# GCL1 vs ShowMIDI

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ShowMIDI at 88% against GCL1's 0%. ShowMIDI also leads on price (Free vs $3.99) and rating (4.8 vs 4.0). On ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

ShowMIDI is free to download; GCL1 costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ShowMIDI holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShowMIDI has 18 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of GCL1's written reviews are positive against 88% of ShowMIDI's.

GCL1 ships an update every 38 months, ShowMIDI every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GCL1 | ShowMIDI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gcl1/id6443425222/reviews) | **[4.8 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/showmidi/id6472608850/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **18** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **87.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 38 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Genuine Soundware](https://appshunter.io/developer/1560880481) | [Uwyn, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/597132109) |

## What reviewers say

### GCL1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gcl1/id6443425222)

This AUv3 plugin integrates a gate, compressor, and limiter into a single unit for audio processing. It offers precise control over dynamic range, noise reduction, and peak levels, mimicking a real hardware unit with clear displays.

**Highlights:** Gate for noise reduction, Compressor for dynamic response, Limiter to prevent clipping, AUv3 plugin compatibility, Realistic hardware interface, Precise VU meters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### ShowMIDI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/showmidi/id6472608850)

This application provides a real-time, glanceable view of all MIDI activity on your computer. It visualizes various MIDI messages and allows you to pause the flow for a data snapshot. It can be used as a standalone tool or an AUv3 plugin within your DAW.

**Highlights:** Real-time MIDI visualization, Auto-hides irrelevant messages, Pause and snapshot data, Standalone application, AUv3 plugin support, Supports MPE configuration

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GCL1 free?

GCL1 costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ShowMIDI free?

ShowMIDI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, GCL1 or ShowMIDI?

ShowMIDI is rated higher. GCL1 averages 4.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while ShowMIDI averages 4.8 from 18 ratings.

### Do GCL1 or ShowMIDI have ads?

Neither GCL1 nor ShowMIDI shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GCL1 or ShowMIDI?

GCL1 ships an update every 38 months, and ShowMIDI every 2 months. Most recently, GCL1 was updated on October 9, 2026 and ShowMIDI on October 24, 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.*