Comparison

JAX CHROMATIC vs tapeworm

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

tapeworm

This music app offers a unique tape delay effect with a "wiggly, dirty" sound. Control delay time by stretching or flicking a virtual tapeworm, with options for manual or random adjustments. It includes analog-modeled saturation, compression, and amplifier stages for a rich audio experience.

Highlights
  • Interactive tape delay time control
  • Manual and free modes for delay
  • Analog-modeled tape saturation and compression
  • Overdrivable feedback
  • AUv3 plugin compatibility
  • Performative sound design elements
Features
Read full description

Tapeworm is a tape echo with a unique method of changing the delay time, and a wiggly, dirty sound. You can set the delay time manually by stretching the worm. The record button will flash to show the current interval. You can exit the fixed time mode and enter free mode by toggling. This lets the delay time change randomly, which you can encourage by flicking the tapeworm around. Double tap to reset, adding a fun performative element to your sound. Feedback can be overdriven. An analog-modeled tape saturation and compression, and amplifier and limiter stage, keep it sounding juicy when it gets loud. Tapeworm is audio unit (AUv3) compatible, meaning you can use it as a plugin in your app of choice like AUM, GarageBand or Logic. We hope you enjoy using tapeworm for music, or just for fun.

Screenshots

JAX CHROMATIC4 screens
tapeworm3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: tapeworm at Free against JAX CHROMATIC's $12.99. tapeworm also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 14 months). JAX CHROMATIC's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (100% vs 71%). On ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

tapeworm is free to download; JAX CHROMATIC costs $12.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

JAX CHROMATIC holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of JAX CHROMATIC's written reviews are positive against 71% of tapeworm's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JAX CHROMATIC ships an update every 14 months, tapeworm every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
JAX CHROMATIC versus tapeworm: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJAX CHROMATICtapeworm
Price$12.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (7 ratings) — better4.3 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better71.4% of reviews
Number of ratings712 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJens GuellRadii Research

Customer experience

JAX CHROMATIC

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

tapeworm

All ratings12 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%

In-app purchases

None

JAX CHROMATIC

No in-app purchases

None

tapeworm

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is JAX CHROMATIC free?
JAX CHROMATIC costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is tapeworm free?
tapeworm is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, JAX CHROMATIC or tapeworm?
JAX CHROMATIC is rated higher. JAX CHROMATIC averages 4.9 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while tapeworm averages 4.3 from 12 ratings.
Do JAX CHROMATIC or tapeworm have ads?
Neither JAX CHROMATIC nor tapeworm shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JAX CHROMATIC or tapeworm?
JAX CHROMATIC ships an update every 14 months, and tapeworm every 2 weeks. Most recently, JAX CHROMATIC was updated on September 23, 2026 and tapeworm on October 16, 2026.

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