FAC Bandit vs JAX CHROMATIC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FAC Bandit
This app is a multiband audio effect processor that splits your audio into three frequency bands. Each band can be processed independently with its own effect, allowing for detailed sound sculpting and unique sonic transformations. It offers built-in effects and expandable options for creative audio manipulation.
- 3-Band multi effects processor
- Independent effects per band
- Built-in Saturator, Lofi, Ring Modulator
- Expandable effects via In-App Purchase
- Frequency isolator equalizer
- Adjustable crossover points with slope control
- Separate Dry/Wet output controls
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• 3-Band multi effects processor • Each band provides its own effect with mix blending control • Comes with built-in effects: Saturator, Lofi and Ring Modulator • Extendable via In-App purchase in Bandit store: Delay and Reverb • Frequency isolator equaliser (DJ style filter) • Two adjustable crossover points for low and high bands with slope up to 48dB • Separate Dry/Wet output controls • Suitable for any situation, going from subtle to drastic change • Multi-outs support, route each band to separate channels in your DAW • Advanced Responsive Design, portrait and landscape views • AuV3 for iOS (iPad/iPhone) FAC Bandit is a multiband audio effect that splits the audio signal into three bands of frequencies according two adjustable crossover points. Each band is processed independently by its own effect processor and the outputs are then recombined to produce the final effect. Each frequency range is altered with different effects and settings that won't sound the same if applied to the full frequency range. As you have probably realized, FAC Bandit is a wonderful and powerful sound design tool for designers who want to sculpt new personal, exciting and outstanding sounds. Either in a subtle way, without compromising the original tone, or in a more drastic way. - AuV3 and Standalone App - To use multiple outputs, you need a host able to provide additional output busses to the AuV3 plug-in The documentation is available at fredantoncorvest.com/FAC_Bandit.html
JAX CHROMATIC
This advanced audio processor splits sound into 32 frequency bands for real-time spectral dynamics modification. It enhances sound perception, removes muddiness, and offers a user-friendly interface for creative mixing and mastering.
- 32-band spectral processing
- Real-time compander per band
- Analog filter models
- Latency-free operation
- Mastering and mixing tool
- User-friendly interface
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This is an AudioUnit. AudioUnits (AUv3) require a supporting host application to perform. The main app distributes the embedded unit and allows for testing with random sound samples. The complete manual can be found at: https://midi.digitster.com/CHROMATIC/JAX%20CHROMATIC%20Compander.pdf There is also an introductory video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlEGn_npt4A The JAX Chromatic Compander is an advanced real-time spectral dynamics processor, which splits the audio stream internally into 32 separate, stereophonic, chromatically tuned frequency bands. The parallel bandpass filter bank consists of fast response analog fiter models, producing natural fading sound with no latency. Chromatic means, that each bandpass is adjusted to cover 4 halftones in a musical scale (analog a classic 3rd octave). In difference to a 'Bark' filter, the chromatic bandpass filters are mapped consequently to the musical scale thru the entire frequency range. A bi-directional stereophonic dynamics processor, based on the compander (a combination of an expander and a compressor), is attached to each of the 32 frequency bands and will perform spectral dynamics modification in time with specified attack and release values. The JAX Chromatic Compander can be seen as a unique spectral enhancer, that is able to drastically improve the perception and presence of sound, especially removing all mud. It is mainly recommended to be used as a mastering processor, psycho acoustic loudnes maximizer and creative mixing tool for any kind of wideband audio signals (i.e. complete mixes and all sonically rich audio materials). We use vector processing CPU registers on all supported platforms for keeping the performance as good as possible. There are in sum 64 filters, 64 companders and 64 input- and output mixers performing in parallel thousands of instructions for each single audio sample of the continuous input stream. Usage, on the other side is extremely simple. All parameters are adjusted with ease by just moving fingers over the touchsreen. There is one macro knob for adjusting the compression/expansion amount. We spared out all complicated editing with numerical input and such, making JAX Chromatic Compander a joy to use. Our latest builds are truly 'universal', meaning, the AudioUnit is available on: - MacOS (Catalyst Intel) - MacOS (Silicon M1/M2/M3...) - iOS (iPhone) - iPadOS (iPads) Please note, that the MacOS Catalyst versions may be distributed or sold separately, because the AppStore does not allow to bundle none-silicon apps for the Mac with the iOS apps. Our builds come with latest technology support for all Apple devices. We therefore always develop with currently actual frameworks and compilers.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: JAX CHROMATIC at none against FAC Bandit's 5. JAX CHROMATIC also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 88%). FAC Bandit's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 14 months) and price ($9.99 vs $12.99). On rating, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
FAC Bandit costs $9.99 and JAX CHROMATIC $12.99 up front. FAC Bandit sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. JAX CHROMATIC asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for FAC Bandit against 4.9 for JAX CHROMATIC. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FAC Bandit has 57 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of FAC Bandit's written reviews are positive against 100% of JAX CHROMATIC's.
FAC Bandit ships an update every 4 months, JAX CHROMATIC every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FAC Bandit | JAX CHROMATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 — better | $12.99 |
| Rating | 4.9 (57 ratings) — better | 4.9 (7 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 88.1% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 57 — better | 7 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months — better | Every 14 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Frederic Corvest | Jens Guell |
Customer experience
FAC Bandit
JAX CHROMATIC
In-app purchases
FAC Bandit
- Multiband Delays$1.99
- Multiband Reverbs$1.99
- Small Tip$1.99
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- Medium Tip$4.99
- Large Tip$14.99
JAX CHROMATIC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is FAC Bandit free?
Is JAX CHROMATIC free?
Which has better reviews, FAC Bandit or JAX CHROMATIC?
Do FAC Bandit or JAX CHROMATIC have ads?
Which is updated more often, FAC Bandit or JAX CHROMATIC?
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