Comparison

FD vs Mantis

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

Mantis

This audio plugin emulates a vintage 70s analog delay/echo unit, offering a warm, authentic sound. It features four echo taps, swell selectors, and a unique modulation section for chorus-like effects.

Highlights
  • Emulates rare 70s BBD delay/echo
  • Warm analog sound
  • Four echo taps
  • Four swell selectors
  • Rotafaze modulation section
  • Mimics tape echo wow/flutter
  • Chorus-delay effect
Features
Read full description

Mantis is a plugin that emulates a rare BBD (bucket-brigade device) delay/echo unit of the 70s, faithfully recreating its warm and analog sound. Available as AUv3 and Standalone. As the original unit, Mantis features an echo section with four taps and four swell selectors. It also features the rotafaze section, a modulation that can mimic the wow/flutter of a tape echo or turn the unit into a unique chorus-delay.

Screenshots

FD4 screens
Mantis1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Mantis at 5.0 against FD's 4.6. FD's advantage is price ($9.99 vs $14.99) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 9 months). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support 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 Mantis $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Mantis holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 8 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FD ships an update every 4 months, Mantis every 9 months. Both last shipped on October 1, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
FD versus Mantis: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFDMantis
Price$9.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.6 (32 ratings)5.0 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings32 — better8
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKai ArasAudioThing Ltd.

Customer experience

FD

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

Mantis

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

FD

No in-app purchases

None

Mantis

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FD free?
FD costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Mantis free?
Mantis costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, FD or Mantis?
Mantis is rated higher. FD averages 4.6 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while Mantis averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.
Do FD or Mantis have ads?
Neither FD nor Mantis shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FD or Mantis?
FD ships an update every 4 months, and Mantis every 9 months. Most recently, FD was updated on October 1, 2026 and Mantis on October 1, 2026.

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