope thingy , hardware or an app?

[@JakobHaq]

If you’re referring to the blue oscilloscope on the table then: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4ero6Nna79no5I

[@hermask815]

Jakob Haq Thanks, stay healthy, keep up your good work.

[@revel8or]

The addstation...I have a k5000s that needs a friend...

[@fabriceletourneur5191]

Saw a bit of agoniser’s interface in Drambo ?!?

[@JakobHaq]

That was actually Agonizer synth loaded as an AUv3 inside Drambo 😘

[@volt7cooltangs701]

I really don’t think House Mark 1 sounds very good. I bought it but I don’t rate it at all. Sorry. Just sayin’ Love your vids though.

[@edjefferson9175]

I thought it was a bad man ting.

[@robertsteinberger5667]

Please no more granular synths, they scare the hell out of me...

[@willywonka47]

Agonizer, agonizer, agonizer, agonizer and agonizer

[@JakobHaq]

🥰🥰🥰

[@joedarrow5422]

I think the dude for BLEASS is from a non-english speaking country and just can spell B-L-I-S-S Lol

[@wolfman0313]

God dam 20 bucks!!! For your app at least lower it