Comparison

VAPolyWest 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

VAPolyWest

This app is a polyphonic synthesizer inspired by 1960s California west coast synthesis. It features wave folding, lowpass gates, and step sequencers for generative music creation. It functions as a standalone app or an AudioUnit Extension across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Highlights
  • Virtual analog west coast style polyphonic synthesizer
  • Wave folder and lowpass gate
  • Step sequencer and envelope generators
  • Up to 8 voice polyphony
  • Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) support
  • MIDI 2.0 support
  • Audio export options
Features
Read full description

VAPolyWest is inspired by synthesizers developed in California in the 1960’s. VAPolyWest features wave folder and lowpass gate, which are key components of the west coast synthesis. VAPolyWest also features 5 step sequencer and envelope generators which are designed to create generative music. VAPolyWest works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. - Main Features - Virtual analog west coast style polyphonic synthesizer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Wave folder and lowpass gate for West Coast Synthesis. Step sequencer and envelopes designed for generative music. Support MIDI 2.0 Built-in Sequencer. 16 bar patterns per clip. Total 8 clips. Piano Roll and Parameter automation. Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. Audio Export. Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. - System Requirements - A13 Fusion or above is recommended. AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) requires host application which support AudioUnit Extension. AudioUnit Extension is supported by Apple Logic and Apple Garage Band on iOS and macOS. For any other DAW, it depends on the application and some of them don’t support AudioUnit Extension. Sound may be distorted if CPU of the device doesn't have enough power. If it happens reduce number of voices.

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
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

VAPolyWest4 screens
Discovery AUv3 Synth1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: VAPolyWest at 5.0 against Discovery AUv3 Synth's 4.3. VAPolyWest also leads on price ($14.99 vs $19.99). Discovery AUv3 Synth's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 10 months). On review sentiment, ratings volume, 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

VAPolyWest costs $14.99 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

VAPolyWest holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 6 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of VAPolyWest's written reviews are positive against 76% of Discovery AUv3 Synth's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VAPolyWest ships an update every 10 months, Discovery AUv3 Synth weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
VAPolyWest versus Discovery AUv3 Synth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVAPolyWestDiscovery AUv3 Synth
Price$14.99 — better$19.99
Rating5.0 (5 ratings) — better4.3 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews76.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings56 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB42 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyo TogawaDiscoDSP LLC

Customer experience

VAPolyWest

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%

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

VAPolyWest

No in-app purchases

None

Discovery AUv3 Synth

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VAPolyWest free?
VAPolyWest costs $14.99, 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, VAPolyWest or Discovery AUv3 Synth?
VAPolyWest is rated higher. VAPolyWest averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Discovery AUv3 Synth averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.
Do VAPolyWest or Discovery AUv3 Synth have ads?
Neither VAPolyWest nor Discovery AUv3 Synth shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VAPolyWest or Discovery AUv3 Synth?
VAPolyWest ships an update every 10 months, and Discovery AUv3 Synth weekly. Most recently, VAPolyWest was updated on November 4, 2026 and Discovery AUv3 Synth on October 30, 2026.

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