Comparison

Smoov AUv3 vs StringLab

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

Head to head
About

Smoov AUv3

This audio processing tool offers a soft, clean, and transparent compression effect for music production. It's inspired by vintage hardware but focuses on modern peak detection for seamless audio blending. Use it to gently tame busy tracks or soften chaotic sounds.

Highlights
  • Soft, clean, transparent compression
  • Peak detection for quick signal reaction
  • Program-dependent envelope
  • AUv3, IAA, and standalone modes
  • Works with GarageBand and other hosts
Read full description

Smoov is a soft, clean and transparent sounding program-dependent AUv3, IAA & standalone compressor. It takes inspiration from hardware compressors of the past, however it focuses on peak detection meaning that it can quickly and effortlessly react to incoming signals and blend them in with the surrounding audio field. When a busy track needs taming, Smoov softly settles your tracks elegantly. The compressor also uses a program-dependent envelope influenced by old hardware, which can soften anything you throw at it. Is a chaotic track starting to get to you? Maybe you should make it a little more ‘Smoov’. Smoov is both a stand-alone application as well as an AUv3 plugin, meaning it works within iOS and iPadOS hosts such as GarageBand.

About

StringLab

This app is a digital synthesizer that uses physical string modeling to recreate the sounds of various instruments, particularly plucked or hammered strings. It allows users to explore acoustic physics and create unique instrument textures through extensive parameter experimentation.

Highlights
  • Karplus-Strong physical modeling
  • Exciter Impact and Noise modes
  • Resonator objects with feedback
  • Frequency Dispersion support
  • External live input
  • Preset randomizer and manager
  • Drag & Drop preset export
Read full description

StringLab is a physical string modeling synthesizer based on Karplus-Strong theory. It is capable of reproducing the sounds of many different types of instruments, but is especially useful in the reproduction of hammered or plucked strings and other types of percussive instruments. It works by passing carefully crafted waveforms and short bursts of white noise through a series of tuned delay lines. The delay lines have an internal feedback loop with a series of filters to mimic the natural decay of harmonics found in a real instrument. StringLab allows you to discover the character of real-world accoustics, exploring the physics of how materials interact. Many new and original textures are born out of experimenting with the settings, so don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique and dynamic instruments. Features •Karplus Strong based physical modeling. •Exciter Impact with multiple modes. •Exciter Noise with many envelope driven filters. •2 resonator objects with feedback. •8 bands per object with inversion. •4 Coupling modes. •Supports Frequency Dispersion. •Feedback low/high Damping. •Per object Body Filter. •Pitch Deformity. •External live input mode. •Preset randomiser. •Build it Preset Manager & Favourites. •Search Presets. •Drag & Drop preset export of presets. •Supports Color Sets.

Screenshots

Smoov AUv32 screens
StringLab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Smoov AUv3 at $4.99 against StringLab's $14.99. Smoov AUv3 also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 57%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.3). StringLab's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 21 months). 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

Smoov AUv3 costs $4.99 and StringLab $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Smoov AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Smoov AUv3's written reviews are positive against 57% of StringLab's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smoov AUv3 ships an update every 21 months, StringLab every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Smoov AUv3 versus StringLab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmoov AUv3StringLab
Price$4.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.9 (8 ratings) — better4.3 (14 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better57.1% of reviews
Number of ratings814 — better
Update frequencyEvery 21 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCaelum Audio4Pockets.com

Customer experience

Smoov AUv3

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

StringLab

All ratings14 ratings
Positive78.6%
Neutral7.1%
Negative14.3%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral14.3%
Negative28.6%

In-app purchases

None

Smoov AUv3

No in-app purchases

None

StringLab

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Smoov AUv3 free?
Smoov AUv3 costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is StringLab free?
StringLab costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Smoov AUv3 or StringLab?
Smoov AUv3 is rated higher. Smoov AUv3 averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while StringLab averages 4.3 from 14 ratings.
Do Smoov AUv3 or StringLab have ads?
Neither Smoov AUv3 nor StringLab shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Smoov AUv3 or StringLab?
Smoov AUv3 ships an update every 21 months, and StringLab every 10 days. Most recently, Smoov AUv3 was updated on October 15, 2026 and StringLab on October 3, 2026.

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