Comparison

GainX2 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

GainX2

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GainX2 Dual Gain Utility Plugin (AUv3) GainX2 is an audio effect plugin that can run standalone, or in any AU compatible host application such as Logic Pro or GarageBand. Overview GainX2 is a gain utility primarily designed for use during live performances within an AU host controlled via MIDI CC (*). You can use GainX2 as a "helping hand" to mute or unmute channels, smoothly fade between them, or add additional switchable gain before a guitar amp sim. You could even use GainX2 to automate a one minute fade out at the end of a performance! GainX2 also includes a master volume with variable taper and optional damping. This feature is useful when controlling volume via a MIDI controller in your host, and avoids the "stepping" effect that you sometimes get when mapping MIDI CCs to a volume parameter. NOTE: If all this talk of MIDI CCs isn't making sense, or you primarily make music in a more traditional DAW such as GarageBand or Logic, then you probably won't find GainX2 very useful. Alternatively, if you like to perform live with an iPad and use something like AUM or Loopy Pro, then you might be glad of a "helping hand" to control gain dynamically and smoothly via MIDI. (*) Please note that GainX2 does not have a "MIDI learn" function of its own, so your host needs to support the mapping of plugin parameters to incoming MIDI CC messages. A B Indicators Above the view selector are indicators to show which gain setting is active, and these will be animated according to the fade time so you can see the transition between the two settings. Please note these are not interactive buttons that you click on. Controls Gain - Switch between Gain A and Gain B. Typically, you would map this parameter in your host to a MIDI CC switch (0 or 127) in your host. Note that at start up, GainX2 will default to the A setting, so you should think of this as the default state that you want. Gain A/B - Set the level of A or B. At minimum setting, this is essentially silence which is useful for fade or mute type applications. Please note that GainX2 can boost the incoming signal up to 12dB which could result in clipping, so please monitor, and be careful with your levels. Fade - Sets a linear (Lin) or exponential (Exp) fade between A and B. Exponential typically works best for a more natural sounding attack or decay. Time - Sets the time to Fade between Gain A and B. Volume - Sets the master volume. Typically you would map this parameter in your host to a MIDI CC (0 - 127). Taper - Sets the taper of the volume smoothing to linear (Lin) or exponential (Exp). Sometimes exponential will work better for CCs that are being controlled via MIDI expression pedals. Damping - Sets a variable damping or smoothing time to the volume control. This is useful if you hear "stepping" or sudden jumps when the Volume parameter is being controlled via MIDI. For more info and support please visit: www.waverley-instruments.com/robjackson

About

AU EngineCore

Features
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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

GainX24 screens
AU EngineCore3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GainX2 at $1.99 against AU EngineCore's $22.99. GainX2 also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). On update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

GainX2 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

GainX2 ships an update every 5 days, AU EngineCore weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 3 level
GainX2 versus AU EngineCore: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGainX2AU EngineCore
Price$1.99 — better$22.99
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRob JacksonAntonio Sorin TASU

In-app purchases

None

GainX2

No in-app purchases

None

AU EngineCore

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GainX2 free?
GainX2 costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is AU EngineCore free?
AU EngineCore costs $22.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do GainX2 or AU EngineCore have ads?
Neither GainX2 nor AU EngineCore shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GainX2 or AU EngineCore?
GainX2 ships an update every 5 days, and AU EngineCore weekly. Most recently, GainX2 was updated on September 19, 2026 and AU EngineCore on September 14, 2026.

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