Comparison

GCL1 vs Fair Limiter

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

Head to head
About

GCL1

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
Read full description

Please note: this is an AUv3 plugin that can be used with compatible host Apps. GSi GCL1 features three dynamic processors in one unit: - Gate: typically used to interrupt background noise when there's no musical content in a noisy track - Compressor: a device that automatically adjusts the dynamic response of a sound source to make it constant and stable - Limiter: a device that limits the highest peak levels to prevent unwanted distortion or clipping The initial of these three devices make the name G, C and L... and the number 1 is because you never know... Using this plugin is very simple, every control is rendered like on a real unit, with absolute values on knobs and precise vu-meters.

About

Fair Limiter

This audio unit plugin emulates the classic Fairchild 670 tube compressor and limiter, offering its renowned sonic character. It provides comprehensive controls, including sidechain filters and boost, for detailed audio shaping. A free version is available for testing, with a one-time purchase to remove limitations.

Highlights
  • AUv3 plugin for DAWs
  • Fairchild 670 emulation
  • Sidechain filters and boost
  • Variable-Mu compression
  • Stereo or Mid/Side setup
  • 6386 tube simulation
Features
Read full description

Fair Limiter is an AUv3 audio unit plugin that digitally replicates the Fairchild 670, a legendary and highly esteemed tube compressor/limiter renowned for its outstanding audio quality and unique sonic character. Features: - Use as an AUv3 plugin in GarageBand, Logic Pro, AUM, or other DAW - Digital emulation of the Fairchild 670 - Features all the controls of the legacy Fairchild 670 - Adds additional control with the sidechain filters and boost - Variable-Mu compression - Fast attack, slow release times - 6386 tube simulation - Stereo or Mid/Side setup - Linking of stereo controls and sidechain output The free version allows you to test Fair Limiter completely, but every minute the limiter will be silent for 3 seconds. To remove these limits there is a one time in-app purchase.

Screenshots

Fair Limiter4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Fair Limiter at 50% against GCL1's 0%. Fair Limiter also leads on price (Free vs $3.99) and update cadence (monthly vs every 38 months). GCL1's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). On ads 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

Fair Limiter is free to download; GCL1 costs $3.99 up front. Fair Limiter sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. GCL1 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Fair Limiter holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 8 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of GCL1's written reviews are positive against 50% of Fair Limiter's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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

Scorecard9 real differences · 1 level
GCL1 versus Fair Limiter: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGCL1Fair Limiter
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.0 (2 ratings)4.4 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews50.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings28 — better
Update frequencyEvery 38 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGenuine SoundwareJan Maes

Customer experience

GCL1

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

Fair Limiter

All ratings8 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral12.5%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%

In-app purchases

None

GCL1

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Fair Limiter

One-time1
  • Fair Limiter Activation$11.99

Questions

Is GCL1 free?
GCL1 costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Fair Limiter free?
Fair Limiter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, GCL1 or Fair Limiter?
Fair Limiter is rated higher. GCL1 averages 4.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Fair Limiter averages 4.4 from 8 ratings.
Do GCL1 or Fair Limiter have ads?
Neither GCL1 nor Fair Limiter shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GCL1 or Fair Limiter?
GCL1 ships an update every 38 months, and Fair Limiter monthly. Most recently, GCL1 was updated on October 9, 2026 and Fair Limiter on October 24, 2026.

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