Comparison

SyncKontrol vs Polywave

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

Head to head
About

SyncKontrol

Precisely control the tempo and sync your Korg monotribe synthesizer from your iPhone. Offers tap tempo, swing functions, and WIST compatibility for seamless integration with other music apps and DAWs.

Highlights
  • Precise tempo control
  • WIST sync
  • Tap Tempo
  • Swing function
  • MIDI clock sync
  • Start/pause control
Read full description

Control the Korg monotribe's tempo with your iPhone! SyncKontrol offers owners of Korg's monotribe Analogue Ribbon Station precise tempo control, plus the ability to sync their monotribe to WIST (Wireless sync) enabled apps! SyncKontrol allows you to control the tempo and start/pause of the monotribe Analogue Ribbon Station via the audio output of your iPhone. The app also offers Tap Tempo, a Swing function, and WIST (Wireless Sync-Start Technology) to sync monotribe to WIST-enabled apps such as Korg's iMS20, iELECTRIBE and iELECTRIBE Gorillaz™ Edition. In addition, this application receives sync from Mac based DAW software by receiving MIDI clock and play/stop commands via Wireless Network MIDI*. Korg's monotribe is a new form of synthesizer that packs an amazing array of features and technology into its compact body. The monotribe shares the analog synthesizer voice of the in-demand Korg monotron, yet quickly delves deeper into the rich, organic, and often chaotic world of analog synthesis. In addition to analog synthesis, monotribe brings together intuitive ease of use and a three-part discrete analog rhythm section, plus the proven appeal of Electribe-style sequencing. Complete with a built-in speaker and battery power, monotribe is self-contained and highly portable. [Specifications] Sequencer Section: • Tempo : 20.0 – 999.9 BPM • Tap tempo • Swing function : 50 – 75% Other: • Supports WIST (Wireless Sync-Start Technology) * Wireless Network MIDI function is still new and developing technology and therefore there are no guarantees concerning stability which can be heavily affected by traffic over the wireless network. Note : mini jack cable is necessary to connect iPhone and monotribe. Follow us on: ● Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/korg.iapps ● Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/korg_iapps

About

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.

Highlights
  • Wavetable sequencer
  • Custom waveform drawing
  • Expansive waveform library
  • 100+ factory presets
  • MIDI and Audio Unit support
  • Live recording module
  • 8-voice polyphony
Features
Read 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

SyncKontrol1 screens
Polywave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Polywave at 4.7 against SyncKontrol's 4.0. Polywave also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 51%) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 13 months). SyncKontrol's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Polywave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SyncKontrol asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Polywave holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 34 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of SyncKontrol's written reviews are positive against 80% of Polywave's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SyncKontrol ships an update every 13 months, Polywave every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
SyncKontrol versus Polywave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSyncKontrolPolywave
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (16 ratings)4.7 (34 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.8% of reviews80.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1634 — better
Update frequencyEvery 13 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS8.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKORG INC.Fingerlab

Customer experience

SyncKontrol

All ratings16 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral6.3%
Negative18.8%
Written reviews61 reviews
Positive50.8%
Neutral14.8%
Negative34.4%

Polywave

All ratings34 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral8.0%
Negative12.0%

In-app purchases

None

SyncKontrol

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Polywave

One-time1
  • Full Version$7.99

Questions

Is SyncKontrol free?
SyncKontrol is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Polywave free?
Polywave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SyncKontrol or Polywave?
Polywave is rated higher. SyncKontrol averages 4.0 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Polywave averages 4.7 from 34 ratings.
Do SyncKontrol or Polywave have ads?
Neither SyncKontrol nor Polywave shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SyncKontrol or Polywave?
SyncKontrol ships an update every 13 months, and Polywave every 3 months. Most recently, SyncKontrol was updated on October 5, 2026 and Polywave on October 6, 2026.

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