Heathcliff vs Deck Lite
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Heathcliff
This app functions as a DJ channel strip plugin for iOS, allowing users to cut, mix, and blend audio tracks within compatible host applications. It features low latency performance, customizable character profiles, and MIDI learn capabilities for hardware control.
- 3-band EQ with character profiles
- Filter FX for sweeps
- Trim and volume control
- User-selectable character profiles
- MIDI learn for hardware controllers
- Low latency performance
- AUv3 plugin compatibility
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Heathcliff turns any iOS host into a DJ channel strip. Cut, mix, and blend one track into the next — without thinking about the right preset. Heathcliff isn't your parametric EQ; it's the channel strip for transitions. Heathcliff is built for low latency — aggressive performance targets keep it out of the way when you're playing live, and multiple instances won't tax your CPU. The tuning takes its cue from leading DJ mixers, with user-selectable character profiles so you can match the feel to your mixing style. * 3-band EQ — two character profiles: one cuts clean, one bleeds for feel * FX: Filter — sweeps for builds and washes * Trim and volume — set the gain so the blend sits right * Character profiles — voicing presets for EQ, filter, and FX, matched to your mixing style * MIDI learn — supports legacy and modern 14-bit MIDI controllers (most modern DJ controllers are 14-bit). Map UI controls to your hardware; a DJ controller is the recommended way to play. * Low latency — plays live, stacks across multiple instances * AUv3 — works in any AUv3 host * Note: Heathcliff is an AUv3 plugin, not a standalone DJ app. The app runs inside a plugin host app like GarageBand, AUM, or Cubasis. Your DAW, your DJ moves. That's Heathcliff!
Deck Lite
This app provides a streamlined interface for loading and playing AUv3 audio plugins on iOS devices. It features a card-based browser for easy plugin selection and adaptable controls for different screen sizes and orientations.
- AUv3 plugin hosting
- Card browser for plugins
- Adaptable interface for screen size
- Keyboard and controller support
- MIDI controller integration
- Live audio processing
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Your plugins. A place to play. Deck Lite opens one audio plugin at a time, with a card browser that makes your collection easy to explore. Pick a card and the plugin opens, ready for you to play. ROOM FOR YOUR PLUGIN Keep the plugin interface and its parameters together on a wide screen, or switch between them on iPhone. Enlarge the editor when you want more room. The controls adapt as you rotate your device. PLAY YOUR WAY Turn parameters on screen, navigate with a keyboard or compatible game controller, or use a MIDI controller. A connected Novation Launch Control 3 provides automatic parameter mapping and card selection in DAW Control mode. Other MIDI controllers can use Deck Lite's fixed command map. MADE FOR PLAYING Connect your instrument through a compatible audio interface, choose your plugin and enable LIVE. On iPhone and iPad, Deck Lite starts muted so you can get your audio route ready first. Effects process your incoming sound; instrument plugins receive MIDI notes. Deck Lite is free, with no subscriptions or in-app purchases. Use Deck Lite on iPhone and iPad with AUv3 plugins installed through compatible music apps. Plugin interfaces and features depend on their developer. Plugins pictured in store images are separate Untamed Audio products. Use headphones or a suitable monitored audio route when playing through a microphone or instrument input.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Deck Lite at every 2 weeks against Heathcliff's monthly. On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Heathcliff against 5.0 for Deck Lite. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.
Heathcliff ships an update monthly, Deck Lite every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Heathcliff | Deck Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Juan Segovia | Joshua Rideout |
In-app purchases
Heathcliff
No in-app purchases
Deck Lite
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Heathcliff free?
Is Deck Lite free?
Which has better reviews, Heathcliff or Deck Lite?
Do Heathcliff or Deck Lite have ads?
Which is updated more often, Heathcliff or Deck Lite?
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