Comparison

Magic Tines vs LA Comp

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

Head to head
About

Magic Tines

This app emulates a classic electric piano using a hybrid approach of sampling and synthesis. It offers a range of effects, adjustable parameters, and multiple instrument models for a versatile sound experience. Available as a standalone app or audio plugin.

Highlights
  • Hybrid Modeling engine (samples + synthesis)
  • Three EP models
  • Adjustable sampled and synthesis parameters
  • Multiple amplifier and phaser models
  • Mono or Stereo tremolo
  • Built-in programmer with unlimited Programs
Read full description

GSi Magic Tines is a Hybrid Modeling emulation of a Tine Electric Piano. INSTRUMENT BACKGROUND The Rhodes Piano was invented during WWII by an american music teacher, Harold B. Rhodes (1910 - 2000), and has been widely used for decades in nearly every genre of music ranging from soul music to jazz, blues, modern and pop. This instrument quickly became a legend, and is still used today. In 2007 it had a first rebirth thanks to an American entrepreneur who tried to restore the glory to this instrument, so the Mark 7 was born, but unfortunately his venture failed after a few years. In 2021, a group of British entrepreneurs acquired the brand and put a revamped edition of this instrument back into production, the Mark 8. In digital territory, the sound of a Rhodes piano is an important part of every digital piano / keyboard / workstation, and is reproduced mainly using samples, and in a few cases using some kind of synthesis. The Crumar Seven is one example of a hardware digital piano that uses real Physical Modeling to recreate the sound of a Tine Piano, i.e. it doesn't use any samples to recreate the sound, just real-time math calculations. GSi Magic Tines uses a different approach, which consists in both sampling and modeling, whereas all attack and release transients come from recordings of real life electric pianos, and the body of each note is recreated by a special synthesizer that uses math functions to simulate the exact behavior of a steel tine being struck by a rubber hammer tip. What is excluded by the synthesis engine is compensated by the sampled material. In other words, the best of the two worlds. Main features - Hybrid Modeling engine (samples + synthesis) - Full Polyphony (up to 88 keys) - Three EP models to choose from - Parameters for adjusting both the sampled part and the synthesis part separately - Three band semi-parametric EQ - Mono or Stereo tremolo with opto-coupler panner - Amplifier simulation with 5 different models - Tube overdrive effect - Adjustable stereo chorus - Phaser effect with six different models - Stereo Delay effect - Stereo Reverb effect - User programmable Velocity curve - Built-in programmer with unlimited Programs - Embedded user's manual - Available as Stand-alone application and audio plugin - Very low CPU and RAM usage - AUv3 for iPad and iPhone - Supports Background audio and Bluetooth Midi

About

LA Comp

This audio effect plugin offers a vintage-inspired optical compressor with modern flexibility. It provides in-depth control over dynamics, tube flavors, and stereo width, allowing for precise sound shaping on vocals and mixes. Compatible across multiple platforms for on-the-go creativity.

Highlights
  • Vintage and modern optical compression
  • Multiple tube flavor options
  • Auto-Gain functionality
  • Emphasis frequency control
  • Stereo spread for width
  • Side-chain input
  • Cross-platform presets
Features
Read full description

Legendary sound with a modern twist. LA Comp reimagines a studio classic with unmistakable vintage tone bringing in-depth control. Whether you're crafting silky vocal lines or adding punch to your mix, it's got the soul of a legend with a twist of modern-day flexibility. Optical dynamics with ease. With side-chain, auto-gain, and in-depth control over tube and optical elements, you’ll have everything you need to shape your sound in ways you never imagined. Mix anywhere. Anytime. From the studio to your mobile rig, LA Comp is ready. With VST3, AAX, AU, and AUv3 compatibility across macOS, Windows, iPhone, and iPad, your sound goes wherever inspiration strikes—without compromising quality or control. Features -10 included cross-platform presets for instant inspiration -Auto-Gain to keep the focus on your dynamics -Analog warmth and drive with three tube flavors: Vintage, Modern, and Stock -Gain reduction (Mono or Stereo) and calculation options (RMS or Peak) -Emphasis frequency control for tailored compression -Stereo spread for enhanced width and space -Side-chain input for creative mixing and shaping -Allows external audio device use Fully compatible with VST3, AAX, AU, and AUv3.* *AUv3 and standalone only on iOS. Mac/PC (Sold separately) required for VST3 and AAX.

Screenshots

Magic Tines4 screens
LA Comp3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: LA Comp at $9.99 against Magic Tines's $19.99. LA Comp also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.7) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

Magic Tines costs $19.99 and LA Comp $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

LA Comp holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 4 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Magic Tines ships an update every 2 months, LA Comp every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Magic Tines versus LA Comp: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMagic TinesLA Comp
Price$19.99$9.99 — better
Rating3.7 (3 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings34 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB51 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGenuine SoundwareOSC Audio

Customer experience

Magic Tines

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

LA Comp

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Magic Tines

No in-app purchases

None

LA Comp

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Magic Tines free?
Magic Tines costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is LA Comp free?
LA Comp costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Magic Tines or LA Comp?
LA Comp is rated higher. Magic Tines averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while LA Comp averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do Magic Tines or LA Comp have ads?
Neither Magic Tines nor LA Comp shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Magic Tines or LA Comp?
Magic Tines ships an update every 2 months, and LA Comp every 3 weeks. Most recently, Magic Tines was updated on August 26, 2026 and LA Comp on September 7, 2026.

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