Comparison

AU EngineCore vs 4Comp

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

Head to head
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

About

4Comp

This audio plugin offers four distinct analog-style compressor models (FET, VCA, Optical, Vari-Mu), each with its own sound and interface. It provides advanced features like stereo linking, sidechain filtering, and real-time transfer curve visualization.

Highlights
  • Four analog compressor models (FET, VCA, Optical, Vari-Mu)
  • Unique DSP engine and interface for each model
  • Live transfer curve visualization
  • Stereo link and sidechain high-pass filter
  • Dry/wet mix and auto make-up gain
  • 17 presets included
  • 0-sample latency
Features
Read full description

Four analog-style compressors in one AUv3 plugin: FET, VCA, Optical and Vari-Mu. Each is its own DSP engine with its own sound, and the whole interface — face, knobs, meters — changes to match the one you pick. New in 1.1: tap ? for a quick start and a guide to each model, and watch the live transfer curve on VCA. FET Fast gain reduction from a feedback detector, with an all-buttons mode. Hi-hats, drum buses, spiky guitars. Ice-blue face. VCA Bus glue with program-dependent AUTO release. Tames transients and spikes without grabbing. Crimson face. Optical Smooth, level-dependent release from a modelled photocell — the cell's light memory. Vocals, brass, strings. Electroluminescent-green face. Vari-Mu A ratio that rises with level, plus harmonic colour that thickens thin tracks. Mix bus and mastering. Brass face. Four separate DSP paths Each model is its own compressor engine rather than a preset over one circuit: feedback FET, two-stage VCA, photocell release, rising-ratio tube. Switch faceplates mid-session and the plugin animates to the new model's look. Complement it Stereo link (Linked or Dual Mono), sidechain high-pass, dry/wet mix, input/output and auto make-up gain, a gain-reduction meter styled for each model and 17 presets. Real-time-safe DSP, 0-sample latency by default. Works in GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, Loopy Pro and other AUv3 hosts on iPhone and iPad.

Screenshots

AU EngineCore3 screens
4Comp4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: 4Comp at $4.99 against AU EngineCore's $22.99. On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

AU EngineCore costs $22.99 and 4Comp $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
AU EngineCore versus 4Comp: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAU EngineCore4Comp
Price$22.99$4.99 — better
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAntonio Sorin TASUNATHAN THOMAS MATHIS

In-app purchases

None

AU EngineCore

No in-app purchases

None

4Comp

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is AU EngineCore free?
AU EngineCore costs $22.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is 4Comp free?
4Comp costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do AU EngineCore or 4Comp have ads?
Neither AU EngineCore nor 4Comp shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AU EngineCore or 4Comp?
AU EngineCore ships an update weekly, and 4Comp weekly. Most recently, AU EngineCore was updated on October 8, 2026 and 4Comp on October 16, 2026.

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