Comparison

Filterstation2 vs Perforator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Perforator

This app is a rhythmic gating audio effect that creatively manipulates incoming audio to generate rhythmic patterns. It offers two gating mechanisms, including an AMP EG gate and a low-pass filter, to achieve various sound effects.

Highlights
  • Rhythmic gating audio effect
  • AMP EG gate and low-pass filter
  • Syncs with project tempo
  • Independent left/right channel editing
  • Built-in preset manager
  • AU MIDI output
Features
Read full description

*** Note: Perforator is an AUv3 Audio Unit plugin; which requires an AUv3 compatible host app, such as Garageband, Cubasis, BM3 or AUM *** Perforator is a rhythmic gating audio effect: it will creatively snip, cut, gap and filter incoming audio to create rhythmic patterns out of sustained sounds. By tuning the slice envelopes you can create anything from classic staccato "trance gate" sounds to emulations of sloppy pumping sidechain compression. Two gating mechanisms can be dialled in: an AMP EG gate (the traditional way of gating) and a 12dB/Oct lowpass filter which will rapidly carve away high frequencies from your sound to effectively silence them. - AUv3 Audio Effect, works in all AU compatible hosts - automatically syncs with your project's tempo - edit Left an Right channel independently - built-in preset manager with a ton of factory presets - all AU Parameters exposed for host automation - user manual available on ruismaker.com - Universal: works on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch - Bonus Feature: AU MIDI output* * AU MIDI: both envelopes (L+R) can send their values out as MIDI CC messages to mimic 'parameter lock' messages in other plugins/apps. Note: this feature requires iOS11+ and a host compatible with AU MIDI from effects.

Screenshots

Filterstation22 screens
Perforator3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Perforator at 5.0 against Filterstation2's 4.5. Perforator also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 19 months) and review sentiment (87% vs 75%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Filterstation2 costs $4.99 and Perforator $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Perforator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 47 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Filterstation2's written reviews are positive against 87% of Perforator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Filterstation2 ships an update every 19 months, Perforator every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Filterstation2 versus Perforator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFilterstation2Perforator
Price$4.99$3.99 — better
Rating4.5 (19 ratings)5.0 (47 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews86.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1947 — better
Update frequencyEvery 19 monthsEvery 6 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.010.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAudio Damage, Inc.Bram Bos

Customer experience

Filterstation2

All ratings19 ratings
Positive84.2%
Neutral5.3%
Negative10.5%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral8.3%
Negative16.7%

Perforator

All ratings47 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive86.7%
Neutral6.7%
Negative6.7%

In-app purchases

None

Filterstation2

No in-app purchases

None

Perforator

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Filterstation2 free?
Filterstation2 costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Perforator free?
Perforator costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Filterstation2 or Perforator?
Perforator is rated higher. Filterstation2 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Perforator averages 5.0 from 47 ratings.
Do Filterstation2 or Perforator have ads?
Neither Filterstation2 nor Perforator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Filterstation2 or Perforator?
Filterstation2 ships an update every 19 months, and Perforator every 6 months. Most recently, Filterstation2 was updated on September 25, 2026 and Perforator on September 23, 2026.

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