The Chord Detector vs AU EngineCore
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
The Chord Detector
This app analyzes audio files and detects musical chords. It supports various sources like your music library, Dropbox, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Learn to play songs by seeing chords displayed in real-time as the music plays.
- Automatic chord detection
- Analyze music library, Dropbox, YouTube, SoundCloud
- Real-time chord display
- Tempo and capo adjustment
- Support for various chord types
- Queueing of tracks for analysis
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Chord Detector is an app that will analyse audio sources and automatically detect the musical chords within it. With Chord Detector you can learn to play any track in your devices music library or Dropbox folder providing its not DRM encoded. Chord Detector can also analyse and detect the chords within a YouTube video or a SoundCloud sound. Chord Detector is aimed at musicians of any ability to help you learn to play many more songs, especially those whose chords aren't readily available on the internet. Please note that iTunes Match and Apple Music is not supported due to technical constraints. With our update Chord Detection engine its now much quiker and easier to get most accurate results possible (up to 95% in ideal conditions). Chord Detector can recognise many different chord types including major, minor, augmented, dimimished, diminished7, dominant7 and minorMajor7. To get started just pick one of the four audio source options: ● iPod Music Library ● Dropbox ● YouTube ● SoundCloud You can then select any track from your iPod Music Library(†), Dropbox folder, select a YouTube video or a SoundCloud sound. Chord Detector will then analyse the selected music source and within minutes (if not quicker) you will be presented with a view of the detected chords containing within that music source. You have the option to view the detected chords in two different forms, scrolling and tabular. In both of these views you are able to play the track and the chords will move or be highlighted as the song is playing. You can now start to view the chords of a track when analysis is still ongoing. Also you can queue up tracks to be processed, so while you are learning to play one song the chords are being generated for your other tracks in the background. The following controls are available on the chord view screens:- ● Play/Pause - play or pause the track. ● Rewind 30s - rewind the track by 30 seconds. ● Forward 30s - forward the track by 30 seconds. ● Tempo Adj. - slow down the track without affecting the pitch by a variable amount down to 1/4 of its original speed. ● Capo Adj. - transpose the chords according to which fret you want your capo on Now ukulele, banjo and mandolin chord diagrams are available via an in-app purchase. † The following audio file formats are supported, MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF. DRM protected content is not supported. Tracks must by sync'd to your device. If you use iTunes Match you must ensure that the track you wish to use in Chord Detector is first downloaded to your device (otherwise you may see a DRM warning) email: feedback@chord-detector.com www: http://www.chord-detector.com twitter: http://twitter.com/chorddetector fb: http://facebook.com/chorddetector
AU EngineCore
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AU EngineCore app effectively transforms any compatible multi-channel audio interface into a fully configurable digital mixer for live performance. Unlike traditional digital mixers, AU EngineCore offers a software-defined mixing environment, giving users complete control over routing, processing, and signal flow without hardware limitations. A key advantage is the ability to use studio-grade AUv3 plugins directly in live scenarios, enabling advanced processing and creative flexibility that typically requires dedicated studio setups. Built for precision, speed, reliability and real-time performance, AU EngineCore delivers ultra-low latency audio processing, flexible routing, and a clean, distraction-free interface. Key Features • Ultra-low latency audio engine for real-time performance • Advanced multi-bus routing with flexible signal flow • AU plugin support (inserts on channels, buses, and master) • Designed to work seamlessly with most multi-input audio interfaces • Stable performance even in complex live setups • Clean, classic interface optimized for fast operation • Real-time processing with no interruptions or audio artifacts in Live Mode • Multi-channel input and output support • Built for musicians, performers, and sound engineers Built for Live AU EngineCore is engineered to handle demanding live scenarios where stability and speed matter most. Every part of the engine is optimized to ensure smooth operation, even under heavy load. Flexible Audio Setup Connect your audio interface and build your mix the way you want: Route signals across multiple buses Insert AU effects anywhere in the chain Customize your workflow to meet your specific needs. Precision Without Distraction The interface is designed to stay out of your way, so you can focus on what matters: your sound. #nobodysbanda
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: The Chord Detector at $1.99 against AU EngineCore's $22.99. The Chord Detector also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16.6). AU EngineCore's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks). On ads and device support 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
The Chord Detector costs $1.99 and AU EngineCore $22.99 up front. The Chord Detector sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. AU EngineCore asks for nothing beyond the download.
The Chord Detector ships an update every 6 weeks, AU EngineCore weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | The Chord Detector | AU EngineCore |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 — better | $22.99 |
| Rating | 2.1 (24 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 51.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 24 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 13 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Simon Hopkin | Antonio Sorin TASU |
Bugs and requests
The Chord Detector
Reported bugs
3 issues- App crashes when trying to detect chords
- YouTube/SoundCloud integration no longer works
- Chord detection stops after 25-60 seconds of playback
Requested features
4 requests- Add support for more chord types (9th, 11th, etc.)
- Allow editing/correcting detected chords
- Implement a looping/repeat function
- Add support for more instruments (ukulele, bass, etc.)
AU EngineCore
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
The Chord Detector
- Ukulele Chord Pack$0.99
- Banjo Chord Pack$0.99
- Mandolin Chord Pack$0.99
AU EngineCore
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is The Chord Detector free?
Is AU EngineCore free?
Do The Chord Detector or AU EngineCore have ads?
Which is updated more often, The Chord Detector or AU EngineCore?
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