Comparison

4Comp vs How Far?

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

Head to head
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.

About

How Far?

Features
Read full description

Put every sound in its place. How Far? is an AUv3 mixing effect that makes spatial placement and perceived distance easy to control. Move across the XY pad to position or widen a sound, then move vertically to bring it forward or push it deeper into the mix. How Far? combines level, tone, presence, transient softening, reflections, diffusion and stereo cues to create a natural sense of depth. Use it to: • Create separation between instruments • Bring important parts forward • push supporting sounds behind the lead • Place sounds across the stereo field • Add width without losing control • Build depth without stacking multiple plug-ins Choose from Pan, Width, Space, Wide+ and Angle modes. Fine-tune each distance component on the Details page, or start quickly with the included presets. Use How Far? as an AUv3 effect in compatible hosts, or capture, audition and export audio in the standalone app.

Screenshots

4Comp4 screens
How Far?3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: How Far? at $2.99 against 4Comp's $4.99. On ads, in-app purchases, 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

4Comp costs $4.99 and How Far? $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
4Comp versus How Far?: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter4CompHow Far?
Price$4.99$2.99 — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNATHAN THOMAS MATHISADBC INNOVATION PTY LTD

In-app purchases

None

4Comp

No in-app purchases

None

How Far?

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is 4Comp free?
4Comp costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is How Far? free?
How Far? costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do 4Comp or How Far? have ads?
Neither 4Comp nor How Far? shows ads.

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