JAX Stereo Tool (AU) vs LA Comp
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
JAX Stereo Tool (AU)
This audio processing tool allows users to visually manipulate the stereo image of digital audio. It functions as a mastering effect, enabling real-time adjustment of stereo width and the recovery of mono compatibility. The app includes a correlograph for visual feedback and optimization.
- Visual stereo image manipulation
- Real-time stereo width adjustment
- Mono compatibility recovery
- Integrated correlograph for visual feedback
- Audio Unit (AUv3) plugin format
- System-wide availability
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JAX Stereo Tool is a visual Audio Unit plugin for manipulating the stereo image of digital audio. The distribution app comes with an embedded plug-in (Audio Unit) that is available system-wide when you install the app. You should be able to use it with most supporting host applications. Audio Units are Apple's recommended method for providing shared audio effects for applications and audio editors. You can load the plugin into any host application that supports at least stereophonic audio effect plug-ins (in Audio Unit format - AUv3) with its own user interface. JAX Stereo Tool has its main use as a mastering effect, that allows you to modify the stereo image of your audio by narrowing or widening it in a controlled manner. That is, the stereo output can be continuously adjusted in the basic function of pure mono to very wide stereo. This happens in real time and you can observe the result with the integrated correlograph, controlling and optimizing the audio thanks to this helpful additional visual information. One of the special functions of JAX Stereo Toolis to recover lost mono-compatibility. This technique is conceptually quite simple and effective but somewhat difficult to understand. Please read the manual for further details. The manual is shipped with the app or available on the product website at https://audio.digitster.com
LA Comp
This audio effect plugin offers a vintage-inspired optical compressor with modern flexibility. It provides in-depth control over dynamics, tube flavors, and stereo width, allowing for precise sound shaping on vocals and mixes. Compatible across multiple platforms for on-the-go creativity.
- Vintage and modern optical compression
- Multiple tube flavor options
- Auto-Gain functionality
- Emphasis frequency control
- Stereo spread for width
- Side-chain input
- Cross-platform presets
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Legendary sound with a modern twist. LA Comp reimagines a studio classic with unmistakable vintage tone bringing in-depth control. Whether you're crafting silky vocal lines or adding punch to your mix, it's got the soul of a legend with a twist of modern-day flexibility. Optical dynamics with ease. With side-chain, auto-gain, and in-depth control over tube and optical elements, you’ll have everything you need to shape your sound in ways you never imagined. Mix anywhere. Anytime. From the studio to your mobile rig, LA Comp is ready. With VST3, AAX, AU, and AUv3 compatibility across macOS, Windows, iPhone, and iPad, your sound goes wherever inspiration strikes—without compromising quality or control. Features -10 included cross-platform presets for instant inspiration -Auto-Gain to keep the focus on your dynamics -Analog warmth and drive with three tube flavors: Vintage, Modern, and Stock -Gain reduction (Mono or Stereo) and calculation options (RMS or Peak) -Emphasis frequency control for tailored compression -Stereo spread for enhanced width and space -Side-chain input for creative mixing and shaping -Allows external audio device use Fully compatible with VST3, AAX, AU, and AUv3.* *AUv3 and standalone only on iOS. Mac/PC (Sold separately) required for VST3 and AAX.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: LA Comp at 5.0 against JAX Stereo Tool (AU)'s 4.4. LA Comp also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 80%). JAX Stereo Tool (AU)'s advantage is price ($5.99 vs $9.99) and update cadence (every 11 days vs every 3 weeks). 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
JAX Stereo Tool (AU) costs $5.99 and LA Comp $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
LA Comp holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: JAX Stereo Tool (AU) has 27 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of JAX Stereo Tool (AU)'s written reviews are positive against 100% of LA Comp's.
JAX Stereo Tool (AU) ships an update every 11 days, LA Comp every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | JAX Stereo Tool (AU) | LA Comp |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.99 — better | $9.99 |
| Rating | 4.4 (27 ratings) | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 27 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 51 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jens Guell | OSC Audio |
Customer experience
JAX Stereo Tool (AU)
LA Comp
In-app purchases
JAX Stereo Tool (AU)
No in-app purchases
LA Comp
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is JAX Stereo Tool (AU) free?
Is LA Comp free?
Which has better reviews, JAX Stereo Tool (AU) or LA Comp?
Do JAX Stereo Tool (AU) or LA Comp have ads?
Which is updated more often, JAX Stereo Tool (AU) or LA Comp?
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