Comparison

Filterstation2 vs Classic FX

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

Classic FX

Enhance audio with a comprehensive sound effects processor. It offers equalization, reverb, and unique morphing capabilities to add brightness and expand soundscapes for instruments, vocals, and drums. Experiment with diverse effects and dynamic transitions for creative sound design.

Highlights
  • 22 unique processing algorithms
  • 40 diverse presets
  • Morphing between effect slots
  • Three-band equalizer
  • Algorithmic reverb
  • Envelope follower
  • Sequencer for rhythmic control
Features
Read full description

Classic FX is a complete sound effects processor and a mono-to-stereo enhancer with equalizer, effects and reverb, based on specially designed high-quality processing algorithms and suitable for any kind of audio sources. This application will add brightness and expand the sound space of any musical instruments, synthesizers, drums or voice. Unique and diverse effects with unified control parameters provide convenience and ease of customization, while at the same time plenty of room for individual expression and experimentation. Another unique feature of Classic FX is the Morphing option, based on complex effects matrix transformations, which allows you to control the dynamic transition between any two presets. While this can produce stunning effects, it's a breeze to control - you just need to move a fader or push a button. For more morph experimentation, this app has three LFOs to create more complex waveforms for changing morphs. Each LFO has different ranges, waveforms and can sync to the external BPM. Some of the other features of Classic FX: - Classic FX has 22 unique processing algorithms and 40 different presets. - Two slots in which you can use different effects and smoothly morph between them. - Three band equalizer with high / low shelving filters and middle peaking filter. - Easy to use algorithmic reverb, suitable for any sound source. - Limiter on output prevents any possible clipping. - Envelope follower for dynamic control of each effect. - Sequencer for rhythmic control of each effect. - Three special LFO in series to automate morphing. - Hot buttons to change the active effect slot. - Changing a group of parameters at the same time. - Echo module, Sequencer, and Auto morphing synced with the main BPM source. - The effect algorithm and its parameters can be saved as a preset. - Detailed application description and description of algorithms. - Quick info and description of each algorithm used in presets. Classic FX is a universal application for iOS and macOS. It can work on iPhone and iPad as well as Mac / MacBook with M1 chip (and later). Classic FX works on iPhone and iPad standalone, as an Audio Unit or Inter-App Audio module, and supports Audiobus and Ableton Link. On MacOS, Classic FX can works both as a standalone application and as an Audio unit (AUv3) with DAWs and audio unit hosts like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage, Cockos Reaper, Plogue Bidule, Hosting AU, and other hosts that support AUv3 plugins. All application features are available on iOS and macOS. Presets demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyiKOAM7pjQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h6Or3OTCsY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXoxGmrXJVk You can find more information on Classic FX and other experimental audio processing apps at: https://motion-soundscape.blogspot.com

Screenshots

Filterstation22 screens
Classic FX4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Filterstation2 at $4.99 against Classic FX's $12.99. Classic FX's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 19 months) and review sentiment (87% vs 75%). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Filterstation2 costs $4.99 and Classic FX $12.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Filterstation2 against 4.6 for Classic FX. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 22 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of Filterstation2's written reviews are positive against 87% of Classic FX's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Filterstation2 ships an update every 19 months, Classic FX every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Filterstation2 versus Classic FX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFilterstation2Classic FX
Price$4.99 — better$12.99
Rating4.5 (19 ratings)4.6 (22 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews86.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1922 — better
Update frequencyEvery 19 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.4
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAudio Damage, Inc.Igor Vasiliev

Customer experience

Filterstation2

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

Classic FX

All ratings22 ratings
Positive90.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.1%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive86.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative13.3%

In-app purchases

None

Filterstation2

No in-app purchases

None

Classic FX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Filterstation2 free?
Filterstation2 costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Classic FX free?
Classic FX costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Filterstation2 or Classic FX?
Classic FX is rated higher. Filterstation2 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Classic FX averages 4.6 from 22 ratings.
Do Filterstation2 or Classic FX have ads?
Neither Filterstation2 nor Classic FX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Filterstation2 or Classic FX?
Filterstation2 ships an update every 19 months, and Classic FX every 2 months. Most recently, Filterstation2 was updated on October 11, 2026 and Classic FX on October 9, 2026.

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