Comparison

KORG iWAVESTATION vs Synclavier Go! App and Plugin

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

KORG iWAVESTATION

This app recreates a legendary 1990s synthesizer, offering time-varying timbre creation and advanced vector synthesis. Experience its unique sound-shaping potential with a renewed graphic interface and touch-based operation for iOS devices.

Highlights
  • Faithful reproduction of original WAVESTATION sound
  • Graphical wave sequence view with touch control
  • 1,500 sounds, 700+ waveforms, 55 effects
  • Powerful random sequence engine
  • AUv3 support for Logic Pro and GarageBand
  • Integration with KORG Gadget DAW
Features
Read full description

Creating sounds with time-varying timbre, on your mobile device. KORG iWAVESTATION - A wave sequence synthesizer for iOS. The WAVESTATION synthesizer went on sale in 1990. This instrument featured an advanced vector synthesis system which created new sounds by combining and connecting multiple waveforms; it provided a mix/morphing function that let you use a joystick to change the balance of four oscillators, and a distinctive wave sequence function that allowed you to place waveforms in a desired sequence to create sequence patterns. To this day, it continues to be considered a legendary and still-unique instrument. Now in 2016, the WAVESTATION has been reborn as "KORG iWAVESTATION," an app for iPad/iPhone. In addition to completely reproducing the programs, it also features a renewed design that lets everyone experience the stupendous sound-shaping potential of the WAVESTATION. It features touch-based operation that's distinctive of iOS, in conjunction with a new graphic interface that allows you to visualize and edit the time-varying timbral changes that are distinctive of the WAVESTATION. [ Features ] - A faithful reproduction of the original WAVESTATION sound: In addition to providing the sounds from all PCM memories of the WAVESTATION, the new iWAVESTATION also reproduces in software every detail of the parameters, based on an analysis of the original hardware circuit diagram. - A new wave sequence view that can be graphically controlled: The iWAVESTATION, we advance another step with a graphical user interface that takes advantage of the touch operations that are a characteristic of iOS. Even more than ever, we've updated the screen design with an emphasis on creating sequences. - 1,500 sounds, more than 700 waveforms, 55 effects, and a powerful random sequence engine: This new instrument includes a stupendous number of presets and waveforms, covering all models of the series. iWAVESTATION also provides a new random sequence function which will give you different perspectives to inspire new sounds. - Use with KORG Gadget and AUv3 for song production: iWAVESTATION can be used in conjunction with the "KORG Gadget" music production DAW app that has won numerous awards around the world. If both apps are installed, it can be used as the "Milpitas" gadget inside the KORG Gadget app. And also supports AUv3, so it can also be used as a sound module for Logic Pro and GarageBand. With a convenient and richly varied set of sounds, iWAVESTATION can be the foundation for either of these music production environments. More info at korg.com

About

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin

Experience the legendary Synclavier sound on your mobile device. This app offers a powerful vintage synthesizer and sampler with modern MPE and AUv3 compatibility, allowing for deep sound design and integration with iOS DAWs.

Highlights
  • Vintage synthesizer and sampler
  • AUv3 client for iOS DAWs
  • MPE compatibility
  • 12 Partial Timbres
  • 16-track mixing console
  • Artist Preset Libraries
  • Sample Library
Features
Read full description

“Nothing sounds quite like a Synclavier” World-class iOS synthesis has arrived! The Synclavier® II helped shape a generation of popular music and film soundtracks. Now this beast of an emotional vintage synthesizer has been incarnated on iOS using much of the core DSP code from the original and keeping the authentic red-button interface that is both deep and immediate. Not only retro, but decidedly modern: fully compatible with MPE, Ableton Link, Audiobus 3, MIDI. And the included AUv3 client can run inside of iOS DAWs such as GarageBand, NanoStudio 2, BeatMaker 3, Cubasis 3, Auria Pro. The powerful Synclavier DSP Engine affords 12 Partial Timbres, Timbre Frames, Samples, FM-Synthesis and Additive-Synthesis methodologies. It’s so easy to create playable rich string sounds, fantastic Moog esque drones, Prophet like pads, crazy FM brass noises, or Roland 808 style drum hits. It’s a sound designer’s dream and a synthesist’s wonderland. But there’s more! We’ve added a ton of stuff. The original hardware was 8-bit. With newer technology, we can pack more fidelity and more features in this already awesome synth. MPE compatibility, seven timbre “quick-change” character buttons, 16-track mixing console, crazy-good Artist Preset Libraries from world-renowned sound designers, and lots more. The Synclavier was always a versatile attention-getting instrument, but now it’s a powerhouse synth to be reckoned with! Release 1.30 features include - • iPad, iPhone and iPad Touch compatibility iOS9 or later • 96-button authentic VPK interface • AUv3 client compatibility for use within iOS DAWs • 16 original “Factory Preset Libraries” (8 banks x 8 entries) - 979 timbres • 3 “Artist Libraries” - 127 all-new timbres • Sample Library with 116 high-quality soundfiles • Audio Setup 44.1/48 kHz and sample latency controls • 16-track multi-timbral implementation with mix controls (iPad only, iPhone is mono-timbral) • Audiobus-compatible stereo output • Meticulous re-creation of the Synclavier FM sound using hardware modelling • Soundfile playback, pitch-shifting, looping, and keyboard mapping • iCloud compatibility to easily share Timbres (or via Audiobus) • iTunes file sharing for backup of user timbres and mixes • Direct expression routing for pitch bend, mod wheel, velocity and pressure • Full compatibility with MPE interfaces • Ableton Link synchronization with Repeat/Arpeggiate • 7 character buttons to quickly sculpt any timbre • Embedded “Tour” pages detailing setup and operation • Library browser for saving and calling up Timbres Synclavier DSP Engine • 12 Partial Timbres • Delay-Attack-Decay-Release envelope generators • 100 Timbre Frames per Partial • Noise Floor and Bit Depth controls • Micro-tuning controls • Dynamic and Keyboard Envelopes • Vibrato and Tremolo LFOs • Authentic re-creation of the original instrument and sounds, adjustable from 4-bit grunge to 24 bit silky smoothness. Synclavier Go! is compatible with all iPad, iPhone and iPad Touch models that can operate iOS 9.0 or later. Soundfile playback and AUv3 compatibility require iOS11 or later. The latest iOS version that is compatible with your device is recommended. The Synclavier® knob is as unique today as it was revolutionary at the time of its introduction. The knob is a rate-of-change controller; close your eyes and let your right-brain kick in to the sound design process. Forget the numbers; forget the digits; let your ears guide the process. Sound design with a touch-screen and Synclavier® knob is as different from a mouse-driven GUI as, well, Synclavier® was different than the Fairlight CMI! The Synclavier Knob is an exciting and authentic option, but is not required for Synclavier Go! since a virtual knob is provided in the app. Note to Parents: Synclavier Go! is as educational as it is historic and authentic. This app can introduce your teenager to the technical aspects of sound and sound design in a fun and informative environment.

Screenshots

KORG iWAVESTATION4 screens
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Synclavier Go! App and Plugin at $19.99 against KORG iWAVESTATION's $29.99. Synclavier Go! App and Plugin also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and rating (4.7 vs 4.2). On ratings volume, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

KORG iWAVESTATION costs $29.99 and Synclavier Go! App and Plugin $19.99 up front. KORG iWAVESTATION sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Synclavier Go! App and Plugin asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 135 and 53 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of KORG iWAVESTATION's written reviews are positive against 81% of Synclavier Go! App and Plugin's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

KORG iWAVESTATION ships an update every 5 months, Synclavier Go! App and Plugin every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
KORG iWAVESTATION versus Synclavier Go! App and Plugin: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKORG iWAVESTATIONSynclavier Go! App and Plugin
Price$29.99$19.99 — better
Rating4.2 (135 ratings)4.7 (53 ratings) — better
Positive reviews69.0% of reviews81.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings135 — better53
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size96 MB94 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKORG INC.Synclavier Digital Corporation Ltd

Customer experience

KORG iWAVESTATION

All ratings132 ratings
Positive78.8%
Neutral8.3%
Negative12.9%
Written reviews203 reviews
Positive69.0%
Neutral17.2%
Negative13.8%

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin

All ratings52 ratings
Positive90.4%
Neutral5.8%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews37 reviews
Positive81.1%
Neutral13.5%
Negative5.4%

Bugs and requests

KORG iWAVESTATION

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashes when saving user presets
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add AUv3 support
  • Improve preset management and browsing
  • Enhance MIDI functionality (channel selection, more CCs)
  • Expand filter options (high-pass, band-pass)

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

KORG iWAVESTATION

One-time1
  • Expansion Card Pack$4.99
None

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is KORG iWAVESTATION free?
KORG iWAVESTATION costs $29.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Synclavier Go! App and Plugin free?
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, KORG iWAVESTATION or Synclavier Go! App and Plugin?
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin is rated higher. KORG iWAVESTATION averages 4.2 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while Synclavier Go! App and Plugin averages 4.7 from 53 ratings.
Do KORG iWAVESTATION or Synclavier Go! App and Plugin have ads?
Neither KORG iWAVESTATION nor Synclavier Go! App and Plugin shows ads.
Which is updated more often, KORG iWAVESTATION or Synclavier Go! App and Plugin?
KORG iWAVESTATION ships an update every 5 months, and Synclavier Go! App and Plugin every 3 weeks. Most recently, KORG iWAVESTATION was updated on November 4, 2026 and Synclavier Go! App and Plugin on November 2, 2026.

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