Comparison

JAX CHROMATIC vs RRS PUNCH

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 32-band spectral processing
  • Real-time compander per band
  • Analog filter models
  • Latency-free operation
  • Mastering and mixing tool
  • User-friendly interface
Features
Read full description

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.

About

RRS PUNCH

This audio plug-in offers a versatile channel strip with modeled vintage pre-amp, EQ, and compressor. It provides extensive sonic shaping possibilities for both stereo and mono audio, with adjustable parameters for detailed sound control.

Highlights
  • Standalone and AUv3 plug-in
  • Modeled vintage PreAmp, EQ, and Compressor
  • Stereo, Mono, Dual Mono, and Mid/Side modes
  • Undo/Redo and A/B comparison
  • Macro controllers
  • Scalable GUI
Read full description

RRS PUNCH AUv3 plug-in — comes as time-limited Demo-version for you to try. It gives you 5 minutes of Free play time. (You can reload the RRS PUNCH AUv3 plug-in as many times as you want, thereby you get the Demo period again and again.) Unlimited version of RRS PUNCH AUv3 plug-in comes as In-App Purchase. The PUNCH combines the efficient design and cohesive sound of analog channel strips with the diverse sonic color and flexible sound-shaping possibilities available only in digital. Features: • Standalone and AUv3 plug-in; • Modeled vintage PreAmp, EQ and Compressor; • Stereo, Mono, Dual Mono and Mid/Side modes; • Undo/Redo; • A/B comparison; • 2x/4x/8x Upsampling; • Macro controllers; • Built-in Gain Match; • Scalable GUI. PREAMP SECTION: • Line Gain — line drive is increased as the knob is rotated counter-clockwise; • Mic Gain — to increase the mic drive, rotate the knob clockwise. PreAmp will not increase gain, just harmonic distortion. The distortion is mild and adds some coloration. EQ SECTION: • High Band — the High Shelf knob offers approximately ±15 dB of smooth fixed frequency shelving equalization at 12 kHz. Rotate the control clockwise to add the famous high-end sheen or counter-clockwise to reduce the treble response; • Midrange Band — the midrange band is controlled by two knobs, delivering smooth semi-parametric midrange equalization. The right knob controls the band gain and the left knob selects the band frequency or band disable. The response for this band has a dependence on the bandwidth as the gain is adjusted. At higher center frequencies the Q goes up for a more focused peak; • Low Band — the low band delivers smooth low frequency shelving equalization, controlled by two knobs. The right knob controls the band gain and the left knob selects the shelf frequency or band disable. The available range is approximately ±15 dB. The band gain is zero when the knob position indicator is pointing straight down; • Low Cut — this knob specifies the fixed frequency of the low cut (high pass) filter. This filter has an 18 dB per octave slope. COMPRESSOR SECTION: • SC Filter (Sidechain filter) — allows removal of low-frequency content from the control sidechain, reducing excessive gain reduction and/or «pumping» on bass-heavy audio signals without reducing bass content of the audio signal itself; • Threshold — determines how much compression will occur. When the input signal exceeds the threshold level, the compressor engages. A smaller value results in more compression; • Makeup — increases the signal level out of the compressor to compensate for reduced levels as a result of compression; • Ratio — this control determines the compressor ratio; • Knee — this control determines the compressor knee; • Attack — determines how fast compression will engage when the signal exceeds the compressor threshold; • Recovery (Release) — is the time it takes for the compressor to stop processing after the signal drops below the threshold value; • Dry/Wet — the output balance between the signal processed by selected compressor and the original dry source signal can be adjusted with Dry/Wet control; • Gain Reduction Meter — indicates the amount of gain reduction that is occurring, in dB. MASTER SECTION: • Input — adjusts the signal level at the input of the plug-in without affecting the sonic character of the signal; • Phase — this button inverts the polarity of the signal. When the switch is engaged, the phase is inverted. Leave the switch in the disengaged for normal phase; • Output — adjusts the signal level at the output of the plug-in without affecting the sonic character of the signal. To use RRS PUNCH as a plug-in, you need an AUv3-compatible host app like GarageBand, Auria, AUM, Cubasis and more — RRS PUNCH will appear in the list of Audio Unit extensions for effect plug-ins in the host app.

Screenshots

JAX CHROMATIC4 screens
RRS PUNCH4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: RRS PUNCH at Free against JAX CHROMATIC's $12.99. RRS PUNCH also leads on ratings volume (23 vs 7) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 14.0). JAX CHROMATIC's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On rating, review sentiment, ads 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

RRS PUNCH is free to download; JAX CHROMATIC costs $12.99 up front. RRS PUNCH sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. JAX CHROMATIC asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for JAX CHROMATIC against 5.0 for RRS PUNCH. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 23 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
JAX CHROMATIC versus RRS PUNCH: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJAX CHROMATICRRS PUNCH
Price$12.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (7 ratings)5.0 (23 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings723 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.010.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJens GuellRRS, OOO

Customer experience

JAX CHROMATIC

All ratings7 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

RRS PUNCH

All ratings23 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews22 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

JAX CHROMATIC

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

RRS PUNCH

One-time1
  • RRS PUNCH Unlimited$8.99

Questions

Is JAX CHROMATIC free?
JAX CHROMATIC costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RRS PUNCH free?
RRS PUNCH is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, JAX CHROMATIC or RRS PUNCH?
RRS PUNCH is rated higher. JAX CHROMATIC averages 4.9 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while RRS PUNCH averages 5.0 from 23 ratings.
Do JAX CHROMATIC or RRS PUNCH have ads?
Neither JAX CHROMATIC nor RRS PUNCH shows ads.

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