Comparison

Spatializer vs volumeCTRL

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

Head to head
About

Spatializer

Enhance audio with stereo widening that preserves mono compatibility and avoids phase issues. This tool synthesizes side channel information, ideal for mono sources or adding depth to existing stereo tracks without compromising the mid channel.

Highlights
  • Stereo widening without phase smearing
  • Synthesizes side channel information
  • Preserves mid channel integrity
  • Flexible for mono and stereo sources
  • Transparent or strong effect options
  • Multiband transient shapers
  • Directional RMS distribution visualization
Features
Read full description

Spatializer is a great choice if you want to widen your sounds but need to avoid: • phase smearing in the mono mix • phasing / comb filter effects (from asymmetric channel delays) • or any changes to the mid channel or mono mix The plugin's main focus is to enhance sounds that have little or no side channel information, where traditional widening approaches like mid-side processing can't be effectively used. It also offers more flexibility in case of mixed inputs, widening narrow components without boosting already existing stereo width to extreme levels that would drown out the mid channel, leading to stereo image problems. Spatializer can also be combined with other effects, for example it's excellent for augmenting large-scale reverbs by enhancing the more immediate space or effectively moving the listener closer to the virtual sound source. At large timescales, the plugin takes on some of the qualities of a reverb itself, while keeping the mid channel sharp and free of any reflections. This could either be used as a special effect in and of itself (depending on the transient characteristics of the input), or be blended together with traditional ambience or acoustic space simulation effects. FEATURES: • Synthesis of side channel information where there was none (stereoization of mono sources) • Linear phase mid channel • Capability to deliver both a neutral / transparent response as well as stronger effects • Built-in multiband transient shapers for delivering a more focused response by suppressing outlier reflections • Multiple visualization options: Directional RMS distribution, position and motion • Effects can range from close-proximity / spatial audio effects to larger acoustic space reflections • Baseline frequency response is optimized to maximize flatness, balancing the spectral density of Left, Right, Side channels The built-in selection of subtly tuned presets and the combined psychoacoustic properties of the above features give more leeway to easily experiment with kinds of source material that have traditionally presented difficulties, like tracks with prominent LF content. Due to its ability to provide transparent, subtle and high-clarity responses, as well as good spectral density characteristics, Spatializer can also be included in master bus effects chains. In multi-track setups it can be used in parallel with other positioning methods to bring more variation to the sound stage or to provide additional ways to adjust the mix. For audio demos, visit: www.quantovox.com/sp PLEASE NOTE: • AUv3-compatible host application required • Supported sampling rates: 22.05, 44.1, 48, 96 kHz.

About

volumeCTRL

Gain precise control over your device's audio levels with this utility app. Adjust volume by percentage or dBFS, fine-tune with incremental steps, and temporarily dim or mute sound. Ideal for music, podcasts, and late-night media consumption.

Highlights
  • Precise volume adjustment by percentage or dBFS
  • Keypad for exact value input
  • Fine-tune volume with customizable step sizes
  • Temporary dim and mute functions
  • Seamless integration with device volume controls
  • Universal app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Read full description

volumeCTRL is a simple utility that works alongside your iPhone/iPad’s built-in volume controls to give you precise control over its level. It is designed for anyone who needs or wants tighter, repeatable control over volume level. volumeCTRL lets you set the volume level using either Percent or dBFS (decibels from Full Scale). You can key in exact values with a handy on-screen keypad. Fine tune your setting using buttons which change the value in small steps. Dim or Mute the sound when you get interrupted temporarily. volumeCTRL is the perfect iPad Split View or Slide Over companion for listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. Use it with your favorite music app, such as Apple Music, Spotify, Qobuz, TIDAL Music, or Pandora. With volumeCTRL, you can get your late night listening level just right when you stream movies or TV shows while everything else is quiet. If you're picky about exactly how loud your device audio is, volumeCTRL is the right app for you. FEATURES - volumeCTRL lets you set your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch volume precisely + New Favorite Volume options let you set preferred volumes for various listening cases - Selectable Units: Percent (%) or Decibels from Full Scale (dBFS) - Virtual Keypad allows you to key in exact values - Volume Up/Down Buttons let you change the volume in fine-grained 0.5 % or about 0.5 dB steps + New in Version 1.1 You can customize the step size - Dim and Mute Buttons let you temporarily lower the volume and easily get back to your previous level - Dim lowers the volume by a fixed amount (Customizable, Default: 18 dB) Super handy for quieting down loud commercials! - Mute silences the audio completely - volumeCTRL peacefully coexists with the device’s built-in volume controls — use either and the other follows seamlessly - Supports both Dark and Light Mode Appearances - Supports Hardware Keyboards connected to iPads - volumeCTRL is a Universal App - it works on iPad, iPhone, & iPod touch - User Guide embedded in App - no internet connection required to read it - auDSPr strives to design Apps for Everyone - Languages: All auDSPr audio apps support for 简体中文, Español, русский, 日本語, Français, Deutsch, Svenska, Latviešu - Accessibility Features - VoiceOver screen reader support assists visually impaired users APPLICATIONS - Setting impactful yet safe listening levels when using headphones or in-ear monitors - Setting repeatable reference volumes for studio control rooms or audiophile listening rooms - Setting precise levels for hearing aid intelligibility SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - BUYER BEWARE: Some Bluetooth devices have coarse volume implementations (see picture above). The coarse hardware volume defeats volumeCTRL’s fine software volume setting and prevents performance from behaving optimally! - volumeCTRL is verified to work beautifully with Apple AirPods - Compatible with iOS 11.0 & up (iPhone 5S, iPhone SE (1st Generation), iPod touch (6th Generation) & up) - Compatible with iPadOS 11.0 & up (iPad (5th Generation), iPad Pro (1st Generation), iPad Air (1st Generation), iPad mini 2,& up)

Screenshots

Spatializer2 screens
volumeCTRL3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Spatializer at 4.8 against volumeCTRL's 3.2. Spatializer also leads on review sentiment (91% vs 50%) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months). volumeCTRL's advantage is price ($4.99 vs $9.99). 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

Spatializer costs $9.99 and volumeCTRL $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Spatializer holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Spatializer's written reviews are positive against 50% of volumeCTRL's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Spatializer ships an update every 2 months, volumeCTRL every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Spatializer versus volumeCTRL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpatializervolumeCTRL
Price$9.99$4.99 — better
Rating4.8 (27 ratings) — better3.2 (9 ratings)
Positive reviews90.9% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings27 — better9
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.111.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperquantovoxauDSPr

Customer experience

Spatializer

All ratings27 ratings
Positive96.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative3.7%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive90.9%
Neutral9.1%
Negative0.0%

volumeCTRL

All ratings9 ratings
Positive55.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative44.4%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral8.3%
Negative41.7%

In-app purchases

None

Spatializer

No in-app purchases

None

volumeCTRL

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Spatializer free?
Spatializer costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is volumeCTRL free?
volumeCTRL costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Spatializer or volumeCTRL?
Spatializer is rated higher. Spatializer averages 4.8 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while volumeCTRL averages 3.2 from 9 ratings.
Do Spatializer or volumeCTRL have ads?
Neither Spatializer nor volumeCTRL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Spatializer or volumeCTRL?
Spatializer ships an update every 2 months, and volumeCTRL every 9 months. Most recently, Spatializer was updated on October 13, 2026 and volumeCTRL on October 5, 2026.

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