Comparison

MGP vs Sparse Neural FX Modeler

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

Head to head
About

MGP

This app offers advanced guitar tone processing for live performance and production. It supports offline use with high-fidelity amp models and cabinet impulse responses. Capture ideas on mobile and refine them on desktop with a consistent sound.

Highlights
  • AUv3 plug-in workflow
  • Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) Architecture 2 support
  • Dual NAM slots (Pedal + Amp)
  • Cabinet IR simulator
  • Noise gate
  • Low-latency real-time processing
  • Preset workflow
Features
Read full description

MGP-2 Makk Guitar Processor is a modern AUv3 guitar processor built for live performance and DAW production. Designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, MGP-2 provides a consistent tone workflow across devices: capture ideas on mobile and continue production on desktop with the same sound character. 【Highlights】 Now fully supporting Neural Amp Modeler Architecture 2 (A2) files! MGP-2 brings the latest generation of Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) playback directly to your device. Combined with the brand-new Dual NAM slots (Pedal + Amp) and Cabinet IR simulator, you can run high-fidelity amp models and shape your ultimate guitar tones completely offline, anywhere you go. Core processing chain • Input Level • Amp Section (Off / Solid State / Tube / NAM) • Cabinet IR (Standard): load .wav impulse responses with convolution • EQ and drive shaping • Noise gate (NAM idle hiss and input chain) • Chorus • Pre-emphasis • Mic Simulation • Stereo Width • Output Level Key features • AUv3 plug-in workflow for compatible host apps • NAM amp modeling (Standard): Neural Amp Modeler Architecture 2 (A2) compatible .nam files • Dual NAM slots: Pedal and Amp — load separate models, per-slot bypass, and Input/Output gain (Pedal → Amp when both are loaded) • Cabinet IR simulator (Standard): load .wav IRs, recent history, and recall with user presets • Noise gate for cleaner NAM and input-chain playing • Fast, low-latency real-time processing • Preset workflow for quick recall • Unified UI across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Editions Free • Basic processing workflow with limited controls • NAM amp mode and cabinet IR are not available in Free Standard (subscription or lifetime purchase) • Full gain/effect controls while subscribed or after lifetime purchase • NAM amp modeling: A2-compatible .nam load/unload, Pedal + Amp dual slots, recent history per slot, and metadata-based In/Out gain when available • Cabinet IR: load, unload, and manage .wav impulse responses • On-device, offline AI-assisted Tone Match: approximate starting points for MGP-2 parameters (EQ, Pre-emphasis, Mic, and more) from a selected .nam reference — not a full NAM clone; available in Solid State and Tube amp modes only • Advanced tone-shaping controls and expanded parameter access, including selectable Low/High dB pre-emphasis presets • Future Standard feature updates included during active subscription Pricing • Free: Available with feature limitations • Standard: Price varies by region and is shown in-app in your local currency Subscription notes • Auto-renewable subscription • Billed amount is shown in-app before purchase • Manage or cancel subscriptions in App Store account settings Compatibility • iOS / iPadOS 16.0 or later, or macOS 13.0 or later • AUv3-compatible host app required for plug-in usage (e.g. GarageBand, Logic Pro, MainStage; Makk host on Mac) Privacy All audio processing, NAM/IR loading, and AI tone assistance run locally on your device; no network connection is required. Imported .nam and .wav files are used only for on-device processing. Terms and Policies • Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ • Privacy Policy: https://makkmgp.github.io/mgp2/legal/privacy-policy-en-US.html

About

Sparse Neural FX Modeler

Features
Read full description

Built by Eli Silverstein and Ryota Sato. Open-source acknowledgements: NeuralAmpModelerCore (MIT, Steven Atkinson), nlohmann/json (MIT, Niels Lohmann), Eigen (Apache 2.0), OOPer audio utilities (BSD 2-Clause), Apple aurioTouch sample code.

Screenshots

MGP4 screens
Sparse Neural FX Modeler2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sparse Neural FX Modeler at none against MGP's 4. MGP's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Both are free to download. MGP sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Sparse Neural FX Modeler asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MGP ships an update every 4 days, Sparse Neural FX Modeler every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MGP versus Sparse Neural FX Modeler: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMGPSparse Neural FX Modeler
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMAKOTO INOMAEli Silverstein

In-app purchases

3 purchases

MGP

Subscriptions1
  • MGP-2 Standard Monthly2 variants$1.991 Month
One-time2
  • MGP-2 Lifetime Standard$19.99
  • MGP-2 Standard Lifetime$19.99
None

Sparse Neural FX Modeler

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MGP free?
MGP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sparse Neural FX Modeler free?
Sparse Neural FX Modeler is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MGP or Sparse Neural FX Modeler have ads?
Neither MGP nor Sparse Neural FX Modeler shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MGP or Sparse Neural FX Modeler?
MGP ships an update every 4 days, and Sparse Neural FX Modeler every 2 months. Most recently, MGP was updated on October 24, 2026 and Sparse Neural FX Modeler on October 24, 2026.

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