DirectionalEQ vs Filterstation2
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DirectionalEQ
This audio plugin allows independent equalization of different directions within the stereo field. It offers five bands with advanced filter types, enabling precise adjustments to specific audio directions for a more nuanced sound. Designed for use within compatible music production host apps.
- Independent equalization of stereo field directions
- Five bands with state-of-the-art filter types
- 64-bit processing and 2x oversampling
- Specify direction for each band's operation
- Works as an Audio Unit or Inter App Audio plugin
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Traditional EQs influence the spectrum of the whole stereo field simultaneously. L/R or Mid-Side-EQs allow you to treat the two channels or the mid and the side signal simultaneously. DirectionalEQ takes this concept one big step further: now you can equalize all directions in the stereo field independently! With five bands, each of them providing state-of-the-art filter types (including 64 bit processing and 2x oversampling) plus the unique ability to specify the direction in which the channel is operational. So you need more bass at 2 o’clock, less midrange at 11 o’clock and a bit more treble from the left? No problem at all, that’s exactly what this EQ has been made for! This app is intended to work as an Audio Unit or Inter App Audio plugin within a compatible host app like Garageband, Cubasis or Auria.
Filterstation2
This app offers a versatile dual filter effect for music production, inspired by classic hardware. It features twelve filter algorithms, an envelope follower, and multiple operating modes for creative sound shaping. Its user-friendly interface and resizable GUI make it a powerful tool for producers.
- Twelve filter algorithms
- Envelope follower with sidechain
- VCA mode for tremolo/gate
- LFO with tempo sync
- Serial, parallel, and stereo modes
- Resizable GUI
- Cross-platform preset manager
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Filterstation 2 is the Audio Damage dual filter, built for sound design and performance rather than corrective EQ. It runs two resonant filters in series, in parallel, or split across the stereo field, with twelve filter algorithms and a full set of modulation tools for movement, distortion, and rhythm. FEATURES Twelve filter algorithms, including our 914 bandpass and Filterpod lowpass models, a clean state-variable filter, and an MS20-style filter, covering lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and notch. Each of the two filter slots can run a different one. Serial, parallel, and true stereo routing. Run the filters one into the next, side by side, or split hard left and right. Envelope follower with stereo sidechain. Drive the cutoff from a signal's own dynamics for auto-wah, or feed in an external source so one track opens the filter on another. LFO with twelve patterns, internal or tempo-synced. VCA mode for tremolo and gating. FSU section for extra signal hacking, for when clean is not the point. Resizable vector interface, sharp on every iPhone and iPad display. Universal preset system. XML-based presets move between iOS and the desktop versions. IN USE... Sweep the cutoff by hand for filter rises and drops. Set the envelope follower to track the input for an auto-wah that moves with your playing. Patch a kick into the sidechain to duck a pad or bassline in time. Run the two filters in series for steep formant shapes, or in parallel for wide dual-band sweeps. Tempo-sync the LFO for rhythmic gating, then bring in the FSU section when the part needs to fall apart. Filterstation 2 runs as an AUv3 plugin inside any compatible iOS host, including AUM, Cubasis, Drambo, apeMatrix, and GarageBand. It is also available for macOS, Windows, and Linux as a desktop plugin, and presets move freely between them. Requires iOS 13 or later. An AUv3 host app is recommended. Features • Twelve different filter algorithms, including MS20 emulation and our classic 914 bandpass and Filterpod lowpass models. • VCA mode for tremolo and gate effects. • LFO with twelve different patterns, and both internal and tempo sync modes. • Envelope follower for dynamic control of filter frequency. • Serial, parallel, and true stereo operating modes. • Easy-to use interface for quick programming. • Vector-based resizable GUI. Use just the filter screen, slide the controls over it, or (in hosts that allow it) open up the whole UI. • Cross-platform XML-based preset manager; copy your desktop presets to the iOS version using Handoff, or share them with your friends and in forums. • Full PDF manual available at Support link.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Filterstation2 at 4.5 against DirectionalEQ's 3.6. Filterstation2 also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 33%) and price ($4.99 vs $9.99). DirectionalEQ's advantage is iOS requirement (9.3 vs 12.0). On ratings volume, update cadence, 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
DirectionalEQ costs $9.99 and Filterstation2 $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Filterstation2 holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 19 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of DirectionalEQ's written reviews are positive against 75% of Filterstation2's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 19 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DirectionalEQ | Filterstation2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | $4.99 — better |
| Rating | 3.6 (14 ratings) | 4.5 (19 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | 75.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 14 | 19 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | Every 19 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #171 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.3 — better | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 29 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Christian Siedschlag | Audio Damage, Inc. |
Customer experience
DirectionalEQ
Filterstation2
In-app purchases
DirectionalEQ
No in-app purchases
Filterstation2
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is DirectionalEQ free?
Is Filterstation2 free?
Which has better reviews, DirectionalEQ or Filterstation2?
Do DirectionalEQ or Filterstation2 have ads?
Which is updated more often, DirectionalEQ or Filterstation2?
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