RTMS VAPolyMk3 is Ryo Togawa’s latest polyphonic Synthesizer app for iOS and macOS, combining virtual analog and FM synthesis.
In the last two to three years, Ryo Togawa, aka RTMS, has released numerous quality synthesizers for iOS and macOS, ranging from virtual analog and FM to Buchla-style west-coast synthesis. One problem I’ve had with the apps so far is the app names, which confuse users. This also applies to the new release.
RTMS has today released VAPolyMk3, already the third generation of its VAPoly virtual analog Synthesizer. And maximum confusion: the VAPolyMk3 has a different synthesis concept than the VAPolyMk2.
RTMS VAPolyMk3
VAPolyMK3 is a new 8-voice multi-synthesis polyphonic Synthesizer for iPhone, iPad, and macOS. Ryo Togawa, aka RTMS, says it was inspired by the last generation of classic analog synthesizers, such as the Oberheim Matrix, from the late 1980s.
RTMS VAPolyMk3 features a dual-synthesis engine that combines classic subtractive virtual analog synthesis with modular FM synthesis. At its core, it offers three oscillators and three modulation oscillators, also known as operators.
Each oscillator also has its own envelope, amplifier, and various tweakable parameters, such as tune, fine-tune, shape, PWM, and more.
The routing is flexible and reminiscent of more modern FM synths like the Korg opsix. You can route the oscillators/operators for subtractive synthesis and FM synthesis.
Then, the oscillator signals flow into a mixer where you can shape it further with a resonant lowpass filter and highpass filter. From there, it goes to the amplifier section and in built-in effects: chorus, delay, flanger, reverb, EQ, and compressor.
RTMS VAPolyMk3 also features two ADSR envelopes per voice and two multi-wave LFOs. For additional modulation fun, it also includes an analog-style CV sequencer for modulating parameters.
Further, it comes with a traditional sequencer with a piano roll editor. VAPolyMk3 also ships with a built-in audio recorder, Ableton Link, and MIDI 2.0 support, Bluetooth MIDI, and it works with various expression pedal signals ((CC#11, CC#64) and Per Note Contro)).
The developer ships the app with 271 factory presets. There is also an option to turn off anti-aliasing for devices with less CPU power.
First Impression
It’s another nice AUv3 polysynth from RTMS. However, I would prefer that the developer used new names for their apps rather than Mk2 Mk3, which causes confusion, especially since the VAPolyMk2 is very different from the concept.
RTMS VAPolyMk3 is available now for an introductory price of $5,99 instead of $14,99. It runs as a standalone app and AUv3 plugin on iPhones and iPads. The developer also writes for macOS, but the AppStore does not specify the version. It may not be online yet.
More information here: AppStore
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