Comparison

LA Comp vs RedNova

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

Head to head
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.

About

RedNova

This audio plugin offers intelligent compression and spatial positioning for professional sound design. It adapts to your audio, allowing you to control dynamics and place sounds forward for presence or back for warmth. Transform recordings into spatially positioned compositions with intuitive controls.

Highlights
  • Intelligent adaptive compression
  • VCA compressor with analog saturation
  • Forward/back spatial positioning
  • Visual position orb feedback
  • Advanced sidechain control
  • AUv3 plugin format
Features
Read full description

RedNova: Intelligent Compressor + Spatial Positioning Welcome to a new genre of professional audio plugins. RedNova is the first of the Nova series of plugins by Simon Alexander that combines unique and musical audio effects with intuitive forward/back spatial positioning. Intelligent processing adapts to your audio while giving you complete control over effect dynamics and mix placement. From punchy upfront compression to warm distant textures, discover how one brilliantly designed plugin transforms flat or unruly recordings into professionally processed, spatially positioned compositions! Instantly Transform Your Dynamics & Depth: * Intelligent compression that adapts to your source material automatically * Professional VCA compressor with musical saturation and life-like analog circuitry dynamics * Move sounds forward for clarity and presence or back for warmth and space * Watch the position orb grow larger as sounds move forward, smaller as they recede * Advanced sidechain control over compression AND spatial positioning Made for Everyone: * Producers: Get broadcast and album-quality compression with professional spatial control * Beatmakers: Compress drums while positioning elements in mix depth * Singer-Songwriters: Gentle vocal compression to driving saturation with forward positioning for presence * Podcasters: Broadcast-safe compression with spatial separation for voice and music * Beginners: Set-and-forget intelligent processing with simple visual controls * Experts: Advanced sidechain routing with multi-parameter control Professional Features, Intelligently Simple: Intelligent Compressor: 1. Adaptive Processing - Content-aware compression that automatically adjusts to your source material 2. Safety-First Design - Multi-stage limiting ensures broadcast-safe output 3. Musical Response - Professional VCA style compressor with enhanced musical saturation 4. Thread-Safe Architecture - Lock-free processing prevents audio dropouts in demanding sessions SuperSitter Positioning: 1. Forward - Brings sounds closer with intelligent EQ and transient enhancement 2. Back - Creates warm distance with spatial processing and controlled filtering 3. Center - Complete transparency when positioning isn't needed 4. Visual Feedback - Dynamic orb scaling shows exact spatial position Advanced Sidechain Control: 1. Multi-Target Control - Route sidechain to compression threshold, ratio, AND forward/back position 2. Global or Individual - Control all parameters together or individually 3. Self-Signal Mode - Use the track's own signal for dynamic control (DAW dependent) 4. LED Indicators - Color-coded feedback shows which parameters are under sidechain control Technical Excellence: * AUv3 Plugin Format for all iOS/iPadOS DAWs that utilize them * Real-time intelligent content analysis with adaptive processing * CPU-efficient design allows multiple instances without performance issues * Zero-latency processing with automatic phase alignment * Broadcast-safe output limiting with extended dynamic range * Full parameter automation support with smooth transitions * Touch-optimized interface with floating value displays * 20 professionally crafted presets to get you started on any kind of track RedNova represents a new genre of audio plugins combining unique and intelligent audio effects with easy and intuitive spatial positioning. Download RedNova now and hear professional results in seconds! RedNova's intelligent design makes studio and broadcast-quality compression and spatial positioning accessible to everyone.

Screenshots

LA Comp3 screens
RedNova3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: LA Comp at 4 against RedNova's 1. On price, rating, update cadence and 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

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for LA Comp against 5.0 for RedNova. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LA Comp ships an update every 3 weeks, RedNova every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
LA Comp versus RedNova: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLA CompRedNova
Price$9.99$9.99
Rating5.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOSC AudioSimon Alexander

Customer experience

LA Comp

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

RedNova

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

LA Comp

No in-app purchases

None

RedNova

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LA Comp free?
LA Comp costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RedNova free?
RedNova costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, LA Comp or RedNova?
LA Comp and RedNova are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do LA Comp or RedNova have ads?
Neither LA Comp nor RedNova shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LA Comp or RedNova?
LA Comp ships an update every 3 weeks, and RedNova every 4 weeks. Most recently, LA Comp was updated on September 7, 2026 and RedNova on September 17, 2026.

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