Comparison

GSDSP MagicBlur vs Async Sampler

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

About

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.

Highlights
  • Standalone and AUv3 versions
  • Three independent samplers
  • Extensive sample library
  • Upload your own samples
  • Asynchronous and synchronous playback
  • Flexible LFO system
  • Effects processor
Read full description

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

GSDSP MagicBlur3 screens
Async Sampler3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
GSDSP MagicBlur versus Async Sampler: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGSDSP MagicBlurAsync Sampler
Price$29.99$14.99 — better
Rating4.9 (9 ratings) — better4.5 (18 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better77.8% of reviews
Number of ratings918 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size74 MB235 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGustav ScholdaSergei Zhulkov

Customer experience

GSDSP MagicBlur

All ratings9 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Async Sampler

All ratings18 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%

In-app purchases

None

GSDSP MagicBlur

No in-app purchases

None

Async Sampler

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GSDSP MagicBlur free?
GSDSP MagicBlur costs $29.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Async Sampler free?
Async Sampler costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GSDSP MagicBlur or Async Sampler?
GSDSP MagicBlur is rated higher. GSDSP MagicBlur averages 4.9 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Async Sampler averages 4.5 from 18 ratings.
Do GSDSP MagicBlur or Async Sampler have ads?
Neither GSDSP MagicBlur nor Async Sampler shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GSDSP MagicBlur or Async Sampler?
GSDSP MagicBlur ships an update every 5 weeks, and Async Sampler every 2 weeks. Most recently, GSDSP MagicBlur was updated on September 22, 2026 and Async Sampler on August 4, 2026.

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