JAX CHROMATIC vs GORILLA SYNTH
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
GORILLA SYNTH
This app offers a punchy, analog-style subtractive synthesizer for iOS, designed for fast sound design and expressive musical performance. It provides studio-quality sound with a clean interface, ideal for sketching ideas, producing tracks, or live playing.
- Dual oscillators with sub and noise
- Classic ladder filter
- Dual ADSR envelopes
- Duophonic mode with glide
- LFO modulation
- Touch-optimized controls
- AUv3 instrument support
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GORILLA - Analog-Style Subtractive Synth GORILLA is a focused, punchy analog-style subtractive synthesizer designed for fast sound design and expressive play on iOS. Built for musicians, producers, and sound designers, Gorilla delivers studio-quality sound in a clean, performance-ready interface — whether you’re sketching ideas, producing tracks, or playing live. Key Features: - Dual oscillators with sub and noise - Classic ladder filter - Dual ADSR envelopes (Filter + Amp) - Duophonic mode with glide - LFO for pitch, filter, and PWM modulation - Touch-optimized performance controls - Built-in spectrum / EQ visualizer - AUv3 instrument support - CoreMIDI & Bluetooth MIDI - Designed for iPhone and iPad Gorilla is intentionally focused — no clutter, no distractions. Just fast access to powerful sound shaping and expressive control. Designed for mobility. Built for creation.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: GORILLA SYNTH at $4.99 against JAX CHROMATIC's $12.99. GORILLA SYNTH also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (21 vs 7). JAX CHROMATIC's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 88%). On rating, 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
JAX CHROMATIC costs $12.99 and GORILLA SYNTH $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for JAX CHROMATIC against 4.9 for GORILLA SYNTH. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 21 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of JAX CHROMATIC's written reviews are positive against 88% of GORILLA SYNTH's.
JAX CHROMATIC ships an update every 14 months, GORILLA SYNTH every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | JAX CHROMATIC | GORILLA SYNTH |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | $4.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.9 (7 ratings) | 4.9 (21 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 87.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 7 | 21 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 15.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 23 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jens Guell | Steffen Mølgaard Larsen |
Customer experience
JAX CHROMATIC
GORILLA SYNTH
In-app purchases
JAX CHROMATIC
No in-app purchases
GORILLA SYNTH
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is JAX CHROMATIC free?
Is GORILLA SYNTH free?
Which has better reviews, JAX CHROMATIC or GORILLA SYNTH?
Do JAX CHROMATIC or GORILLA SYNTH have ads?
Which is updated more often, JAX CHROMATIC or GORILLA SYNTH?
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