Comparison

Heavier Metal vs RedNova

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

Head to head
About

Heavier Metal

This music plugin emulates a classic 1990s distortion pedal with advanced digital modeling. It offers full parametric control, capturing the original circuit's behavior for a wide range of guitar tones. Optimized for low CPU usage and low latency, it's compatible with various AUv3 hosts.

Highlights
  • Parametric NAM distortion model
  • Recreates original pedal behavior
  • Mid-forward gain, tight low-end
  • AUv3 plugin for Mac/iOS
  • Native Apple Silicon support
  • Ultra-low CPU, near-zero latency
Features
Read full description

Heavier Metal is a modern distortion plugin based on one of the most aggressive pedals of the 1990s. Built using Artera DSP’s Parametric NAM engine, it delivers not just the sound — but the full behavior of the original circuit. Every knob. Every nuance. Captured with precision. This isn’t a snapshot. Heavier Metal is fully parametric — meaning all front-panel controls respond just like the original analog pedal. From razor-sharp riffs to soaring leads, it gives you the full expressive range of the original hardware, with the flexibility of a native plugin. Key Features – Fully parametric NAM model — not a static capture – Recreates the full tone-shaping behavior of the original HM-style pedal – Mid-forward gain structure with massive sustain and tight low-end – AUv3 plugin for macOS and iOS – Native support for Apple Silicon (M1/M2) – Ultra-low CPU usage and near-zero latency Compatibility Heavier Metal runs in any AUv3-compatible host such as Logic Pro (Mac/iPad), GarageBand (Mac/iOS), AUM, Cubasis, and more. Available exclusively on the App Store.

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

Heavier Metal4 screens
RedNova3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: RedNova at $9.99 against Heavier Metal's $12.99. On rating, 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

Heavier Metal costs $12.99 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 Heavier Metal against 5.0 for RedNova. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Heavier Metal versus RedNova: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHeavier MetalRedNova
Price$12.99$9.99 — better
Rating5.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequency—Every 4 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size80 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperReinarc LLCSimon Alexander

Customer experience

Heavier Metal

All ratings2 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

Heavier Metal

No in-app purchases

None

RedNova

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Heavier Metal free?
Heavier Metal costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RedNova free?
RedNova costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Heavier Metal or RedNova?
Heavier Metal and RedNova are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Heavier Metal or RedNova have ads?
Neither Heavier Metal nor RedNova shows ads.

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