Kauldron Synthesizer vs Synclavier Go! App and Plugin
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Kauldron Synthesizer
This app combines classic analog synth warmth with AI-powered sound design. It offers intelligent preset generation, extensive modulation options, and a powerful arpeggiator for creating rich synth textures.
- AI-powered preset generation (SPAWN²)
- Analog modeling oscillators
- Extensive modulation matrix
- Dual XY-pads for control
- Powerful arpeggiator
- AUv3 plugin support
- Over 900 presets
Read full descriptionHide full description
Kauldron is where classic warmth meets Artificial Intelligence. One of our toniest and punchiest synths, Kauldron features a completely new analog modeling technology. The full spectrum of rich synth textures is bolstered by the groundbreaking SPAWN intelligent preset generation system that allows new patches to be created at the touch of a button. Abounding with pure hard-hitting tones, Kauldron requires little to no FX or production gimmicks to sound big. Kauldron is designed with modulation and fine dynamic control in mind. The two fully-featured LFOs and the mod envelope combine with a wide variety of MIDI learnable controls to manipulate multiple parameters. Everything is easily set up in a clearly laid out ‘mod matrix.’ The dual XY-pads can be used for controlling modulation or a wide range of synth parameters. MIDI aftertouch can be routed via the matrix for even greater control over expression and tonality. Kauldron also debuts the next generation of our Artificial Intelligence preset creation system, SPAWN². Completely reimagining the groundbreaking SPAWN algorithms in our hugely popular Magellan, the new SPAWN² gives you unprecedented control over generating presets. In the expert mode, you can accomplish anything from subtle ‘variations on a theme’ to bold new sounds. In the basic mode, where Kauldron does all the thinking, you get preset after usable preset with just a touch. This is not simple randomization: it is the power of A.I. put to benevolent use! Kauldron also includes its AUv3 plugin version so that you can seamlessly run multiple instances in your favorite DAW. Powerful arp with both live & program modes; comprehensive MIDI features with effortless MIDI learn; over 900 presets; recording, sharing, these are just some of the features brewing inside Yonac’s Kauldron. Selected specs include, SYNTH • 3 analog modeling oscillators w/ multiple waveforms & true PWM • FM via Osc 2 • Maximizer module with drift, spread & voice count for huge, stereophonic all-synth sounds • New vAnalog filter design w/ ‘dirt’ overload for even warmer, harmonically complex tones • Dedicated filter ADSR envelope • Filter tracking, contour & more • Pink/white noise generator • Osc. phase reset & sync • Retro & modern glide algorithms • Virtual VCA envelope with 2 attack types • Poly/mono operation • Legato mode for buttery smooth passages • Extensive modulation options via the ‘mod matrix’ • 2 LFOs w/ BPM sync, keytracking, trigger mode & more • Assignable mod envelope • 23 mod targets • 11 mod controllers, including aftertouch, velocity & keytracking • 2 XY-Pads for controlling mod targets or synth parameters • Arpeggiator with live & program modes, 11 algorithms, gate, swing, note value, octaving & more • Stereo mod effect with chorus & flanger modes • BPM-syncable stereo delay • Studio quality reverb w/ 7 room types, damping, time & mix • 900+ presets in a wide variety of styles & sounds SPAWN² • Automatic preset generation via artificial intelligence • Generate infinite new, usable presets at the touch of a button • Expert mode lets specify Variation & Autonomy for each major synth module • 3 unique A.I. algorithms • Auto arp programming in any listed scale PRO FEATURES • AUv3 - use as Audio Unit instrument plugin on iPad & iPhone • Fullscreen AU mode • Extensive MIDI: MIDI learn, aftertouch, MIDI CC map save/share, KB mapping, program changes & more APP • iPhone & iPad Compatibility • Powerful YPAT2 preset management system • Classic or ribbon key controller • Ribbon controller: Poly aftertouch into Kauldron • Ribbon controller: Settable musical key & scale • Classic KB: Velocity w/ sensitivity setting • Tapedeck: Record, loop & share • Metronome • Tap BPM
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.
- Vintage synthesizer and sampler
- AUv3 client for iOS DAWs
- MPE compatibility
- 12 Partial Timbres
- 16-track mixing console
- Artist Preset Libraries
- Sample Library
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Kauldron Synthesizer at $9.99 against Synclavier Go! App and Plugin's $19.99. Synclavier Go! App and Plugin's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 49 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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
Kauldron Synthesizer costs $9.99 and Synclavier Go! App and Plugin $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Kauldron Synthesizer against 4.7 for Synclavier Go! App and Plugin. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 136 and 53 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of Kauldron Synthesizer's written reviews are positive against 81% of Synclavier Go! App and Plugin's.
Kauldron Synthesizer ships an update every 49 months, Synclavier Go! App and Plugin every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Kauldron Synthesizer | Synclavier Go! App and Plugin |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 — better | $19.99 |
| Rating | 4.6 (136 ratings) | 4.7 (53 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 79.7% of reviews | 81.1% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 136 — better | 53 |
| Update frequency | Every 49 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 32 MB | 94 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Yonac Inc. | Synclavier Digital Corporation Ltd |
Customer experience
Kauldron Synthesizer
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin
Bugs and requests
Kauldron Synthesizer
Reported bugs
15 issues- Oscillators cannot be set to -1 octave
- Shrill noise
- No Bluetooth speaker output
- Fails to reload with Logic projects
- Cannot load into Logic Pro
Show 10 moreShow fewer
- Starts and quits on latest iOS
- AUv3 bug: receives notes regardless of track selection
- AUv3 implementation flaky, random crashes
- AUv3: plays all instances simultaneously
- Bug with Garageband: duplicates patterns
- MIDI learn functions not saved
- Sometimes glitchy
- XY pad movements not recorded as automation
- CPU killer on iPad 4
- No function to share sounds
Requested features
11 requests- Bring synths/effects to macOS
- Mac App version
- More comprehensive FX section (distortion/saturation)
- MIDI-out for arpeggiator
- Drum machine, PAD launcher, DAW
Show 6 moreShow fewer
- Browser download feature
- Sequencer in Kauldron
- Effects tool
- Version history
- More developer responses/support
- Dark mode option
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Kauldron Synthesizer
No in-app purchases
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Kauldron Synthesizer free?
Is Synclavier Go! App and Plugin free?
Which has better reviews, Kauldron Synthesizer or Synclavier Go! App and Plugin?
Do Kauldron Synthesizer or Synclavier Go! App and Plugin have ads?
Which is updated more often, Kauldron Synthesizer or Synclavier Go! App and Plugin?
Other comparisons















