Comparison

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin vs Discovery AUv3 Synth

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

Head to head
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.

About

Discovery AUv3 Synth

This powerful virtual analog synthesizer offers a vast sound library and advanced features for musicians and sound designers. Create complex sounds with multi-layering, morphing parameters, and built-in effects. Import classic synth patches and utilize rhythmic tools for unique sonic exploration.

Highlights
  • 4 Layers Per Patch
  • Over 3,500 Presets
  • Nord Lead 2 Patch Import
  • Parameter Morphing
  • Built-in Effects (Chorus, Phaser, Delay)
  • Advanced Filters (8 types)
  • Gate and Arpeggiator
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Discovery Synth AUv3 is a powerful virtual analog synthesizer, inspired by the iconic Clavia Nord Lead 2. With a robust feature set designed for musicians and sound designers, it delivers exceptional sound quality and flexibility. Key features include: • 4 Layers Per Patch: Stack layers to create complex, evolving sounds. • Over 3,500 Presets: Explore a vast collection of sounds, including percussion sets and Nord Lead 2 patches. • Nord Lead 2 Patch Import: Seamlessly import patches from the Clavia Nord Lead 2 and 2X for authentic sound recreation. • Parameter Morphing: Smoothly transition between parameter states for dynamic, evolving soundscapes. • Built-in Effects: Includes Chorus, Phaser, Panning Delay, and Gate for creative sound manipulation. • 128 Patch Memories per Bank: Organize and store your sounds efficiently. • Advanced Filters: Choose from 8 filter types, including LowPass, HighPass, BandPass, Formant, and an 8-tap Phaser. • Gate and Arpeggiator: Create rhythmic patterns with the built-in gate and arpeggiator synced to your host tempo. • Automation via MIDI CC (check the MIDI CC table in the PDF manual on the discoDSP Discovery page). Whether standalone or integrated as an AUv3, Discovery Synth provides all the tools you need to craft unique, high-quality sounds with ease. Dive into its intuitive interface and unlock your creative potential today!

Screenshots

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin4 screens
Discovery AUv3 Synth1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Synclavier Go! App and Plugin at 4.7 against Discovery AUv3 Synth's 4.3. Synclavier Go! App and Plugin also leads on ratings volume (53 vs 6) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Discovery AUv3 Synth's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and chart position (#193 vs unranked). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases 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

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin costs $19.99 and Discovery AUv3 Synth $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Synclavier Go! App and Plugin has 53 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Synclavier Go! App and Plugin's written reviews are positive against 76% of Discovery AUv3 Synth's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin ships an update every 3 weeks, Discovery AUv3 Synth weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin versus Discovery AUv3 Synth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSynclavier Go! App and PluginDiscovery AUv3 Synth
Price$19.99$19.99
Rating4.7 (53 ratings) — better4.3 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews81.1% of reviews — better76.2% of reviews
Number of ratings53 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank—#193 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size94 MB42 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSynclavier Digital Corporation LtdDiscoDSP LLC

Customer experience

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin

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

Discovery AUv3 Synth

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive76.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative23.8%

In-app purchases

None

Synclavier Go! App and Plugin

No in-app purchases

None

Discovery AUv3 Synth

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Synclavier Go! App and Plugin free?
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Discovery AUv3 Synth free?
Discovery AUv3 Synth costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Synclavier Go! App and Plugin or Discovery AUv3 Synth?
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin is rated higher. Synclavier Go! App and Plugin averages 4.7 out of 5 from 53 ratings, while Discovery AUv3 Synth averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.
Do Synclavier Go! App and Plugin or Discovery AUv3 Synth have ads?
Neither Synclavier Go! App and Plugin nor Discovery AUv3 Synth shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Synclavier Go! App and Plugin or Discovery AUv3 Synth?
Synclavier Go! App and Plugin ships an update every 3 weeks, and Discovery AUv3 Synth weekly. Most recently, Synclavier Go! App and Plugin was updated on October 21, 2026 and Discovery AUv3 Synth on October 25, 2026.

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