Comparison

Attenuator vs Spectrolite

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

Head to head
About

Attenuator

Calculate output voltage, power, and attenuation based on input values and dB of attenuation. Features NMR-specific calculations for pulses and measures local magnetic fields and barometric pressure.

Highlights
  • Calculate output voltage and power
  • Specify input voltage (Vpp or Vrms)
  • Calculate attenuation in dB
  • NMR pulse calculations
  • Measure local magnetic field
  • Display barometric pressure
Read full description

Attenuator is a utility for anyone working with radio frequency sources and needs to know power and voltage after attenuation. You can specify an input voltage (Vpp or Vrms) and dB of attenuation to get the output voltage, power and attenuation. The impedance can be specified, typically 50Ω for most systems. There is a new emphasis on NMR utility, with options for calculating pulses based on reference power and pulse length. Powers are in Watts, dBm, and dB values. Measure local magnetic field to check stray static fields from magnets. See the local barometric pressure, useful if the magnet boil-off is high

About

Spectrolite

This app visualizes sound in real-time using various spectrogram types. Explore detailed audio data with intuitive touch controls and adjustable parameters. An optional purchase unlocks advanced measurement tools.

Highlights
  • Real-time spectrogram visualization
  • Constant-Q, linear, and mel frequency scales
  • Full human hearing frequency range
  • Intuitive touch panning and zooming
  • Adjustable gain, Q, and other parameters
  • Pro version: grids, scales, spectrum view, tap-to-measure
Read full description

Spectrolite visualizes sound as spectrograms in real time. Spectrolite supports constant-Q spectrograms, which use a logarithmic frequency scale for a display where musical notes are evenly spaced. Spectrograms based on linear and mel frequency scales are also supported. The display covers the full frequency range of human hearing. Intuitive touch panning and zooming lets you dive in and explore the spectrograms in detail. Gain, Q, and other parameters can be adjusted in real time and instantly apply to the display of past signals as well as future ones. The Pro in-app purchase adds grids and scales for time, frequency, and amplitude, as well as a spectrum view and a tap-to-measure function. This expands Spectrolite into an audio measurement tool that you can use to measure frequencies, musical pitches, amplitudes, and durations.

Screenshots

Attenuator4 screens
Spectrolite4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Attenuator at 100% against Spectrolite's 83%. Attenuator also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Spectrolite's advantage is ratings volume (51 vs 8) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, 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

Both are free to download. Attenuator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Spectrolite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Attenuator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spectrolite has 51 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Attenuator's written reviews are positive against 83% of Spectrolite's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Attenuator ships an update every 7 months, Spectrolite every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Attenuator versus Spectrolite: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAttenuatorSpectrolite
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (8 ratings) — better4.8 (51 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better83.3% of reviews
Number of ratings851 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 months — betterEvery 8 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTim E. BurrowWaxing Wave

Customer experience

Attenuator

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Spectrolite

All ratings51 ratings
Positive92.2%
Neutral5.9%
Negative2.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Attenuator

One-time1
  • Remove all ads$1.99
1 purchases

Spectrolite

One-time1
  • Pro$4.99

Questions

Is Attenuator free?
Attenuator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Spectrolite free?
Spectrolite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Attenuator or Spectrolite?
Attenuator is rated higher. Attenuator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Spectrolite averages 4.8 from 51 ratings.
Do Attenuator or Spectrolite have ads?
Neither Attenuator nor Spectrolite shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Attenuator or Spectrolite?
Attenuator ships an update every 7 months, and Spectrolite every 8 months. Most recently, Attenuator was updated on September 14, 2026 and Spectrolite on September 23, 2026.

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