Klankwelle vs Polywave
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Klankwelle
This app allows users to create and manipulate complex synthesizer sounds using a modular interface. Build up to eight synthesizers simultaneously, controlling them via an on-screen keyboard, step sequencer, or external MIDI devices. Fine-tune audio with built-in effects and an equalizer.
- Modular synthesizer creation
- Up to 8 synths simultaneously
- Built-in keyboard and step sequencer
- External MIDI support
- Dynamic compressor
- 10-band graphic equalizer
- Extensive module library (oscillators, filters, effects)
Read full descriptionHide full description
Klankwelle is a modular synthesizer for iOS. Create up to 8 synthesizers at once and control them with a built-in keyboard or a 16-part step sequencer. Or play them with an external MIDI source. Fine-tune your sounds with a dynamic compressor and a 10-band graphic equalizer. Making a new synthesizer is easy: just add modules with a double-tap and wire up your architecture by dragging between connectors. Available modules include: OSCILLATORS Sine, Square, Sawtooth, Triangle, Noise, Ring FILTERS Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, Allpass, Notch, Peak, Formant ENVELOPES Linear, Quadratic EFFECTS Fuzz, Comb, Echo, Bitcrush, Auto Gain LOW-FREQUENCY OSCILLATORS Sine, Square, Sawtooth, Triangle, Linear Trigger ARITHMETIC Add, Subtract, Multiply, Convolution FEEDBACK CTRL Supported MIDI messages: Note on/off (velocity sensitive), Pitch bend, control change, program change
Polywave
Create unique, evolving sonic experiences with a novel wavetable sequencer inspired by vintage synths. Draw your own waveforms, explore a vast library, and connect to external keyboards or DAWs. Record your creations directly within the app.
- Wavetable sequencer
- Custom waveform drawing
- Expansive waveform library
- 100+ factory presets
- MIDI and Audio Unit support
- Live recording module
- 8-voice polyphony
Read full descriptionHide full description
From Fingerlab (multiple-time winner of Music App of the Week, 2012 Apple Design Award) and Jordan Rudess (keyboardist of Dream Theater), comes Polywave — a revolutionary wavetable sequencer synthesizer for iPhone, iPad & Mac. Inspired by the legendary Korg Wavestation, Polywave lets you draw your own waveforms with your finger and create unique, ever-evolving sounds that are truly yours. Draw your own waveforms directly on screen 100+ factory presets: leads, pads, loops & FX Connect any MIDI keyboard or load as AUv3 in your DAW Live recording built-in Free version includes 12 factory presets and a selection of core features. Get the Full Version IAP to unlock everything. Features: • 8-voice polyphony & 6 octaves • Wavetable & waveform sequencer • VCO & FM Oscillators • FM Modulation & Detune • ADSR Envelope editor • Moog Ladder filter with ADSR • 2 LFOs with custom modulation waveform • LFO Sync & Loop mode • Waveform drawing editor & library (100 waveforms) • Preset Randomizer & export/import • 5 FX: Tube Amp, Vibrato, Chorus, Delay & Reverb • Live recording & export • Full MIDI & MIDI Mapping support • AudioBus & Inter-App Audio (iOS) • Full AudioUnit AUv3 support • iCloud Family Sharing Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: contact@fingerlab.net Stay tuned! The Fingerlab Team
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Klankwelle at none against Polywave's 1. Klankwelle also leads on review sentiment (91% vs 80%) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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
Both are free to download. Polywave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Klankwelle asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Klankwelle against 4.7 for Polywave. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 37 and 34 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 91% of Klankwelle's written reviews are positive against 80% of Polywave's.
Klankwelle ships an update every 2 months, Polywave every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Klankwelle | Polywave |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (37 ratings) | 4.7 (34 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 90.9% of reviews — better | 80.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 37 — better | 34 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 10.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 44 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Greg Okopal | Fingerlab |
Customer experience
Klankwelle
Polywave
In-app purchases
Klankwelle
No in-app purchases
Polywave
- Full Version$7.99
