Discovery AUv3 Synth vs VAPolyFM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide 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!
VAPolyFM
Create music with a versatile hybrid synthesizer offering both FM and virtual analog subtractive synthesis. Explore a wide range of effects, a built-in sequencer, and extensive MIDI support. Save and share projects seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- FM synthesizer with 6 operators
- Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer
- Built-in effects (delay, chorus, reverb)
- Sequencer with piano roll editor
- AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support
- Ableton Link and MIDI 2.0 support
- iCloud Drive project sharing
Read full descriptionHide full description
VAPolyFM is a hybrid polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It features FM synthesizer and subtractive synthesizer. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. FM synthesizer features 6 operators and 32 algorithm and it is inspired by FM synthesizers of the 1980’s. Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer features two oscillators, resonant high pass filter, resonant low pass filter and two ADSR envelopes per voice. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. VAPolyFM also includes sequencer which features piano roll editor and parameter automation. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. - Main Features - FM Synthesizer. 6 operators and 32 algorithm. Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Built-in effects and sequencer. Support MIDI 2.0 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. Includes 139 Factory Presets - 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.
Screenshots
Verdict
Discovery AUv3 Synth and VAPolyFM both sit at 4.3 stars, but that hides the real split: 76% of Discovery AUv3 Synth's written reviews are positive against 17% of VAPolyFM's. Discovery AUv3 Synth also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 17 months) and chart position (#193 vs unranked). VAPolyFM's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $19.99). On rating, 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
Discovery AUv3 Synth costs $19.99 and VAPolyFM $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
VAPolyFM holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 6 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 76% of Discovery AUv3 Synth's written reviews are positive against 17% of VAPolyFM's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Discovery AUv3 Synth ships an update weekly, VAPolyFM every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Discovery AUv3 Synth | VAPolyFM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $3.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.3 (6 ratings) | 4.5 (6 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 76.2% of reviews — better | 16.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 6 | 6 |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 17 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #193 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 42 MB | 17 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | DiscoDSP LLC | Ryo Togawa |
Customer experience
Discovery AUv3 Synth
VAPolyFM
In-app purchases
Discovery AUv3 Synth
No in-app purchases
VAPolyFM
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Discovery AUv3 Synth free?
Is VAPolyFM free?
Which has better reviews, Discovery AUv3 Synth or VAPolyFM?
Do Discovery AUv3 Synth or VAPolyFM have ads?
Which is updated more often, Discovery AUv3 Synth or VAPolyFM?
Other comparisons















