GSDSP MagicBlur vs Async Sampler
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GSDSP MagicBlur
Transform audio into lush pads, frozen textures, or spectral motion with this multi-curve spectral blur and freeze effect. Shape different parts of the spectrum with independent blur times, and explore evolving drones and unique spectral transitions.
- Frequency-dependent spectral blur
- Multi-curve spectral freeze
- Morphing and frame selection
- Reverse morph direction
- Envelope and pitch shifting
- Modulation system
- AUv3 audio effect plugin
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Turn any sound into lush pads, frozen textures, or drifting spectral motion with this multi-curve spectral blur and freeze effect. Frequency-Dependent Blur MagicBlur is a multi-curve spectral blur and freeze processor designed for transforming audio into pads, overtone glissandi, reversed textures, and glitch-like movements. Apply separate blur times per frequency or frequency range, then mix, modulate, and spread them to explore anything from subtle, washed-out ambience to extreme spectral experimentation. How Spectral Blur Works Incoming audio is analyzed into fast-moving spectral frames, each representing the frequency content of a small slice of sound. Instead of playing every frame in sequence, MagicBlur lets you pick frames at defined intervals and morph smoothly toward the next one. The Blur Time sets how gradually frequencies transition — and because MagicBlur supports independent blur times per frequency, you can shape different parts of the spectrum with fine-grained control. Freeze, Reverse & Transform Disable morphing to create a spectral freeze, holding each frame until the next is selected. Reverse the morph direction, apply envelopes, or shift pitch to create evolving drones and unique spectral transitions. Combined with MagicBlur’s modulation system, these tools unlock a wide range of expressive and experimental sound design possibilities. MagicBlur is an AUv3 audio effect plugin compatible with Logic Pro, AUM, Cubasis, GarageBand and many more. A Desktop version is also available for Windows and macOS (VST3 / AU / AAX). More information here: https://gs-dsp.com/products
Async Sampler
Create captivating sound collages, dynamic textures, and rhythmic patterns with this powerful musical instrument. It offers asynchronous and synchronous playback modes, a versatile LFO, and an effects processor to elevate your sound design.
- Standalone and AUv3 versions
- Three independent samplers
- Extensive sample library
- Upload your own samples
- Asynchronous and synchronous playback
- Flexible LFO system
- Effects processor
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Async Sampler, a powerful musical instrument designed to bring your soundscapes to life. This flexible tool is dedicated to crafting captivating sound collages, dynamic asynchronous textures, rhythmic patterns, and rich sound designs. It opens up a world of creative possibilities, making it the perfect companion for music producers, sound designers, ambient, and noise enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a curious explorer, Async Sampler is here to inspire and elevate your musical journey. App comes with a rich library of unique samples, and you can easily upload and use your own sounds. Async Sampler fundamentally consists of three samplers that can reproduce sound asynchronously, meaning they can operate without being tied to a specific BPM, or synchronously, using an external MIDI clock source or the tempo of your project if you're using Async Sampler as an AUv3 plugin. The instrument features a versatile LFO that allows you to control any parameter. Async includes an effects processor and a master bus section. Also, you have the option to use external MIDI controllers, save and load your custom presets and samples, among other features. Key features: — Standalone and AUv3 versions — Three independent samplers — Extensive sample library out of the box — Ability to upload your own samples — Asynchronous and synchronous playback modes for each sample — Flexible LFO system that can control almost any parameter — Effects processor — Ability to save presets — And much more
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Async Sampler at $14.99 against GSDSP MagicBlur's $29.99. Async Sampler also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). GSDSP MagicBlur's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (100% vs 78%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
GSDSP MagicBlur costs $29.99 and Async Sampler $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
GSDSP MagicBlur holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 18 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of GSDSP MagicBlur's written reviews are positive against 78% of Async Sampler's.
GSDSP MagicBlur ships an update every 5 weeks, Async Sampler every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and August 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GSDSP MagicBlur | Async Sampler |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $14.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.9 (9 ratings) — better | 4.5 (18 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 77.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 9 | 18 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 74 MB | 235 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gustav Scholda | Sergei Zhulkov |
Customer experience
GSDSP MagicBlur
Async Sampler
In-app purchases
GSDSP MagicBlur
No in-app purchases
Async Sampler
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is GSDSP MagicBlur free?
Is Async Sampler free?
Which has better reviews, GSDSP MagicBlur or Async Sampler?
Do GSDSP MagicBlur or Async Sampler have ads?
Which is updated more often, GSDSP MagicBlur or Async Sampler?
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