JAX CHROMATIC vs Multimode Ladder Filter
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.
Multimode Ladder Filter
This app emulates a classic 1965 ladder filter, offering five distinct modes for versatile sound shaping. It provides warm analog-style distortion and the ability to drive the filter into self-oscillation for unique sonic textures. A dry/wet control allows for parallel filtering.
- 4-pole ladder filter emulation
- Five filter modes (LP, HP, BP, Notch, Resonant)
- Analog-style distortion with drive
- Self-oscillation at high resonance
- Dry/wet parallel filtering control
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A 4-pole (24 dB/oct) ladder filter modeled after the topology designed by Robert Moog in 1965. Four cascaded one-pole stages with tanh saturation at input and feedback produce warm analog-style distortion that scales with drive and resonance. Five filter modes (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, notch, and resonant) cover everything from classic subtractive sweeps to sharp self-oscillating leads. Resonance drives the filter to self-oscillation at high values, generating a sine tone at the cutoff frequency. A dry/wet control enables parallel filtering.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Multimode Ladder Filter at $1.99 against JAX CHROMATIC's $12.99. Multimode Ladder Filter also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 14 months). JAX CHROMATIC's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and ratings volume (7 vs 2). 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 Multimode Ladder Filter $1.99 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 5.0 for Multimode Ladder Filter. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 2 respectively.
JAX CHROMATIC ships an update every 14 months, Multimode Ladder Filter every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | JAX CHROMATIC | Multimode Ladder Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | $1.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.9 (7 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 23 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jens Guell | Callback Audio, LLC |
Customer experience
JAX CHROMATIC
Multimode Ladder Filter
In-app purchases
JAX CHROMATIC
No in-app purchases
Multimode Ladder Filter
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is JAX CHROMATIC free?
Is Multimode Ladder Filter free?
Which has better reviews, JAX CHROMATIC or Multimode Ladder Filter?
Do JAX CHROMATIC or Multimode Ladder Filter have ads?
Which is updated more often, JAX CHROMATIC or Multimode Ladder Filter?
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