Comparison

LevLr2 vs AU EngineCore

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

Head to head
About

LevLr2

This audio effect plugin offers dual-stage compression, limiting, and optional clipping for music production. It provides granular control over dynamics, is CPU-light, and has virtually zero latency, making it suitable for both studio and live use.

Highlights
  • Dual-stage compression and limiting
  • Optional clipping stage (soft/hard)
  • Parallel compression
  • Low CPU usage
  • Virtually zero latency
  • Gradual A/B fading
Currently charting
Read full description

LevLr2 Dynamics Processor Plugin (AUv3) LevLr2 is an audio effect plugin that can run standalone, or in any AU compatible host application such as Logic Pro or GarageBand. To configure audio settings in standalone mode, tap the Settings button. Please note that the input will be muted by default to avoid nasty feedback! Overview The LevLr2 "leveller" is a dual stage compression and limiting processor with optional clipping stage. I created LevLr2 after receiving messages from people who really liked the simplicity of LevLr, but wanted a bit more control over its internal workings. LevLr2 combines two dynamics processors and has options to select ratios for both compression and limiting, and adds "parallel compression" plus hard and soft clipping functions. While LevLr2 isn't intended to replace your favourite mastering signal chain, it's relatively much lighter on CPU and adds virtually zero latency, so is also suitable for live use. The super fast attack times under the hood also makes LevLr2 great on drums, especially when using parallel compression. For a super-simple lightweight "mastering suite" you could partner LevLr2 with SimplEQ. LOOK AFTER YOUR EARS / SPEAKERS! LevLr2 can make things VERY LOUD, so please be careful with extreme / high values or when using the Randomize function! Controls Active - Toggles the effect On or Off. You can use this control to A/B your settings with the original signal and this will fade gradually between the two with no distracting pops or clicks! Comp - Activates the compressor stage by selecting a compression ratio. Typically lower values are more subtle. In - Determines how hard you drive the compressor. You can also think of this as the compressor threshold, so for example, at 6dB on the In slider, the threshold of the compressor will be -6dB. The compressor also applies makeup gain automatically based on restoring a 0dB level signal after it has been compressed. Mix - Sets the balance between the incoming and compressed audio. At zero, this will be the same as if the compressor was bypassed, and at 100% is the compressed signal only. A good parallel compression effect can be achieved by setting the Comp ratio and In high and the Mix to around 50%. Limit - Activates the limiter stage by selecting a limiter ratio. Typically lower values are more subtle and the highest value is close to "brick wall" limiting. In - Determines how hard you drive the limiter. You can also think of this as the limiter threshold, so for example, at 3dB on the In slider, the threshold of the limiter will be -3dB. The limiter also applies makeup gain automatically based on restoring a 0dB level signal after it has been limited. Clip - Adds an optional Soft or Hard clipper after compression and limiting. The clipping will be more noticeable once you've applied some compression and limiting and depending on the settings, can add subtle warmth to aggressive crunch! Out - Applies a final stage gain trim to the output at the very end of the internal signal chain. In theory, the LevLr2 output should never exceed 0dB, but if you're driving levels really hard, you may want to back this off to around -0.2dB to avoid inter-sample peaks (ISPs) further downstream when recording or mixing-down for example. For more info and support please visit: www.waverley-instruments.com/robjackson

About

AU EngineCore

Features
Read full description

AU EngineCore app effectively transforms any compatible multi-channel audio interface into a fully configurable digital mixer for live performance. Unlike traditional digital mixers, AU EngineCore offers a software-defined mixing environment, giving users complete control over routing, processing, and signal flow without hardware limitations. A key advantage is the ability to use studio-grade AUv3 plugins directly in live scenarios, enabling advanced processing and creative flexibility that typically requires dedicated studio setups. Built for precision, speed, reliability and real-time performance, AU EngineCore delivers ultra-low latency audio processing, flexible routing, and a clean, distraction-free interface. Key Features • Ultra-low latency audio engine for real-time performance • Advanced multi-bus routing with flexible signal flow • AU plugin support (inserts on channels, buses, and master) • Designed to work seamlessly with most multi-input audio interfaces • Stable performance even in complex live setups • Clean, classic interface optimized for fast operation • Real-time processing with no interruptions or audio artifacts in Live Mode • Multi-channel input and output support • Built for musicians, performers, and sound engineers Built for Live AU EngineCore is engineered to handle demanding live scenarios where stability and speed matter most. Every part of the engine is optimized to ensure smooth operation, even under heavy load. Flexible Audio Setup Connect your audio interface and build your mix the way you want: Route signals across multiple buses Insert AU effects anywhere in the chain Customize your workflow to meet your specific needs. Precision Without Distraction The interface is designed to stay out of your way, so you can focus on what matters: your sound. #nobodysbanda

Screenshots

LevLr24 screens
AU EngineCore3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: LevLr2 at $1.99 against AU EngineCore's $22.99. LevLr2 also leads on chart position (#195 vs unranked) and device support (4 vs 2). AU EngineCore's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On 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

LevLr2 costs $1.99 and AU EngineCore $22.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LevLr2 ships an update every 2 months, AU EngineCore weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
LevLr2 versus AU EngineCore: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLevLr2AU EngineCore
Price$1.99 — better$22.99
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#195 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRob JacksonAntonio Sorin TASU

In-app purchases

None

LevLr2

No in-app purchases

None

AU EngineCore

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LevLr2 free?
LevLr2 costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is AU EngineCore free?
AU EngineCore costs $22.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do LevLr2 or AU EngineCore have ads?
Neither LevLr2 nor AU EngineCore shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LevLr2 or AU EngineCore?
LevLr2 ships an update every 2 months, and AU EngineCore weekly. Most recently, LevLr2 was updated on November 5, 2026 and AU EngineCore on October 31, 2026.

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