# VocaLive for iPad vs Sidechain Compressor Plugin

The clearest difference is price: Sidechain Compressor Plugin at $5.99 against VocaLive for iPad's $24.99. Sidechain Compressor Plugin also leads on rating (3.8 vs 2.9) and in-app purchases (none vs 6). VocaLive for iPad's advantage is update cadence (every 8 months vs every 67 months) and ratings volume (26 vs 6). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

VocaLive for iPad costs $24.99 and Sidechain Compressor Plugin $5.99 up front. VocaLive for iPad sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Sidechain Compressor Plugin asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sidechain Compressor Plugin holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 35% of VocaLive for iPad's written reviews are positive against 63% of Sidechain Compressor Plugin's.

VocaLive for iPad ships an update every 8 months, Sidechain Compressor Plugin every 67 months. The most recent releases landed on September 1, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VocaLive for iPad | Sidechain Compressor Plugin |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $24.99 | **$5.99** |
| Rating | [2.9 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vocalive-for-ipad/id453480680/reviews) | **[3.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sidechain-compressor-plugin/id1500710796/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **26** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 35.1% of reviews | **62.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 months** | Every 67 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 186 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IK Multimedia US, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/323694278) | [4Pockets.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/370131860) |

## What reviewers say

### VocaLive for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vocalive-for-ipad/id453480680)

This app provides singers with studio-quality vocal effects and recording tools. It offers real-time processing, a multi-track recorder, and microphone emulations to enhance vocal performances and practice sessions.

**Highlights:** 12 real-time professional vocal effects, 4-processor effects chain, 2-track recorder (expandable), Mic Room with 20 mic emulations, Vocal warm-up tools, Voice Cancel for backing tracks, Live Mode GUI

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| External Control | $5.99 | one-time |
| Looper | $14.99 | one-time |
| Mic Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Recorder | $19.99 | one-time |
| Studio | $19.99 | one-time |
| Recorder + Studio | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎤 High-quality vocal effects and processors
- 🎛️ Intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls
- 🎵 Professional sound quality when working properly
- ⚙️ Comprehensive effect presets available
- 📱 Portable vocal recording solution for iOS

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Excessive in-app purchases and hidden costs
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues across iOS updates
- ⏸️ Poor compatibility with iOS version updates
- 🔌 Limited microphone/hardware compatibility
- 📦 Incomplete base app requiring additional paid features

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iOS 7, iOS 11, iOS 15, iOS 16 updates
- App won't start after iOS updates
- Harmony presets reverting to other presets after updates
- Stereo recording with phase cancellation instead of mono
- Vocal audio too quiet or inaudible

**Requested features**

- Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) support for use in other DAWs
- AudioBus compatibility
- Stereo to mono conversion effect
- Distortion effect
- Looper functionality for stacking vocal loops


### Sidechain Compressor Plugin

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sidechain-compressor-plugin/id1500710796)

This audio plugin enables side-chain compression for music production, creating rhythmic pumping effects. It offers true side-chaining in compatible DAWs and a unique sudo side-chain method for broader compatibility.

**Highlights:** Standard compressor features, Real calibrated VU and reduction meters, Real-time visual graphing, True sidechain in AUM, Sudo sidechain with MASTER/SLAVE, 3 available busses, Mono/Stereo modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VocaLive for iPad free?

VocaLive for iPad costs $24.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Sidechain Compressor Plugin free?

Sidechain Compressor Plugin costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, VocaLive for iPad or Sidechain Compressor Plugin?

Sidechain Compressor Plugin is rated higher. VocaLive for iPad averages 2.9 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Sidechain Compressor Plugin averages 3.8 from 6 ratings.

### Do VocaLive for iPad or Sidechain Compressor Plugin have ads?

Neither VocaLive for iPad nor Sidechain Compressor Plugin shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VocaLive for iPad or Sidechain Compressor Plugin?

VocaLive for iPad ships an update every 8 months, and Sidechain Compressor Plugin every 67 months. Most recently, VocaLive for iPad was updated on September 1, 2026 and Sidechain Compressor Plugin on September 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*