Bark Filter vs Gong Amp
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Bark Filter
This audio effect processor mimics the human ear's critical band filtering and compression. It offers a multi-band compressor with up to 27 bands for precise audio manipulation and analysis.
- Multi-band dynamic range compressor (up to 27 bands)
- Variable number of compressor bands
- Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain controls
- Linear phase precision filters
- Real-time spectrum analyzer
- AudioUnit (AUv3), Inter-app audio, and Audiobus 3 compatible
- Low latency live usage
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Bark Filter - Critical Band Analyser/Filter/Compressor The multi band filter in Bark takes the approach to match the reception characteristic of the gate where all sounds must pass through: the human ear. The ear behaves as if it contains a bank of filters, each filter passing frequencies within their respective critical band. Two tones apart more than the frequency dependant critical bandwidth are perceived as separate tones. For this reason Bark contains a filter bank with 27 very steep bandpass filters matching the critical bandwidth characteristic of the human ear. In fact, the human ear have also its own built in multi band compression system which are based on the critical bands. Why the name Bark ? The Bark scale is a frequency scale on which equal distances correspond with perceptually equal distances. Above about 500 Hz this scale is more or less equal to a logarithmic frequency axis. Below 500 Hz the Bark scale becomes more and more linear. Multiband compressors can act differently on different frequency bands. The advantage of multiband compression over full-bandwidth compression is that unneeded audible gain changes or "pumping" in other frequency bands is not caused by changing signal levels in a single frequency band. Bark can act both as single band compressor and with up to 27 bands in multiband mode by linking critical bands. The linear phase filter bank with its steep filter slopes can be used for unusually pronounced filter effects too... Features: • Multi band dynamic range compressor with up to 27 bands • Variable number of compressor bands (1..27) • Threshold/Ratio Attack/Release and Makeup Gain • Linear phase precision filters for maximal transparency • Real time pre/post processing calibrated spectrum analyser • AudioUnit for AUv3 compatible hosts. • Inter-app audio compatible effect. • Audiobus 3 compatible with state saving. • Low latency live usage with mic and headphones. • Audio recorder
Gong Amp
This app recreates an experimental amplifier from early electronic music, featuring a unique gong-based speaker design. It offers advanced sound design possibilities through a blend of convolution, physical modeling, and feedback.
- Experimental amplifier simulation
- Gong-based speaker design
- Convolution processing
- Physical modeling
- Feedback systems
- AUv3 and Standalone support
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Gong Amp takes an exciting experimental amplifier from the beginnings of electronic music to the plugin world of today. Available as AUv3 and Standalone. In 1932, Maurice Martenot was looking for a way to make his groundbreaking proto-synthesizer “Ondes” audible beyond what could be archived with the horns and loudspeakers of the time. He developed a set of “diffuseurs”, of which the “Métallique” was one. Instead of a paper cone or horn, Martenot put a gong behind the amplifier circuitry. This seemingly simple idea resulted in resonances and brilliant overtones that excite audiences to this day. Using a complex mixture of convolution processing, physical modeling, and feedback systems, we created an instrument that is true to the responsiveness of the original and even transcends it in terms of sound design possibilities.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Bark Filter at $3.99 against Gong Amp's $15.99. Bark Filter also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 27 months). Gong Amp's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 72%). 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
Bark Filter costs $3.99 and Gong Amp $15.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Gong Amp holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 29 and 13 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Bark Filter's written reviews are positive against 100% of Gong Amp's.
Bark Filter ships an update every 3 months, Gong Amp every 27 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Bark Filter | Gong Amp |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 — better | $15.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (29 ratings) | 5.0 (13 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 29 — better | 13 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 27 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 36 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Harry Gohs | AudioThing Ltd. |
Customer experience
Bark Filter
Gong Amp
In-app purchases
Bark Filter
No in-app purchases
Gong Amp
No in-app purchases









