Comparison

FD vs GS

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

Head to head
About

FD

This app is a semi-modular audio effect plugin featuring dedicated filter, delay, and modulation sections. It allows for the creation of rhythmic filter sequences and a wide range of complex audio effects through its flexible modulation matrix.

Highlights
  • Semi-modular effect plugin
  • Modulated filter section
  • Delay stage
  • Step sequencer
  • Low Frequency Oscillator
  • Mod matrix
  • Tempo sync
Features
Read full description

FD-1 is a Semi-Modular Effect Plugin including dedicated Filter, Delay and Modulation sections. At it's core, FD-1 is designed to create filter rythms and grooves by first sending the signal through a modulated filter section before feeding it to a delay stage but it goes much further than that. Built-in Step Sequencer and Low Frequency Oscillator serve as modulation sources and are ideal for creating rythmic filter sequences either free running or tempo-synced to a host application. However, due it's semi modular nature, not just filter cutoff but every control within FD-1 can be a modulation target allowing for an increased range effects and combinations ranging from Chorus and Flanger type effects over Analog and Tape Style echos to complex Stutter and Repeat effects. Overview: - VA Multi Mode Filter with 2 & 4 Pole options - Digital Stereo Delay with Tempo Sync and Time Range Control - Analog Style Step Sequencer - Low Frequency Oscillator - Easy to use Mod Matrix - Input Low-Cut and Drive Controls - Individual Return Levels for Filter and Delay Connectivity: - Standalone - AUv3 - IAA - AudioBus (Filter) MIDI: - Tempo Sync - CC Control Requirements: - iOS9+ - iPad 4th generation or newer

About

GS

This audio plugin emulates the classic Space Echo tape delay effect for iOS devices. It aims to replicate the authentic sound and quirks of the original hardware, offering a vintage delay experience.

Highlights
  • AUv3 plugin for iOS
  • Emulates Space Echo tape delay
  • Authentic vintage sound
  • Basic controls mirroring original hardware
  • iPad platform compatibility
Read full description

Please note: this is an AUv3 plugin that can be used with compatible host Apps. GS-201 Mark II is the evolution of a project that began in 2007 with the release of the old version of GS-201, which evolved into a mark II version in 2019 and has now landed on the iPad platform. The aim is to capture the magic of the famous Space Echo tape delay and make it available to everyone. It's not an easy task, but the experience gained over the past 15 years in audio DSP development has helped us achieve a result that can sometimes fool even ourselves. This iOS version of the GS-201 Mark II contains only the basic controls found on the original Space Echo, with no additional editing parameters. If you want to eliminate tape hiss, if the tape splice glitch is bothering you, if you don't like wow and flutter, or need host tempo sync, you are definitely looking for a different plug-in. If, on the other hand, you want to relive the experience of dealing with an original Space Echo, with all its pros and cons, you are in the right place.

Screenshots

FD4 screens
GS1 screens

Verdict

The call

FD and GS both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of GS's written reviews are positive against 67% of FD's. FD's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 17 months) and price ($9.99 vs $11.99). 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

FD costs $9.99 and GS $11.99 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 — 4.6 for FD against 4.5 for GS. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 11 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of FD's written reviews are positive against 100% of GS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FD ships an update every 4 months, GS every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
FD versus GS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFDGS
Price$9.99 — better$11.99
Rating4.6 (32 ratings) — better4.5 (11 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings32 — better11
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better11.0
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKai ArasGenuine Soundware

Customer experience

FD

All ratings32 ratings
Positive90.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.4%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

GS

All ratings11 ratings
Positive81.8%
Neutral18.2%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

FD

No in-app purchases

None

GS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FD free?
FD costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is GS free?
GS costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, FD or GS?
FD is rated higher. FD averages 4.6 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while GS averages 4.5 from 11 ratings.
Do FD or GS have ads?
Neither FD nor GS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FD or GS?
FD ships an update every 4 months, and GS every 17 months. Most recently, FD was updated on October 1, 2026 and GS on October 11, 2026.

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