Comparison

Filterstation2 vs Needlepoint

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

Needlepoint

This app simulates the warm, fuzzy sound of vinyl records using advanced physical modeling. It generates realistic turntable noises and artifacts, offering creative control over warped sounds and tempo-synced playback. Additional effects like a compressor and glitchy looper enhance the audio.

Highlights
  • Physical modeling for realistic vinyl sounds
  • Synthesized record detritus and distress
  • Tempo-syncable turntable speed
  • Single-knob compressor with multiple algorithms
  • Broken record looper mode
  • Vinyl spindown and start effect
  • Granular pitch shifter
Features
Read full description

Unfiltered Audio's Needlepoint is now available on iOS as a Standalone app or AUv3 plugin! Unfiltered Audio raises the bar (and lowers the tonearm) with Needlepoint: a revolution in vinyl simulation. Continuing the retro themes of their smashed-up hit lo-fi-af, Needlepoint presents a full platter of advanced physical modeling to dive deep into the warm, fuzzy sound of turntable noises and artifacts beloved by many. Of course, since this is an Unfiltered Audio plugin, you can push the needle far past realism and dive into some seriously warped sounds. While many vinyl plugins are content to use looping samples of noise, Needlepoint uses physical modeling to achieve its incredible sound. Needlepoint synthesizes all sorts and sizes of detritus and distress on a record: hair, dust mites, scratches, warping, etc. These are not randomly modeled, but rather accurately distributed onto a rotating, algorithmic platter. Changing the speed of the record can greatly change the nature of Needlepoint's impact on your sound. While you may be used to vinyl RPMs like 33 1/3, 45, and 78, have you ever wondered what it would sound like to tempo sync a turntable to your DAW? Now you can! Beyond noise, ambience, and tone, Needlepoint includes other effects to fully etch out your vibe. A single knob compressor (inspired by lo-fi-af's PRESS knob with six additional algorithms) can be added before or after the signal chain. This compressor can emulate algorithms from famous hardware samplers associated with vinyl, or even mimic the sound of analog distortion introduced by the vinyl pressing process. A BROKEN mode emulates a broken record a broken record a broken record a broken... Where were we? Oh right, a BROKEN mode acts as an unpredictable looper by jumping the grooves on your recent audio. You can automate the mode's toggle to create all sorts of cut-up and glitchy phrases. No vinyl plugin would be complete without a SPINDOWN button that creates that classic vinyl stop (and start!) sound. Here you can control the rate of the spindown to better fit the effect into your mixes. Finally, at the end of the processing chain, Needlepoint features a granular pitch shifter to help you achieve that chopped up vibe without needing to manually change the speed of your tracks. Despite all of these features, Needlepoint is incredibly easy to use. With a beautiful interface and an extensive set of presets, Needlepoint will help you itch that nostalgic scratch that your tracks need. As an AUv3 plugin, Needlepoint has been tested to work perfectly with Garageband, Drambo, AUM, Cubasis, Beatmaker, Nanostudio, apeMatrix, Loopy Pro, and more! Additionally, with its clear layout and smart resizing, Needlepoint can be used on tablets and phones with ease. (Note for Drambo users: Drambo does not yet have automatic Plugin Delay Compensation for managing plugins with latency. As a result, tracks with Needlepoint will not line up properly with other tracks. An upcoming patch for Drambo will add this feature in.)

Screenshots

Filterstation22 screens
Needlepoint4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Needlepoint at fortnightly against Filterstation2's every 19 months. Needlepoint also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5). Filterstation2's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 50%) and price ($4.99 vs $9.99). 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 Needlepoint $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Needlepoint holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 14 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Filterstation2's written reviews are positive against 50% of Needlepoint's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Filterstation2 ships an update every 19 months, Needlepoint fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Filterstation2 versus Needlepoint: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFilterstation2Needlepoint
Price$4.99 — better$9.99
Rating4.5 (19 ratings)4.8 (14 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings19 — better14
Update frequencyEvery 19 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAudio Damage, Inc.Unfiltered Audio

Customer experience

Filterstation2

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

Needlepoint

All ratings14 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral7.1%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Filterstation2

No in-app purchases

None

Needlepoint

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Filterstation2 free?
Filterstation2 costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Needlepoint free?
Needlepoint costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Filterstation2 or Needlepoint?
Needlepoint is rated higher. Filterstation2 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Needlepoint averages 4.8 from 14 ratings.
Do Filterstation2 or Needlepoint have ads?
Neither Filterstation2 nor Needlepoint shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Filterstation2 or Needlepoint?
Filterstation2 ships an update every 19 months, and Needlepoint fortnightly. Most recently, Filterstation2 was updated on September 9, 2026 and Needlepoint on September 18, 2026.

Other comparisons