Comparison

SUS4 Loop Builder vs TapeMan Recorder

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

Head to head
About

SUS4 Loop Builder

Features
Read full description

Record a part, loop it, and stack the next one on top. Up to eight tracks, each with a level control, so the idea sounds like a song before you leave the room. Fully on-device: no cloud, no account. Start with a chord loop, add a bass line, then a melody. Undo the last layer if it was wrong. When it works, export the mixdown as an audio file. • Up to 8 loop tracks, with level and mute per track • Undo the last layer • Export the mixdown as an audio file • A library of saved loop sessions For guitarists and singers building song ideas, beatboxers, and anyone who uses a loop pedal on stage and wants one in their pocket. Pro, or SUS4 All-Access across the whole range, adds reverb, delay and 3-band EQ on each layer, stem export (every track as a separate file) and unlimited saved loops. Made in the UK by working musicians. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

TapeMan Recorder

Features
Read full description

TapeMan turns your iPhone, iPad, or Mac into a tactile cassette recorder and performance instrument. Connect a class-compliant USB audio device or use the built-in microphone. Record WAV or M4A, then slow, stop, reverse, and scratch the interactive tape while recording, monitoring, or playing a saved take. THE CASSETTE IS THE INTERFACE • Scratch and manipulate the tape directly • Choose Hold, Follow, Sync, and Mix behavior • Add tape start, stop, wear, wobble, and recording color • Perform stackable Color, Motion, Space, Raw, and Direct effects • Control effects directly or through selectable XY mappings • Bounce a performance into a new non-destructive version BEAT-SYNCED LIVE TAPE • Capture seamless half- to eight-bar loops from live input • Quantize loop starts and releases, choose pre- or post-FX capture, and perform at half, normal, or double speed • Follow a selected MIDI clock source, detected audio beats, or a tapped/manual tempo • Keep a captured loop moving through MIDI Stop or temporary clock loss, then relock smoothly when clock returns ALL YOUR TAKES, TOGETHER • Search, sort, filter, loop, rename, trim, share, and delete • Keep originals, processed versions, stems, notes, and tempo metadata together • Record from the built-in microphone or compatible USB audio interfaces • Select input and output channel pairs • Use signal-activated recording and optional live monitoring LIVE MONITORING Monitor processed USB input through a separate stereo USB return when available. With a compatible 2-in/2-out device, TapeMan can also use the iPhone or iPad speaker when iOS routes USB input there. Keep the level low and stop if you hear feedback. OPTIONAL ON-DEVICE STEMS Separate vocals, drums, bass, and other with an optional model download. After installation, processing runs locally through Core ML. Mix, mute, solo, share, or save stems and bounces back into the take library. MAKE IT YOUR TAPE Choose from ten tuned 90s-inspired themes in light or dark mode. Import local video environments, apply a pixel treatment, and arrange clips behind the cassette. Video audio is never used. LOCAL-FIRST TapeMan has no account system, advertising, tracking, or automatic cloud upload. Recordings and imported media stay on your device unless you choose to export or share them. TapeMan is independent software and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any audio-hardware manufacturer.

Screenshots

SUS4 Loop Builder4 screens
TapeMan Recorder4 screens

Verdict

The call

SUS4 Loop Builder and TapeMan Recorder are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

Both are free to download. SUS4 Loop Builder sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.39 per month and TapeMan Recorder sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
SUS4 Loop Builder versus TapeMan Recorder: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSUS4 Loop BuilderTapeMan Recorder
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThePaulSmithKristaps Dreija

In-app purchases

10 purchases

SUS4 Loop Builder

Subscriptions7
  • SUS4 All-Access7 Days trial$4.391 Month
  • SUS4 All-Access7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • SUS4 All-Access7 Days trial$7.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • SUS4 All-Access Annual7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • SUS4 All-Access Annual7 Days trial$26.991 Year
  • SUS4 All-Access Annual7 Days trial$35.991 Year
  • SUS4 All-Access Annual7 Days trial$51.991 Year
One-time3
  • SUS4 Loop Builder Lifetime$54.99
  • SUS4 Loop Builder Lifetime$71.99
  • SUS4 Loop Builder Lifetime$103.99
1 purchases

TapeMan Recorder

One-time1
  • TapeMan Pro Lifetime$4.99

Questions

Is SUS4 Loop Builder free?
SUS4 Loop Builder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TapeMan Recorder free?
TapeMan Recorder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SUS4 Loop Builder or TapeMan Recorder have ads?
Neither SUS4 Loop Builder nor TapeMan Recorder shows ads.

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