SynthStation App Reviews

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Won't even launch. I have not been able to use this app in months because the app won't open. I got excited when I saw the massive update for the iPad version but it is literally unusable. It just crashes and closes before it loads. It never, ever works. Ever. Deleted.

Needs update... Alot.. Sound qualities are below average, not even classic piano is in it. Doesn't save correctly, need to start multiple times to link to hardware.

It's all good. I finally re download my app again for the synth station and it reloaded.. Up and running and now let's see what I can do to make things happen.... I'm deeply sorry for my last comment being rude nasty but yea I should a had waited to see if there will be a up date on it or fix the bugs but yea it's all good and now I'm happy ...

Bunk. Worked pretty well until that "update". They said they fixed the problem with the keyboard not receiving sound, but my 2nd synth patch sounds won't work now. It has great sounds but you guys need to keep your customers happy and get a good customer service staff on hand.

My review. I like the app it's designed for producers like me .i would like to see another app like this ..more instruments.. More project storage space..say up to a 200 at least.. And more drum kits or at least where those like me can make , and store our own kits..other than that..it's a excellent buy..and keep it a iOS 4 app..that will make it even more excellent..we buy In to many things that don't work..but this does it more me..was just saying what if this could sample too..I would be in heaven...as a producer..I love the 49 for what it allows me to achieve ..

Nice app overall... Not sure why I can't save a song/song name? Also, it would be great to be able to use an external keyboard...is that in the works? Sequencing is nice; much simpler than other apps. Also, sound manipulation seems more responsive and accurate than, say... AddictiveSynth. Still exploring this one, really. Just these few things noted that really stick out.

Not working. My girlfriend got me the Synth Station 25 for Christmas and was excited for me to use it. I have an iPod Touch and I can't seem to get it to work. So now she is upset, and that is the worst part of me not getting it to work. I hope I can figure something out.

SynthStation. I contacted akai online tech support. The gentleman I had communication with blamed it on the Apple OS. That response suprised/puzzled me due to the fact akai built this app to run on the ipad mobile OS. I responded with this thought as a question and never heard back. I still own my AX-80 I bought brand new. I have had numerous akai products and have not had any problems. But this new attitude has changed my opinion of akai. I have since bought M-Audio and Arturia devices for my controller needs and have been very happy. Nothing shows unhappiness better than loss of sales.

Lots of potential but JUNK nevertheless. I bought three Synthstation keyboards to work with the iPhone 4. NONE of them worked..Customer service was a joke. They hinted I should carve my connector down so it would fit better, but that didn't help. These are nice sounds and wouldn't it be great to have a little keyboard that actually worked, but this isn't it. The app itself crashes at start-up…Maybe apps like this should be reserved for the Droid store, where people are much more forgiving about using quality instruments…sorry.

Crashes Habitually.. I have an iPad 4 and this is the only application that I have purchased, that crashes like this. I have cleared my app cache, restarted my iPad, nothing works for me. Every time that I click on this application in an attempt to open it, it immediately proceeds to crash and bring me right back to my home screen where I started. When I first purchased the app, I recall actually being able to get into the app and use it. So, I do not know what the developer has done to angle the app this poorly. But, I know they appear to ave completely abandoned the application, as there has not been an update in many months. I would highly suggest to pass up buying this app, or at least hold off for now and check back later to see if they have come back and fixed all of these huge problems. I will never understand a developer who is willing to take someone's hard earned money, and not do everything in their power to keep the purchased application up and running. This is what happens when the world no longer has morals and ethics, and a sense of honor. Besides, I believe that you would do a lot better with other Synth apps such as Nave, Alchemy, Thor, et cetera. They cost more but at least they usually are maintained and updated.

this latest update just crashes the software. it won't even open on an iPod touch 5 gen.. at all on my iPad 3 is fine but on the 4 inch screen iPod touch it will just crash… doesn't even open… at all, please fix i have a few songs in there… and i tried uninstalling it and re installing it with no success..

Love and Hate. I Love the Sound its amazing specially the Drums are incredible, I hate that it has not been updated for IOS11 so I had to buy an iPad 1 the very first one only to use with this app and Synthstation 49 keyboard which is also outstanding.

Great app. Solid, with lots of knobs, faders and cool stuff to play with. The overhaul last hear made a world of difference. Now...audiobus!!

Hssssss. The reviews were so uniformly negative and apparently stupid, that I had to try it! Best 2 bucks I've spent in a while!! I can't imagine what it takes to please someone who thinks they're going to get hundreds -or thousands!- of dollars worth of gear/audioware in an iCreep for less than a sawbuck, but I'm sure glad I don't have to work tech support for these yahoos. Yes, the keyboard seems to be from 1998, and the output does seem a little under amplified, but it's a great "toy", with real nice pro samples, which latter ALONE make my ears giggle.

Works fine after reboot. For .99 can't beat it. It would not open before I rebooted the IPad. Thank you for review 1. For the reboot hook up.

UPDATE THIS APP. I want to use this app. I even bought a 30pin to lighting converter to use it on my iPhone 5s. But even though capability for the app says IOS 4.3 and up, it totally doesn't work with my IOS 10.3. I have a cool keyboard and this a sweet rig but it's completely useless without a functioning app. Total waste of money and I feel deceived.

Crap from Day 1. This app has never, Ever worked. Didn't work when I brought the overpriced keyboard that this was supposed to complement from Akai (distorted sound and constant crashing) last year, doesn't work at all now after the last OS update. Won't even start. There have been ZERO UPDATES in two years. What a crap way to treat your customers

Great app till now!!!!!!. Got the app a couple of years ago with my Akai synth station 25 and iPhone 4 worked great, got iPhone 5 and had a few problems which I worked out happy days are here again. Then I had not used the app in a couple months went to use it and it won't load just immediately crashes! Well maybe it's my phone so try my iPad Air and does the same thing. So is this thing dead in the water or is there any hope Akai or Apple will find the problem. Thank God I have real synths and keyboards that don't have to be updated every 5 minutes!!!!!!

I miss this app!!. I wish Akai would update this app and make it work with iOS. It was a great synth, one of the best ever on iOS!!

Crashes constantly on iPad Air!!. When is Akai ever gonna fix this app?!?! It crashes constantly no matter how many times I delete and reinstall it. They have to know this is an issue for many users but do nothing to fix it. I am ready to delete it permanently and never look to their products ever again! So sad!!

BUY NANO STUDIO. I found that Nano studio is compasabke with the synthstation 25, and is MUCH BETTER than this glitchy app. It has 16 tracks- each can record and loop anything you put in it! It also has about 400 decent synths and 10 layouts. Beast program for it's price!

.... I don't understand why all the bad review O.o , but anyways this app is pretty good. Simple, lots of kits to play with, with three different oscillators. For $1.99 it's pretty good.

Works with iOS 8 iPod 5th gen. I linked my 5th gen iPod via a cable adapter to the Synthstation 49, and it rocks using this excellent app! App also works with a 1st gen iPad on the Synthstation, very professional and excellent integration of software and hardware. Beautiful app! Bravo Akai!

Five stars for the keyboard. Here's what I mean. The program is like a started for someone trying to get their feet wet. But the keyboard is great with GarageBand. The transport buttons don't work but the pads work with the drum sounds. And being able the play the piano with the sustain peddle is wonderful. The people at Akia need to think harder about the program. It would make it woth having.

Program ok. Finally got program open and I like what I see so dismiss my first post don't know what the glitch was but after shutting down my iPad 2 and turning it back on program is working fine now please keep improving it I will give it 5 stars.

It might be nice if it even opened. I heard there might be some problems with this app but I did not expect it to not even start. I have written to Akai and hope they can support their product. It would be great if I could use the app that I paid for.

Finally works. After a lot of trouble shooting with akai the app works for me. If any one else has an issue with no sound the fix was to change the rotation lock to mute. Cycle the switch a few times then back to unmute. Change the switch back to rotation lock( if that's what you prefer) cycle the power. Took a few days of emailing with tech support but its up and running.

Works Great - Awesome Price!. The negative reviews had me worried, but for $2 it seemed to be worth the risk. I use an iPad 2 with iOS 5.0.1. I installed and shut-down/restarted my system and it works perfect. I'm not sure why everyone else is having so much trouble with this app? Excellent application for me - THANK YOU!!!

Waste of money. Great concept, but a junk product. The Key Board 25 key was very cool, but can't run on many apps, especially Garage Band. Unfortunately I am giving this a 1 star review is because of the application fail continually on my iPhone and iPad. Wish I had my $2.00 back...

How Come?. How come it won't save my patch settings, for example: a edited a preset and then saved it, but it won't save my filter swatting. I want it to be the 2 pole filter, but it keeps saving it on high pass filter setting, even after I change it to 2 pole and save. Very frustrating and not really worth $1.99. It's sad really...

Works Again! iOS 6 + v. 3.2 - iPhone 4S. When I upgraded to the v3.1 software on the Akai Synth Station app on Oct 12,2012, it no longer received MIDI information from the Akai Synth Station 25 keyboard. It no longer showed up in Midibridge either! - that was with iOS 5, not iOS 6. SINCE TODAY IT WORKS GREAT!!! First I upgraded my phone to iOS 6. And then today, AKAI released free upgrade v.3.2 - and Magic! it all works! The sounds are great and it is tons of fun.

Almost there. So close to being awesome. It falls short in one KEY area...when I tried to save a new project or a sequence....it just wouldn't accept my changes. So basically you are unable to save what you've done. Fix that and it's perfect. Other than that, this is super fun. And productive for knocking out ideas.

REALLY AKAI, REALLY?!!!. This app is wonderful...when it works and doesn't crash. Problem is...it crashes all the time!!! I don't understand why AKAI can't fix this issue as I have their other app iMPC and that one works like a dream!!! Nothing frustrates me more than technology that doesn't work properly...

Akai gave up?. First it was crashing all the time...now it would open but makes no sound. I enjoyed it while it lasted...could use an update, Bluetooth sync, 3/4 time... And actually make sound. Too bad, I used to like akai...now I expect no updates or response to customer concerns.

Can u guys update the iOS system please. I bought this app like six years ago. N I never had a problem with. The app up until I went n purchased me a brand new iPad hitch has all the updated versions installed so I can’t use this app.i love it and would like to be able to use what I paid for if u catch my drift. Please can u guys take a few minutes out of your busy day and update your iOS for this app I mean when the last time u guys updated your iOS for this app was back on the iOS 3.2 system .

not working for me. Maybe it worked for some folks but it isn't working at all on either my iPhone 4S or my iPad (1st gen) Just crashes after the splash screen. It did work so I guess like the other reviews say, the update screwed everything up. Please, AKAI, make this right.

Great for price. Connected iPhone to computer and installed the software - program now works The program hiccoughs and glitches if you do too much at one time, but using this program off and on since '11 - I've learned to work with it Recommended as a sequencer and not with peripherals. With that in mind it's the best value for what you can get from it - you can sequence entire songs, and quite frankly - it has a very fat analogue sound that sounds cool

Money well spent. You can't complain, for how much this app costs it's amazing! I also got the portable controller for it and its a cool toy to play around with. Lots of options for sound synth!

TURN ON LOCATION SERVICES. Turning on location services will fix the crash. Had this problem in the past with some photo apps. iPod 5gen. iOS6.

It's nice, but.... Yeah it's nice my dad bought it for me for Christmas but yeah... I CAN'T SAVE ANYTHING. ANYTHING AT ALL. And it's not like there's a save button right there and I'm having problems with the update. THERE JUST ISN'T A SAVE BUTTON. ANYWHERE. The only way to save it is to download it onto a Mac or PC but once you get out of the project it's hopeless. All the files that you worked hard on are WIPED. I hope they add a save button... Lol wait a minute I found it

Do not buy this app!. No matter how tempted you are by the screen shots, by the demonstration videos, by the promise of the Alesis Micron synth engine running in your iPad, do not buy this app! After using SynthStation it is little wonder Akai tapped third party developer Retronyms to create their MPC Fly app. Clearly Akai has no idea what they're doing. Ignore my advice at your peril. While only 1.99 the SynthStation is so truly awful, so shoddily assembled, you will feel robbed. Flee! Flee!

Crashes and Doesn't work with its own equipment. So when I first downloaded the synth station app I used a mpk25 for controlling midi and everything was going smoothly until I recently updated to the actual synth station49 keyboard and when I did upgrade I lost all sound. Every other app works with their keyboard but the app meant for the keyboard. The whole keyboard turns on and controls all the functions of the app but with no audio these features become useless

Works fine. I bought this although was skeptical due to all the bad reviews. However, I have had no problems with it what so ever. It's fun, intuitive, and I definitely see my self using it when I'm on the run. I had bought the keyboard that complements the app and thought maybe that's where I would find problems with the app but still works fine. Fun app, cheap price, works.

Great music making app. Love this app, takes a little to figure out but you get jammin quick. Love the authentic sounding drum kits and the pads and the editable synthesizers. A little tricky to make sense of it all at first but worth it to learn. Can make cool beat ideas in no time. Cool app sometimes crashes but it's been good since I updated it.

Ignore all the negativity. These reviews are negative and hurtful, this is still a great app today, i had no problems using it on my iPad Air 2. However it could us ea big update for the new iOS software. please dont give up on this app

Not bad. I like playing with things on this app. I wish it was audio bus compatible.

What I would like to see!. I need a update can't hear this app on the iPad speakers just in the head phones. This a great app akai please don't give up on it. I paid for it and I'm feeling cheated I can't use it. Your a big company it's just app that needs a few updates with the new iOS 9.3.1 system I love my SynthStation please don't give up on it I love it. Your company is so big you can do this with your eyes closed every product you make is great I have all your apps. Please allow me to keep using the SynthStation in it's beautiful glory this app is a blessing from God how ever created it don't give up on it.

Is for people who don't know how to play music!!!. I got the synthstation25 and was excited to check it out... then I realize it DOES NOT allow me to record while I am just playing the keys!!! Really?? It only let you to make stupid step sequences??!! Not everyone makes music by tap a grid like a robot and full of time restriction!!! SOMEONE might just know how to play keyboard... It blows my mind how stupid this app is and is back by Akai!!! On the other hand, it does work on my iPhone4 w/ iOS6 update if anyone is wondering about that... I am gonna get garbage band or nano studio instead...

Not all bad.... Don't know why I bought this despite all the negative reviews, but I'm glad I did. The app gives you one polyphonic synth, and two monophonic synths that sound really good as well as a drum machine with a nice selection of samples. And while you can't make any patch edits without leaving the keyboard, its not very hard to program a sequence, have it play in a loop, and make edits that way. Not ideal, but far from impossible as other reviews would have you believe. The sequencer is not too hard to grasp either. Just pick your synth, pick your note, and set its length. Thats it. Maybe its not as easy to program a sequence as other virtual studios in the app store, but again it is far from the impossible task others gave written about. On the down side, there is no audio copy and paste with other apps and you can only export your songs via wifi. Still, Synthstation is a great virtual studio that costs just a fraction of the price of other iOS virtual studios. Even though it may be lacking some features and sports a somewhat complicated workflow, it is still a bargain at its current price. FWIW, I'm running Synthstation on a 4th generation ipod Touch with iOS 5.1.1 without any problems after several days of use.

Cant sync!!!. I have an iPod Touch 2nd Generation and the app will not sync to my ipod, cannot get it to transfer from my itunes to my ipod and yes i have purchased it, does any1 have the same problem or know if its even compatible w/the 2nd gen. ipod touch? also when i tried pluggin my ipod into my synthstation it says i need to upgrade my ipod, i've searched hi and low to find the update for the IOS 4.3 and cannot find it, i've updated it and it still wont sync but i follow the instructions from apple and i dont have a menu under my general settings to update like it shows, is that only for the iphone?

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No updates, unreliable but good when it works. Previously I gave a bad review on this one but whilst it still hasn't been updated to work reliably it is a really neat piece of software. I am currently running iOS 8.3 and it will run on an iPhone 6 and an iPad 2 but on the iPad it can get into a bit of a crash when opening situation. If this got updated to work reliably and had IAA and AudioBus it would be 5 stars. As it is you are better off avoiding however it does have a huge library of drum kits and with built in sequencer, synth, couple of effects and X/Y pad plus built in recorder it is really fully featured. Treat this as app as frozen in time and don't expect any more updates but if you are on old hardware and stuck on an old software release this could suddenly be a 5 star app just note that the compatibility listing in the description is iOS 4.3 to 6.1.3. For me iOS 8.4 is out and I might get lucky and it may work more leiably under that. Under iOS 7 this was completely useless but under 8 it does actually work sometimes. Your milage may vary.

Akai Synthstaion. Won't launch in iOS 6 .. Rubbish avoid like the plague.. Sad because I wanted to hear it before I bought the 49 note akai hardware ... Alas move onto the korg software :- )

not happy. I have had synth station for a while it was good but now since i have had an update it does not load up not at all ,can you please fix the problem, please, please fix because it was a good app until the upgrade

This version crashes.... Just bought this for my iPad 4th gen with 128Gb using iOS 6.1 and all it does is crashes on the splash screen. This could be the most amazing synth app I've ever bought but I'll never know will I? Please fix otherwise it's pretty damn useless.

Cmon Akai. I agree with you 'palm sounds' it needs a bug fix and it can't really be called a professional app until it has live playability and export. Sample import from Sonoma copy and paste would be great too.

Was Cool but no updates. So no app.. I payed for this app and now there is no update. Devestated. I suppose u might re release it and charge more money just like you did with impc. Boooooooo! Hisssssssssss!

Could be great but crashes. I don,t understand why a company like AKAI would allow the crashing on splash screen to go unresolved. Heeeelllllloooo AAAKAAAII - time for damage control guys. Is there anyone out there?

UPDATE IMMEDIATELY. I can’t use it anymore. It’s incompatible with the new versions of iOS. The sounds in this are incredible. If you do I’ll get a Grammy.

Mr. Awsome on ipad, very easy to use. Needs a 12 pad or 16 pad otherwise everything you can expect.

WAS a great app. Not compatible with iOS 5. You will get 5 stars when this is fixed.

Worked for about a day. Aaaaand it's gone. This app could be awesome, but it just keeps crashing on the splash screen. Absolutely useless. I'd barely had a real chance to explore the sounds, but what I heard was great! Which makes losing the functionality even more depressing. Fix it or refund my money, please.

Great controller, average app.... @Zougie, a few developers HAVE had a go. Now that you have the controller, I strongly suggest you get Nano Studio. I've been banging out some amazing things on the train on the way to work with the 25 and Nano. As for the app, 3 stars are well deserved for the synth alone and the jaming possibilities with the controller, however, since iOS5 upgrade, the app crashes on launching and we need an update to solve this issue. You loose a star for this. The controllers compatibility with nano, Sir Sampleton, Xenon and Argon (I frequently use ALL these apps as serious kit additions to my studio set up), make the controller worth MUCH more than the $180au I paid for it, however the quality of the controller deserves an app from its developers that outshines ALL of the above mentioned apps, but unfortunately it just doesn't. On a whole, this doesn't bother me too much. I purchased this app as an afterthought to the controller just to see what the official app had to offer. Nano was the main reason i purchased it. You have an amazing and cheap quality product in your controller AKAI. You have the opportunity to ponder your mistakes with this app and make amends with a bigger, better and more useable app. I hope you do, and because of the SS25, I will consider buying it...

Doesn't even work. Doesn't work at all don't buy it

It's alright, but needs more tracks and synths. Having to flick through all the different screens gets a bit annoying. I'm waiting for the proper Synthstation 49 version. i'm guessing that will be released with the hardware? Definitely needs more tracks too. 1 drum track and 3 synth tracks are no match for Garageband. Although the Synthstation synths are of course better.

Unusable, for me.. This app crashes out constantly on my iPad and iPhone 4. When it does manage to run for a few minutes I find the UI is awkward and clunky, so even if it was stable I'd have a hard time recommending it.

Works fine now. Running iOS 6, works just fine for me. Does everything it promises . Drum kits are great

Oh the pain.....the pain........ After forking out several hundred $$$ for an IPK25 controller, I can't help feeling a little hard done by. Ok, the iPod interface isn't exactly spacious but I'm sure that an interface without so much screen changing can be designed. It makes me feel physically and creatively drained every time I use it. So much so that putting together any kind of sequence is an arduous task. GarageBand is so much better and still my preference. Akai, if you can't do a decent job of writing an application that does the IPK25 controller justice, please step aside and let someone else have a go.

Johnnygibson007. Crashes .......does not open at all

Volume. I dont hear anything ?

Unhappy purchase. This is a total rip-off. Doesn't even load up and never has. Why does the App Store allow these apps to still remain is a mystery. All they do is take your money and give you absolutely nothing!!!

Constantly crashing. The video reviews of this app are impressive and it could be a great tool but I can't recommend it because the iPad version constantly crashes.

Not bad but.... The synth and drum sounds are really good but the navigation is a little hard to get around, the sequencer is fairly basic. I expected a little more from a company like Akai, overall its ok but has a fairly steep learning curve. I'd prefer to make beats on Rebirth over this app. Also it's too expensive. Akai needs to release a lite version so u can try it before u buy this version. Overall it's not bad but needs a few tweaks to be good.

A step in the right direction. This app has great potential. It has potential to be one of the most comprehensive music making apps on the iPad. The drums need banks so you can use sounds from other kits and so you can build break downs and changes. If this happens this could revolutionize the way I make music, and I can't wait to use this on the streets.

Not bad but..... It's ok for v1 , but it needs some evolution . Need to be able to change synth sounds from the grid editor. Drum editor needs velocity control. Grid editor view needs to access loop range . Too much going between screens for basic stuff . Overall it's got a great potential and awesome sound , just needs some tweaks to get it a bit more usable. Also needs the audiopaste feature , and being akai I reckon it needs an audio sampler to record our own acoustic loops

Not happy. Won't even open, what a rip off. Please sort it out

Ok, but could be better. Drums sounds are good. Needs reverb effect more than it needs flanger/chorus, in my opinion. Sequence can only be programmed on a grid (i.e. not via the pads or keyboard) - not really good enough. Biggest problem is that it crashes on every session I do. You're working on a project, and suddenly it's gone...That makes this app, really, un-useable unless you just want to have fun. Akai, you can do better than that.

Please make a stable version. Guys this app has so much potential, but it keeps crashing on me. I have attempted to write three ideas and I have lost them due to app crashes. I love the synths and kits, especially the Synthstation 49 integration, but please fix the crash bugs.

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Terrible. I don't usually complain about a two dollar app but this thing is poo. One of the worst synth apps I have used on the iPad. I would list all of the things that are bad about it but it is easier to just say everything. Don't waste your money, get one of the many good Synth/Beat Pad apps on the app store instead. Beat Maker 2 is a good choice.

Disappointed. This app won't even open without crashing. Anyone working at Akai to fix this?!

Synth Station. Hum ok now im disapointed, i do Music as a hobby and i was please to find a nice apps for my ipad 4 and to think i was looking into buying AKAI HArdware instruments to continue composing ... PLEASE akai fix that apps SOOn or i might just want to buy some other Brand instruments ...

Crash. I am in agreement the app keeps crashing on me and I am unable to use my Akai Synth station 49. It is very frustrating, can YOU PLEASE fix this ASAP! If you do not fix this soon I'm going to send my product back, this is absolutely unbelievable the bugs in this are atrocious!

Long overdose due iodate. This used to be a great synth software for iOS. But it's been neglected by Akai for the last 3 years. It no longer picks up the midi for some reason and since 2012 iOS a changed a log on the music side. Please we need an update.

Synthstation. Ridiculous that Apple & Akai still sell this app. Also that the Synthstation 49 & 25 are still in stores when Akai has fully abandoned this app. Please minus the one star I had to give for rating this. I want my $ back

Very nice update. Finally Synthstation looks and feels like an Akai product. At first release of this synth app I was surprised that Akai had left some of their great synth experience behind but with their new update this synth is now very powerful and it all looks amazing. Extremely gorgeous and very well laid out. This now operates more like a synth studio rather than a simple synth app. Well done Akai team and thank you for giving us iOS players a great Akai product. P.s. Akai retro is back in so it would be cool to see an Akai S1000 app. Cheers.

So disappointing. I was extremely excited at the prospect of a mobile studio made by Akai, and this was a huge let down. Nearly everything about this is poorly thought out, the layout is completely unintuitive, and frankly there was no room for creativity left in my brain after struggling to figure out the logic of how this works. My guess is that Akai didn't make this app, they probably licensed their name to a third party. Anyway, I hate to say it, but not worth the wait or the price. If you are looking for a comparable app that is really good, check out NanoStudio. It is what this should have been, and more.

Crashing Still. When I first got it it was fine. Now it crashes when I open it. Also it would be nice if it support use of auxillary with my stero connected to the IPad.

Cautiously Optimistic. Read other reviews and I experienced the saw crashing when I first installed. Then I removed all open apps from memory. When I relaunched the app, it worked fine albeit with some lag when trying to move sliders and buttons. The app can definitely use an optimization update and the visuals could also use some sprucing up. I just purchased the Akai Pro Synthstation 49 and hope I'll be able to make good use of the app and keyboard. Are you listening Akai.

Great app - great new price, only one concern. Love this app, I also have the 25 key synthstation controller which really makes this powerful. Synths sound great, love the drums, love everything...EXCEPT - would love it if the arpeggiated synths could retrigger at the selected BPM every time you hit the key. It almost sounds like the arpeggiated synth is connected to an always-running, silent beat, and sometimes when you hit the key (with arpeggiator ON) it doesn't always trigger right away - as if it's in the middle of the beat. I realize that when the sequence is playing you'd probably NOT want this feature, but when the sequence isn't playing and you're in performance mode, I'd love the ability to have the arpeggiator re-trigger whenever a new key has been played.

so so. Needs the ability to flip for screen position and core midi compatability....and everything else fixed as per comments. There are a lot better music production studios out there. Akai really fell down on this software.

Powerful Tool. A lot of the reviews on this really don't take into account that the app is made to compliment the controller. As a guitar player, I wanted something to help write songs without being bogged down by trying to learn the ins and outs of a synth. The app AND controller made it easy to delve in as a casual player to get great sounds right away. The app makes total sense when paired with the synthstation 25 controller, and if you read the reviews with anyone who has it, it looks like they would agree. I haven't used it during a live performance yet but as I get better I wouldn't hesitate to try it out with my band The Live Amps.

Crashes on iPhone 5. Just continually crashes at start up. Don't waste your time with this one.

SynthCRASH. You know I paid good money for this app ?? It's crashing all the time. Wats up with that ?? Fix this problem or I will ask forum money back !! And I'm tweeting this to all my contacts !! Fix this NOW. !!!!!

Needs update!. Latest version steadily crashes on opening....useless

DO NOT BUY !!!!!. This app should not have even been approved by apple. Do not buy, it will crash!! This app is an embarassment.

Crashes. I bought a SynthStation 25 with plans to use it with this app. First I would get long stuck notes. Then increasing crashes till finally it crashed every time at start up. At first I didn't mind because with the purchase of Midi Bridge $8.99 I could use the SS25 with better apps like NanoStudio and Alchemy but then that connection started dropping out and then reappearing again about every 4 minutes. The fact that the SS25 doesnt come with a wall jack or a USB cable or even the $2 SynthStation App makes me wonder what Is going on with Akai. I returned the SS25 and deleted the App.

Awful!. I am a fan of AKAI products and own one of their midi controllers but this app is pathetic. A company who makes the type of products they do threw this together to make some fast money. AKAI if you are reading this I want mine back! Make a product that lives up to your name! Do not buy this app!

Very Basic. The sequencer on the Akai synthstation is very basic. I was quite disappointed. There is no control of the volume of individual drum hits, kits are not customizable and there is no audio import or export. This product is not very well thought through. I'd recommend waiting for an update to see if more basic features are added. For 10$, there are much better synth products for iOS.

iOS 5 problems. Doesn't seem to work with iOS 5.

Crashy crashington. If you want an app that's only function is to crash on startup, this is the app for you.

SynthStation. Une banque de sons tous aussi inutiles et insignifiants les uns que les autres! On peut cependant utiliser le mini-clavier Akai 25 avec la banque, beaucoup plus riche et utile de MusicStudio! Je recommande fortement de télécharger cette dernière app! N'achetez pas Midi Bridge. Le clavier Akai se configure de lui-même sans problèmes, du moins, dans mon cas. Unusable and insignificant sound bank! I prefer to connect my iPod in the Akai-25 Station keyboard and use MusicStudio, which is richer in useful sounds than the previous. Il hope that someone will think of those musicians who are not in hip hop plip plop, whatever noisy music, but who would like to play some basic instruments (piano, acoustic guitar or even electric, interesting violins and classical stuff, etc.). Don't spend a dime on Midi Bridge!

The app is good but.... I want the experience of a real music production keyboard, Will there be a new feature where you can play 4 to 6 sounds in one while touching afew keys on the app & the synthstation 25?

Disappointing. I've bought an apc40 and lpk25. So I was inclined to trust akai. But for 10$, this is a very disappointing app. BEATMAKER blows this out of the water. That's worth $10, this is not.

Seriously?. You know whats awesome? Paying for an app that doesn't work.

Exceptionally Buggy. This might be just the app for people with unlimited time to fool around and try to make it work. I lost patience trying to get it to get it to work properly using an external MIDI keyboard -- but no matter what I tried, the sound got stuck and hung-up in perpetual feedback. I can find no MIDI controls anywhere obvious -- or even obscure, and I gave up. The app is useless for MIDI with my iPad. Though the iPhone version does have a MIDI setting and works using the Akai SynthStation 25 controller, it's so buggy that I can't figure out why it works one time and not the next. I plan on returning the Akai controller later today -- both the Akai SynthStation 25 controller and app offer nothing but frustration and crappy sounds. I'll give it a 1 for the sounds, but with regard to MIDI functionality it deserves less than zero. Akai really fell down on this app and controller.

Crash. So sad to see such a great app, crash over and over.. can we get a refund please?

Crashes. Akai please fix this App, it keep crashing at start up. When are we going to see a update on this app AudioBus support

Potential .... I think comparing this to Beatmaker is something of a false positive. They strike me as very different implementations of composition tools - I like the fact that SynthStation lets me play instruments, rather than working with pre-determined collections of sounds. I think this is a good 1.0 release and I hope that future releases will let us play our parts "live" on the mini-keyboard / pads rather than writing them in on the grid editor. I also think the sounds and editing functions are pretty good.

Crashes on startup. Fixed by update v 3.0. Broke again. Fixed.. This app needs fixing. I bought it to use with Synthstation App. Did I make a mistake? I cannot review what I cannot use. Just installed the update and app no longer crashes on start up. No mention of bug fix in update info. But they must have done something. At least it works with Synthstation 25. So need to return the device to the store. Pity there has been no acknowledgement from the developer to the litany of complaints, on the various forums, and here about the crashing problem. I will update the Stars once I play with it about more, and if it is stable. Well that didn't last long. Back to start up crashes on itouch, iPhone, on and off Synthstation 25. And today it crashes on the iPad. Worse it has stopped running on Synthstation 25. FIXED! Perhaps the problem was Apple server issue. Works great on iPad and the update is excellent very good interface. This is more like it. Response to customer issues would be great but the silence was deafening. Developer really should watch he forums and respond to concerns. UPDATE. If using this app on iPhone or iTouch with Synthstation 25 make sure no other app is running, this includes Midibridge. this app first THEN run Midibridge or other app. Seems to stop the crashes. The IPad version is excellent.

Fail. This app loads up but won't play sounds on the 3rd gen ipad

This app is to be used with the SynthStation 25. This app should be free for those who bought the SynthStation 25, since it already cost 70 dollars. That being said. This app along with the machine is a wonderful portable synthesiser, it takes some fooling around to understand the app, but once you do, everything is programmable! you can edit parameters on individual drum keys, or you can go through a huge selection of synth levels. there are 3 oscillators, you can change levels on each of them. then there's many other parameters for controlling the final sound to the most minute detail. this is a legitimate synthesiser, if you have the synth station 25 to go with it. I can't wait to record with it! You should not use this app as a standalone synthesiser, it lets you change all those levels in real time with the machine, without the machine you need to switch back and forth to the "perform" selection, but it's not meant to be used like that, don't give it a review if you don't have the machine. This is very nice

Akai NOT Professional. Horrible app. Nanostudio is 100% better.

Bad app. Too bad you guys couldn't get it compatible with ios5 sooner, what a waste of money and time (it took forever to download!) Developer's version of ios5 has been out for 5/6 months, there's no excuse.

uselessly unstable. Crashes constantly. I have been unable to save a note so far. furthermore, the developer's website is down or gone, so there's no one to complain to. Frustrating as it looked like a great app.

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Update please. I can't say anything about the app because it crashes when i try to loaf it, and come to find out it's because it hasn't been updated for iOS 5...not too happy right about now!!!

Won't open on iPad Air. Needs a new update and make compatible with Retronyms Tabletop.

Please fix this!. Please, please, please get this compatible with iOS6! I am waiting to install the app until this is one. Get on it Akai!...

Can not open. I'd like to get my money back, but I don't know how to do that. Even I can't open app, same time it closing! P.S. It ask me put at least 1 star. For what?!

Audio?. No sound through iPad speaker...please fix.

Ipad mini. I use my synthstation25 with a 30pin to lightning adapter connected to my ipan mini, and the latency issue makes it unusable. Further more, physical-backlited buttons on the keyboard are shifted to the right (I press drums, and synth 1 lights up, and so on). Such a shame coming from AKAI. Please fix this. Please.

Won't even start!. I'm using the new iPad. App won't even start. Crashes every time. Was really looking forward to see how it works as a MIDI Controller. Can I get my money back?

No updates. I bought this just before iOS update that killed it. Looks like they could careless about making it work. Don’t buy, don’t support this company. It hasn’t been updated in five years.

CRASH EVERYTIME PLESE FIX it. Cant do anything with it, crash every time when I open it 1 sec, then is gone. Please fix it.

Wick Wick Whaaaaaaaaack!!!. This app is such a dissappointment. I hope Akai updates it before the Great Tribulation begins because as of now it is wick wick whaaaaaaaaaaack!! Akai is better than this and I know they can do way better.

Still broken. Don't buy.. Crashes at splash screen...

CRASHES on start, USELESS. Don't waste your time even downloading it. IT DOESN'T RUN. I've deleted and reinstalled. No Good. Apple should pull this !

Crashes. I have an iPad Air. I'd like my money back if the app isn't updated ASAP. It crashes everytime I open it.

Please update. Please update this app for the iphone5 And add audio bus or come out with a better app

$1.99?!?. I bought this when it first came out and it was like $15 or $20. I always thought it was garbage...now I'm positive

No sound. Opens fine. Looks like a really cool app, but it produces no sound. Too bad.

Update won't load. The title says it all. New update on October 13th, and it won't load on my iPhone.

Abandonment Issues. This app and the corresponding hardware are the reasons why I will never buy from Akai again.

Crashes. Really? Was excited to download this and it just opens a splash screen and then quits. What a piece of junk!

Didn't work. Can I get a refund. Force closes immediately

Not good. There are about 50 better synths to get on the App Store than this, and it is NOT needed to use your synth station keyboard, no matter what the packaging says. Get midibridge and you can run any synth app with them.

It won't even open. What I supposed to do because, you guys don't even have an upgrade so do I get a refund ?

Crashes. I just purchased this recently and have not been able to get it working once. It just crashes every single time! What the hell Akai!!!

Doesn't work. Doesn't work on iPad mini , good thing I didn't buy their 7 $ app

I used to really like this app. But all it seems to do now is crash, crash, crash. I can't even get past the intro screen. This is BS. What the deal, AKAI?

This stupid app won't even open.. Should of read the review before purchasing. It used it once and that it it won't open again. It crash every time after that.

Terrible. The app won't even load. I click on it and it shows the loading screen and then it crashes.

Just crashes....doesn't open. Had this for awhile, updated it, tried to open it, just crashes after splash screen....save your money

Can't open it.... Well... I have iPad 4 and i can not open it at all...?!? Can someone tell me what is it about...?

Not a good app.. After buying, installing, and using once...it just stopped opening. The splash screen comes up, and then just goes away. What a waste.

Like wow. I bought this like when it first came out about 2 years ago ($7) and nothing's changed. It's pretty much gotten worse in my perspective.

An embarrassment. Should be renamed Akai Crashstation. Akai should be ashamed. Fix it, or remove it from the app store. Picking people's pockets $1.99 at a time...

Won't work. Not able to work, thought it would be okay but it just crashes , spend your $2 elsewhere, I suggest somewhere where you won't be scammed.

Akai = loser. So sad they decided to discontinue this app not long after I had purchased it. It was awesome until the iOS update and now it won’t open. Shady move AKAI, shady move....

App crashes like everyone says. Like many of the posts below, this app crashes as soon as it opens. I have a third gen iPad. Shame, it looked pretty cool.

Never opens. This thing will not open. Money waisted and I have the latest iPad.

Buggy beyond belief. This would be a cool app if it wasn't so buggy, but as is it is completely unusable. Most of the time it crashes before even opening.

Crashes. Just bought my daughter an Akai Synth Station and she cannot even use it. The app just crashes every time I try to open it. Please fix this problem or your keyboard is useless to us.

Doesn't work on my 3gs ios 4.32.. Tried to use this, but it doesn't even startup. No response from their customer service. Thanks for nothing.

Not workings. I just bought this apps & I got nothing but a crash. I downloaded to my iPad 4G & try to open it nothing working,so please fix it or my money back. If it working & no crash ill recommend this apps to all my friends

Crash. Wont open. I see now that Akai doesnt care about its customers. Waiting for months for them to fix these bugs now.

Pretty Cool App But Lacks a Few Things. First of all the updated app works on my "New IPad" (iPad 3)!!! For the price I think the app is pretty cool, fun, and easy to use. I know it's a synth app but I would like to see an acoustic and an electric piano sound. In fact I think they should make the app a full music sequencing DAW type app with bass, guitar, strings, horn sounds, external recording ability, etc. That would really make it a great app!!! Especially using it with the functionality of the Synth Station 49! Not everyone wants to make electronic synth sounding dance and techno music. But many would love to make other types of music using ALL the functionality of the Synth Station 49. GIVE US MORE SOUNDS PLEASE!!! I know Garage Band is out there but it does not use ALL the capabilities of the Synth Station 49. Now a word about the Synth Station 49...It looks like a great product. I hesitate to buy it because I have the IO dock by Alesis which is more flexible in terms of in's and out's for recording via iPad. I wish the Synth Station 49 also had the functionality of the Alesis IO dock, sort of like merging the two into one. THAT would make it the ultimate IPad controller. If I could plug in a mic, bass, guitar, etc for use with Garage Band, the improved Synth Station I spoke about above, or other such apps that would be cool. I would want one with 76 or 88 keys. That would make live performances with the iPad super easy and more practical. With the apps that are out now, something like that would rival the Yamaha Motif and Roland Fantom. I sure hope Akai reads these reviews and takes my suggestion and makes it a reality. I would pay extra for something like that. Some day somebody WILL make one, an ultimate iPad workstation, it might as well be Akai.

Terrible. No updates.

Crash attack. Crashes on boot with ipad 3. And most current iOS I Can't even use it

Doesn’t work. Hello Please update this app ASAP

Can’t use until you guys get it together and upgrade for ios😡😡. Please upgrade its unusable as is

Won't start up. Just bought it.... And now it won't even load up......lame

Still no sound!. Hardware finally recognizes it after update, but there are no sound coming out from headphone jack. Guess we need one more update!

Crashes!. Hi, I just purchased this app and it crashes during operation. Please give me a solution or obviously I'll need a refund:) Thank you

it's ok. not as bad as the other silly reviews claim! works fine on all my devices. the interface is confusing, but not anymore confusing than the electronic instruments it is based off of.