Comparison

Auria LE vs Mandolin Sim

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

Head to head
About

Auria LE

This app offers a streamlined mobile digital recording and mixing experience for iPad. It provides essential tools for recording, editing, and mixing music, with optional professional-grade plugins available for purchase.

Highlights
  • 24-track playback
  • Up to 8-track recording
  • 24-bit recording
  • Vintage ChannelStrip
  • MasterStrip
  • Third-party plugin support
  • Waveform editor
Features
Read full description

Auria LE is a "lite" version of Auria with a very limited set of features. If you'd like a more complete version of Auria, we suggest looking at either Auria or Auria Pro. These are also available in the App Store. "This is the first mobile mixing (AND recording AND post production) app that I've ever used that is truly professional. Just Wow !" - David Kahne (Grammy winning producer/engineer for Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Stevie Nicks, Sublime, The Bangles, Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor) •TEC Awards 2012 Nominee• •Computer Music Innovation Award• •Computer Music Performance Award• •Sound on Sound 2013 Awards Nominee• Experience the power of Auria in a streamlined version. Record, edit, and mix your music using essential tools taken from the full version, but in a less expensive package designed for those who don’t need every feature packed into Auria or Auria Pro. Auria LE is a 24-track digital recording system designed from the ground up for the iPad. With professional-level features and optional third-party plugin support from names like PSPaudioware, Overloud, Fab Filter and Drumagog (available via In-App purchase), Auria clearly sets a new standard for mobile recording. "Prepare to be amazed." – Computer Music Magazine “...I was immediately convinced that this is the hottest musical app to make it to the iPad so far...” – Recording Magazine FEATURES: • 24 tracks of simultaneous playback of stereo or mono files (upgradable to unlimited tracks). • Up to 8 tracks of simultaneous recording when used with compatible USB audio interfaces (upgradable to 24 tracks of recording) Camera Connection Kit required. • 24-bit recording • Supports sample rate of 44.1KHz only (upgradable to support 48K and 96K sample rates) • Vintage-inspired ChannelStrip on every channel by PSPAudioware includes Expander, Multiband EQ and Compressor • MasterStrip on all subgroup and master channels featuring PSPAudioware BussPressor, EQ and Mastering Limiter • Third party effect plugin support available via in-app purchase (only iOS-version plugins are supported. All plugins must be purchased through the in-app store) • ClassicVerb reverb plugin included • StereoDelay and StereoChorus plugins included • 2 Assignable subgroups(upgradable to 8) and 2 aux sends • Powerful waveform editor with features like cut/copy/paste, duplicate, separate, gain, and more • Flexible snapping tools allow snapping to events, cursor, bars, beats and more • DropBox, SoundCloud and Audio Copy/Paste support • Inter-app audio support (IAA) • Audiobus support (iPad 3 or greater) • Ripple Edit mode • Full automation support on all controls with graphical editing • True 100mm faders when used in Portrait Mode • Optional video import feature allows sample accurate sync of video to an Auria project with adjustable offset times and video export capability • Timeline ruler options include minutes:seconds, bars:beats, samples and SMPTE time • Auto-punch mode • Full delay compensation on all tracks and subgroups • Adjustable metering modes, including pre or post fader, RMS and peak • Adjustable pan laws • Sample accurate loop function • Automatic sample rate conversion • Built-in metronome Includes a demo song mixed on Auria by Grammy winning producer/engineer David Kahne. REQUIREMENTS: iPad 4 or later strongly recommended. Requires iOS 7 or later USB audio interfaces require Camera Connection Kit AudioCopy and AudioPaste are registered trademarks of Sonoma Wire Works.

About

Mandolin Sim

Explore the authentic sounds of the mandolin with this simulator app. It offers various play modes, customizable interfaces, and recording features to help you create and share music across different genres.

Highlights
  • Authentic mandolin sounds
  • Orchestral and extra-orchestral tones
  • Customizable interface
  • Three dynamic play modes
  • Built-in performance recorder
  • Screen recording for visual sharing
Features
Read full description

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the mandolin, an instrument cherished for its bright tones and versatility. Mandolin Sim brings the authentic sound of this beloved string instrument to your fingertips, allowing you to explore everything from classical pieces to folk and modern compositions. With orchestral and extra-orchestral tones included, the app expands your musical possibilities, making it the perfect tool for musicians of all levels. About the Mandolin The mandolin, with its roots in Italian and European folk traditions, has evolved into a versatile instrument featured in a wide range of genres, including classical, bluegrass, and world music. Its unique double-string design creates a shimmering, melodic sound that can evoke both energy and emotion. Why You’ll Love Mandolin Sim Authentic Mandolin Sounds with Orchestral Variety Experience meticulously sampled mandolin tones, from delicate, melodic picking to energetic strumming. Explore a variety of orchestral and extra-orchestral sounds, perfect for diverse musical styles. Customizable Interface Adjust the keys to suit your playing style. Whether you're crafting intricate solos or exploring rhythmic patterns, the app provides a seamless experience. Three Dynamic Play Modes Free Play Mode: Strum and pick multiple notes for rich, harmonic layers. Single Note Mode: Focus on precision and learn the nuanced techniques of mandolin playing. Soft Release Mode: Add a natural fade-out effect for a smooth and realistic performance. Record Your Performances Capture your mandolin music effortlessly with the built-in recorder. Ideal for reviewing, refining, or sharing your compositions. Share Your Music Easily share your mandolin performances with friends, family, or audiences worldwide to showcase your creativity. Record Your Screen If you want to share your performance visually, you can record your screen with an in-app recorder and share it on whichever platform you want. What Makes Mandolin Sim Unique? True-to-Life Sound: Every note replicates the bright, resonant tones of a real mandolin, with added orchestral options for creative exploration. Versatility Across Genres: From classical and folk to bluegrass and world music, Mandolin Sim adapts to your style. Elegant and Intuitive Design: A user-friendly interface ensures musicians of all levels can enjoy a seamless experience. Creative Freedom: With orchestral and extra-orchestral tones, the app lets you experiment with traditional and contemporary styles. Download Mandolin Sim today and bring the joyful sounds of the mandolin to your fingertips!

Screenshots

Mandolin Sim4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Mandolin Sim at Free against Auria LE's $19.99. Mandolin Sim also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.0) and device support (3 vs 1). Auria LE's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). On ratings volume, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

Mandolin Sim is free to download; Auria LE costs $19.99 up front. Auria LE sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and Mandolin Sim 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

Mandolin Sim holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Auria LE ships an update fortnightly, Mandolin Sim every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and June 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Auria LE versus Mandolin Sim: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAuria LEMandolin Sim
Price$19.99Free — better
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS13.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size969 MB105 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWaveMachine Labs, Inc.Alper Kahriman

Customer experience

Auria LE

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews34 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral11.8%
Negative38.2%

Mandolin Sim

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

11 purchases

Auria LE

One-time11
  • C7 Grand PianoFree
  • Rock Drum KitFree
  • Jazz Drum KitFree
Show 8 more
  • Video Import Add-on$4.99
  • Upgrade to Auria full version$4.99
  • ReTune Effect Add-on$5.99
  • Drumagog Effect Add-On$19.99
  • Micro Warmer Effect Plug-in$19.99
  • THM Amp Modeling Plug-in$19.99
  • Upgrade to Auria Pro$24.99
  • Pro-Q EQ Plug-in$29.99
1 purchases

Mandolin Sim

One-time1
  • Get Premium$7.99

Questions

Is Auria LE free?
Auria LE costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Mandolin Sim free?
Mandolin Sim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Auria LE or Mandolin Sim?
Mandolin Sim is rated higher. Auria LE averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Mandolin Sim averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Auria LE or Mandolin Sim have ads?
Mandolin Sim shows ads; Auria LE does not.
Which is updated more often, Auria LE or Mandolin Sim?
Auria LE ships an update fortnightly, and Mandolin Sim every 3 months. Most recently, Auria LE was updated on September 26, 2026 and Mandolin Sim on June 2, 2026.

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