Comparison

VariSpeed vs 501 Chorus Echo

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

Head to head
About

VariSpeed

This app simulates a classic tape echo machine, replicating the functionality of a specific vintage hardware unit. It allows for variable delay times by altering the speed of the tape mechanism.

Highlights
  • Classic tape echo simulation
  • Variable delay time
  • AUv3 plugin compatibility
  • Replicates vintage hardware
Read full description

Please note: this is an AUv3 plugin that can be used with compatible host Apps. GSi VariSpeed is a simulation of the WEM Copicat IC-400 Belt Drive VariSpeed model, the first tape echo machine made by WEM with a DC capstan motor capable of changing speed, thus varying the delay time. GSi VariSpeed replicates the hardware instrument “as is” with all its pros and cons, without any additional feature. This can be considered as the second chapter of a tribute to the genius of Mr. Charlie Watkins that GSi began back in 2008 with the release of the freeware "WatKat", which was a simulation of the "Custom Copicat".

About

501 Chorus Echo

This audio plugin meticulously models the iconic Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo, offering authentic analog warmth with modern digital flexibility. It provides producers with classic tape delay, BBD chorus, and spring reverb sounds, enhanced by DAW tempo sync and expanded controls for any music genre.

Highlights
  • Authentic analog sound reproduction
  • Extended creative control with DAW sync
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Versatile for any music genre
  • Independent SOS timings
  • Linear preamp option
Features
Read full description

"Legendary Analog Warmth: Authentic Spring Reverb, Classic Tape Delay, and Lush BBD Chorus in a Cutting-Edge Plugin" Rediscover the iconic sound of the Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo*, now reborn as the NA 501 Chorus Echo plugin by Nembrini Audio. This meticulously modeled plugin captures the essence of the legendary tape echo, BBD chorus, and spring reverb, enhanced with modern digital functionality for today's music producers. Ideal for adding rich, analog textures to any genre, the NA 501 is a versatile tool for musicians and producers seeking that classic sound with contemporary flexibility. Key Features:: 1 - Authentic Sound Reproduction: Delivers the classic warmth and character of the Roland RE-501 through precise digital modeling. 2 - Extended Creative Control: Offers advanced features like DAW tempo sync, expanded chorus and delay parameters, and independent SOS timings. 3 - Intuitive User Interface: Designed for ease of use, blending vintage aesthetics with modern digital efficiency. 4 - Versatility for Any Genre: Whether you're producing rock, electronic, ambient, or beyond, the NA 501 fits seamlessly into any musical project. Equipped with features tailored for modern production, the NA 501 includes DAW tempo synchronization, a wide parameter range for the BBD chorus and analog tape delay, separate left and right SOS timings, and a linear preamp option. These technical enhancements ensure that the NA 501 not only emulates the classic sound but elevates it to new levels. Works as a standalone app, AudioUnit v3 effect, or Inter-App Audio effect Legal Disclaimer: RE-501 Chorus Echo is a registered trademark of Roland Inc. NA 501 Chorus Echo was developed by Nembrini Audio SRL based on its modeling techniques. Roland has not endorsed nor sponsored the NA 501 Chorus Echo in any manner, nor licensed any intellectual property for use in this product.

Screenshots

501 Chorus Echo1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: VariSpeed at 100% against 501 Chorus Echo's 0%. VariSpeed also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and price ($11.99 vs $14.99). 501 Chorus Echo's advantage is update cadence (every 17 months vs every 41 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

VariSpeed costs $11.99 and 501 Chorus Echo $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

VariSpeed holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 8 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of VariSpeed's written reviews are positive against 0% of 501 Chorus Echo's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VariSpeed ships an update every 41 months, 501 Chorus Echo every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
VariSpeed versus 501 Chorus Echo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVariSpeed501 Chorus Echo
Price$11.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.9 (8 ratings) — better4.5 (8 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings88
Update frequencyEvery 41 monthsEvery 17 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better15
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGenuine SoundwareNembrini Audio

Customer experience

VariSpeed

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

501 Chorus Echo

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

VariSpeed

No in-app purchases

None

501 Chorus Echo

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VariSpeed free?
VariSpeed costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is 501 Chorus Echo free?
501 Chorus Echo costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, VariSpeed or 501 Chorus Echo?
VariSpeed is rated higher. VariSpeed averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while 501 Chorus Echo averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.
Do VariSpeed or 501 Chorus Echo have ads?
Neither VariSpeed nor 501 Chorus Echo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VariSpeed or 501 Chorus Echo?
VariSpeed ships an update every 41 months, and 501 Chorus Echo every 17 months. Most recently, VariSpeed was updated on October 10, 2026 and 501 Chorus Echo on October 13, 2026.

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