SimplyLowPass vs variStretch
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SimplyLowPass
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A simple but fast low-pass filter with control over cutoff frequency and resonance factor. The filter exists in an AUv3 app extension so it is available for use in any host app that supports AudioUnit components such as AUM or Cubasis or GarageBand. This app is just a delivery mechanism for the AUv3 app extension and a demo of how it works.
variStretch
This app allows real-time audio speed manipulation without altering pitch. It offers three distinct playback modes and adjustable buffer settings for precise control over sound processing.
- Real-time speed adjustment (0.5-2.0x)
- Tape mode (speed & pitch change)
- Phase Vocoder mode (speed only)
- Adjustable buffer size
- Buffer clear function
- AUv3 host compatibility
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Concept: The app is a so-called time-stretch machine. The user can change the speed (0.5-2.0) of audio source in real-time using keyboard or slider at will. Usage: There are three play modes: 1) Tape (to change the both speed & pitch) 2) Phase Vocoder (to change the speed alone) 3) Thru (no processing) "Buffer Size" slider determines how long the data will be stored. "Buffer Clear" button will reset the buffer to be zero. System Requirements: AUv3 host
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: SimplyLowPass at every 3 weeks against variStretch's every 7 months. SimplyLowPass also leads on price ($0.99 vs $5.99). variStretch's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). On ads, in-app purchases 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
SimplyLowPass costs $0.99 and variStretch $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SimplyLowPass ships an update every 3 weeks, variStretch every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SimplyLowPass | variStretch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $5.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Brad Howes | Satoshi Kajii |
In-app purchases
SimplyLowPass
No in-app purchases
variStretch
No in-app purchases
