# AmpGate vs 1981 FM

The clearest difference is review sentiment: 1981 FM at 100% against AmpGate's 0%. 1981 FM also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). AmpGate's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 1981 FM sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. AmpGate asks for nothing beyond the download.

1981 FM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of AmpGate's written reviews are positive against 100% of 1981 FM's.

AmpGate ships an update every 3 weeks, 1981 FM every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AmpGate | 1981 FM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ampgate/id6788570879/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/1981-fm-80s-track-generator/id6805325447/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MATTEO DEMETRIO ZANARDI](https://appshunter.io/developer/6788570881) | [Soft Brew Mobile](https://appshunter.io/developer/561703410) |

## What reviewers say

### AmpGate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ampgate/id6788570879)

This app provides a real-time amplifier simulator for mobile devices, featuring exact digital captures of real amplifiers and full rigs. It allows users to browse and audition a vast library of tones, load custom impulse responses, and import their own captures. It also functions as an AUv3 plugin for use in music production hosts.

**Highlights:** Real-time amp simulation, Vast tone library access, Cabinet section with IR loader, Noise gate and gain controls, Low-latency processing, AUv3 plugin compatibility

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### 1981 FM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/1981-fm-80s-track-generator/id6805325447)

This app generates complete, unique musical tracks using chaotic mathematical principles. It offers various styles, modes, and keys, with customizable FM synth sounds and effects. Tracks can be recreated using seeds and exported via MIDI.

**Highlights:** Chaos-driven track generation, Four-operator FM synth engine, Multiple musical styles and modes, MIDI export and input, Customizable effects (chorus, delay, reverb), Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AUv3 Unlock | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AmpGate free?

AmpGate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is 1981 FM free?

1981 FM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AmpGate or 1981 FM?

1981 FM is rated higher. AmpGate averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while 1981 FM averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do AmpGate or 1981 FM have ads?

Neither AmpGate nor 1981 FM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AmpGate or 1981 FM?

AmpGate ships an update every 3 weeks, and 1981 FM every 2 weeks. Most recently, AmpGate was updated on October 9, 2026 and 1981 FM on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*