# Gauss Field Looper — Tape loops in your pocket

> Mobile tape looping studio with AUv3 plugin and field recorder. (iPhone/iPad app by Bram Bos.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gauss-field-looper/id1530684073 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Bram Bos](https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444)
- Category: Music
- Price: $6.99
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 115 App Store ratings · 83 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 17 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2020-11-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-30
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gauss-field-looper/id1530684073/reviews.md

## What is Gauss Field Looper?

Co-designed with Berlin-based electronic musician Hainbach, Gauss brings the oldschool tape-looping art form to mobile devices. This creative field looper works both standalone and as an Audio Unit effect plugin and puts the possibilities of using looped tapes in your hands. Without the need for scissors.

Like real tape loops Gauss takes you off the grid of your DAW: you can adjust tape speed and direction, even during recording. The flow of your loops will drift organically as the tape follows its own cyclical timeline. 

Use overdub, or even multiple instances of the Audio Unit plugin, to create multi-layered ever changing sonic palettes. 

We want this app to be a celebration of digital audio technology, so when audio quality is degraded it will do so in a pleasingly crunchy digital way. For example, recording on low tape speeds will give you longer recording time, but at the cost (or pleasure) of a distinctively lower recording quality. So Gauss mimics the behaviour - not the sound - of magnetic tape.

Set the length of the tape, record and overdub your audio, play around with tape speeds; Gauss captures the essence of two ends of tape stuck together in all its unsynchronised, free-running glory. There's even a unique built-in 4-step polyrhythmic sequencer for sequencing tape-speed changes.

- designed as a standalone field recorder and an Audio Unit effect plugin (AUv3) in one package
- universal app: plugin and standalone work on all iDevices, iOS11 and higher
- variable tape speed; seamlessly change direction and speed during playback or recording
- 4-step sequencer lets you trigger (polyrhythmic) tape-speed changes in sync with your host tempo
- variable inertia for the tape drive motors (from instant to very slow speed changes) 
- built-in multi-mode filter with LFO modulation
- delay effect with optional host-sync mode
- “1989” mode uses a special 8 bit/11KHz tape head for a last-century vintage digital sound
- 45 seconds maximum loop size at 1x speed, proportionally longer at lower speeds (.e.g 90 seconds at half speed, etc.)
- overdub at any speed or tape direction
- plugin supports global cross-host preset handling (requires iOS13+, compatible AUv3 host)

Find the user manual at ruismaker.com

## Key features

- Standalone field recorder
- Audio Unit effect plugin (AUv3)
- Variable tape speed and direction
- 4-step polyrhythmic sequencer
- Overdub functionality
- Multi-mode filter with LFO
- Delay effect with host sync

## Chart rankings

- #192 in Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

## What do users think of Gauss Field Looper?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎵 Exceptional tape loop emulation and analog sound quality
- 👍 Intuitive and elegant user interface design
- 🎚️ Versatile sound manipulation and creative possibilities
- ⚡ Lightweight and stable performance
- 🔄 Works seamlessly as both standalone and AU plugin
- 🎛️ Responsive developer with regular updates
- ✨ Inspiring and musically expressive tool
- 🎶 Rich, high-fidelity audio output
- 🔧 Simple workflow with minimal learning curve

**Cons**

- ⏱️ Maximum loop length too short (45 seconds)
- 📱 UI too small on iPhone, better suited for iPad
- 🔌 Audio interface compatibility issues (Bluetooth, USB)
- 📊 No waveform visualization feedback
- 🎛️ Monitoring disabled by default
- 🔊 Potential for harsh, ear-damaging noise
- 💾 Limited file import/export capabilities
- 🔐 Cross-device iCloud sync not functional
- 🎯 No sample trimming or cutting features
- ⚠️ Crashes when external audio input connected

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes or GUI disappears when external audio input connected
- Bluetooth headphones not working
- USB audio interface not recognized
- Audio signal cuts when external output plugged in
- Playback stops when screensaver activates
- App not visible in AUM or Audiobus despite installation
- No audio output on some iOS versions
- iCloud sync not working between devices
- Harsh feedback when not using headphones
- Click sound at end of loop when sync enabled
- Distortion and artifacts when slowing loops

**Most requested features**

- Host synchronization (start/stop/tempo sync)
- Longer loop length (90+ seconds in HiFi mode)
- Sample/audio file import functionality
- Export loops to Files app or AudioShare
- AUv3 plugin format support
- Multiple simultaneous loops on iPhone
- MIDI mapping and external MIDI control
- Metronome or count-in feature
- Waveform display visualization
- Fine-tuned pitch adjustment controls
- Loop trimming and cutting tools
- VST3 plugin for Windows/DAW integration
- Monitoring output routing options
- Audio threshold/compression for field recording
- Tape type/year variations and grunge control
- Standalone field recording without DAW
- Buffer/session saving in plugin mode
- Sequencer enhancements

## Recent user reviews (10 of 83)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gauss-field-looper/id1530684073/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Still Looping and Loopy!

*2026-07-21*

A real work of love, classic and superb design by Bram Boss, nothing compares with Gauss, simple, delightful, mysterious. A magical sound sampler for nature or instruments and endless hours of turning minimalistic sounds into cosmic soundscapes. A must have.

### 5/5 — My go to for ambient fun

*2026-06-03*

I often use this paired with a mic and various sound bath instruments. Or with synth and sampler apps. 
To me this isn’t a looper in the traditional sense it’s way more free. If I want a looper proper I’ll use loopy pro. 
I love the modes. Recording vocal samples in on the trig mode so that you get rhythmic stuff going can be very inspirational. Pair it with other effects after on loop mode and have it octave or fifth jump paired with a granular app. Slow it down and record in reverse. 
I would like new features though : 
Option to start recording on transport 
Clickless loops. 
Waveform showing graphically on the board.  
Is “Snap speed” the ability to allow modulation to jump to 100/50/25 etc speeds and to be able to flip it in reverse precisely to a speed? If that’s there I haven’t worked it out.

Thanks !

### 5/5 — Fantastic sound experience

*2025-08-23*

Just love the sound that come of it and how close is it to actually play with a real tape machine.
Need to be add as an effect as Auv3 plugin.

### 4/5 — i love it, but max loop lenth is too short

*2024-12-09*

great creative FX-looper, i enjoy playing with it. the only downside is the maximum loop lenth of 45 seconds , i would prefer 90 seconds in HiFi-mode for long evolving ambient tracks.  also i would love to have the possibility to sync  with host and to start/stop with host. especially when you use more than one gauss.

### 5/5 — Bram is…read below

*2024-08-01*

The uncrowned King of this Kingdom! All hail the King! On your knees Daug!

There’s only a couple of devs I respect even more than my own life,

Bram is one. Respect.

### 5/5 — Outstanding

*2024-05-26*

There is nothing in the AuV3 or VST worlds that even comes close to emulating analog tape loops in digital realm. Boldly, I believe it is the best digital tape loop instrument available.

### 4/5 — It’s great but missing one vital feature

*2024-02-05*

Super creative looper, easy to use and works like a charm. Just one thing stops it from being perfect, well two. First up why can’t you sync the playback to your daw or host playback? If I have 2 or 3 loops I really want them to start and stop at the same time but Gauss doesn’t seem to allow that. It’s the one thing that stops me from using it. It would also be a bonus if you could trim your loop but that’s not a biggie, just would be a nice feature.

### 4/5 — One missing feature would make this a 5/5

*2023-09-20*

Gauss is an incredible plug-in. You should definitely buy it.

But…

Why isn’t monitoring on by default?? Multiple online reviews have mentioned how annoying it is to have to switch it on every time you want to use the plugin. On should be the default behaviour.

Other than that, this is just awesome.

### 1/5 — Not really a field recorder

*2023-08-31*

This app is a briefly engaging toy in the studio, but utterly useless in its stated role as a “field recorder” as it does not record in standalone mode. Whether there is a trick to making it do so I do not know, as the manual is completely silent on the actual recording process, and all the YouTube demos show it being used in the studio in one DAW or another.

The wait for an iOS field recorder goes on…

### 5/5 — Great for iphone

*2023-06-06, version 2.0*

awesome little lofi effects sampler that mimics tape. pretty neat

## Frequently asked questions about Gauss Field Looper

### What is Gauss Field Looper?

Gauss Field Looper is a mobile application that recreates the experience of old-school tape looping. It functions as both a standalone field recorder and an Audio Unit effect plugin, allowing users to create evolving sonic textures by manipulating audio on a virtual tape.

### What are the key features of Gauss Field Looper?

Key features include variable tape speed and direction control, the ability to overdub audio, a built-in 4-step polyrhythmic sequencer for tape-speed changes, a multi-mode filter with LFO modulation, and a delay effect. It also offers an '1989' mode for vintage digital sound.

### How much does Gauss Field Looper cost?

The application is a paid app. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, indicating a one-time purchase for full functionality.

### What devices and iOS versions are compatible with Gauss Field Looper?

Gauss Field Looper is a universal app that works on all iDevices running iOS 11 and higher. The plugin functionality requires a compatible AUv3 host.

### How can I use Gauss Field Looper in my music production workflow?

You can use it as a standalone device to capture field recordings and immediately loop them, or as an AUv3 plugin within a compatible DAW. The ability to adjust tape speed and direction, along with overdubbing, allows for the creation of complex, evolving sonic palettes and experimental textures.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0 — 2023-04-21

Major update for your favourite field looper:
- import of audio files (WAV, mp3, AIFF, M4A, ...)
- louder playback in standalone (use headphones to avoid feedback!)
- smaller save files; ~50% space saving
- visual UI update (bigger touch strip, less clutter, ... )
- standalone UI now handles both notch and dynamic island
- performance improvements and minor bugfixes

### 1.1.3 — 2021-11-01

Audio Unit plugin: improved compatibility with Roland Zenbeats

### 1.1.2 — 2021-04-03

Fixed a minor issue with AU Parameter types in some hosts.

### 1.1.1 — 2020-12-09

- New AU Parameter exposed: "SNAP SPEED" for controlling the tape speed whilst always snapping to halves and multiples (octaves).
- Minor fixes and improvements

### 1.0.1 — 2020-11-30

Thanks for the amazing feedback on our app! 

We've listened to your requests and suggestions, so in this first update we have implemented some of the most requested features for you:
- "Loop decay", which lets the loop slowly fade away with each pass
- Support for external audio gear in the standalone app (USB interfaces, external mics, etc.)
- Seamless loops. We've removed the tape-splice point, so your loops are now silky smooth all the way
- All transport/record functions are now exposed as AU Parameters in the plugin
- Improved sound engine and some minor bug fixes

Have fun!

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## More apps by Bram Bos

- [Ruismaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruismaker/id1122156899)
- [Ruismaker FM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruismaker-fm/id1143644577)
- [Phasemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phasemaker/id1161642832)
- [Troublemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/troublemaker/id1180892130)
- [Ripplemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ripplemaker/id1207806723)
- [Rozeta Sequencer Suite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rozeta-sequencer-suite/id1292546479)

All apps by Bram Bos: https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-30.*