Comparison

JAX MASTERING vs volumeCTRL

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

Head to head
About

JAX MASTERING

Features
Read full description

Please note, that AudioUnits (AUv3) require a supporting host application to perform. The MBC Pro is a multi band / master bus audio processor (companders), suitable for mastering. Parallel analog modeled filters split the audio stream into 5 freely adjustable bands, on which the 5 dynamic processors will perform action in parallel - each wit its own set of parameters - or linked together. Input and output is stereo, parallel processing for each frequency band (mix with the original) is possible. The effect processors now have zero latency. A PDF manual is included with the app : https://audio.digitster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JAX-MASTERING-MBC-Pro.pdf This app is truly 'universal', meaning, unit is available for: - MacOS (Silicon) - iOS (iPhone) - iPadOS (iPads) - visionOS (Apple Vision Pro)

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

JAX MASTERING4 screens
volumeCTRL3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: volumeCTRL at $4.99 against JAX MASTERING's $9.99. volumeCTRL also leads on update cadence (every 9 months vs every 25 months). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JAX MASTERING ships an update every 25 months, volumeCTRL every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
JAX MASTERING versus volumeCTRL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJAX MASTERINGvolumeCTRL
Price$9.99$4.99 — better
Rating—3.2 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—9 — better
Update frequencyEvery 25 monthsEvery 9 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size78 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJens GuellauDSPr

In-app purchases

None

JAX MASTERING

No in-app purchases

None

volumeCTRL

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is JAX MASTERING free?
JAX MASTERING costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is volumeCTRL free?
volumeCTRL costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do JAX MASTERING or volumeCTRL have ads?
Neither JAX MASTERING nor volumeCTRL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JAX MASTERING or volumeCTRL?
JAX MASTERING ships an update every 25 months, and volumeCTRL every 9 months. Most recently, JAX MASTERING was updated on October 12, 2026 and volumeCTRL on October 23, 2026.

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