Open Source Max/MSP Alternatives

The best open source alternative to Max/MSP is Pure Data. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Max/MSP and many of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Max/MSP are VCV Rack, SuperCollider, Vuo and OpenFrameworks.

Max/MSP alternatives are mainly Music Production Apps but may also be Projection Mapping Apps or Theater Show Control Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Max/MSP.

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Max/MSP

Paid • Proprietary
Music Production App

Mac
Windows

Interactive visual programming environment for music, audio, and media

In use for over twenty years by performers,...

Learn more about Max/MSP

Pure Data
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Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
38 alternatives to Pure Data
Pd (aka Pure Data) is a real-time graphical programming environment for audio, video, and graphical processing. It is the third major branch of the family of patcher programming languages known as Max (Max/FTS, ISPW Max, Max/MSP, jMax, etc.

Pure Data has no features, suggest some!

Pure Data vs Max/MSP opinions
Almost everyone thinks Pure Data is a great alternative to Max/MSP.
Guest
The original one I used and it's open source.
Positive comment•
2
VCV Rack
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Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
24 alternatives to VCV Rack
VCV Rack is a modular synthesizer inspired by Eurorack systems. It acts a host for virtual modules which perform various audio processes. E.G. oscillators, filters, envelope generators, sequencers and more that can be connected freely in almost limitless combinations.
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VCV Rack Features
Modular System
Synthesizer
Standalone
SuperCollider
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Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
30 alternatives to SuperCollider
A real time audio synthesis engine, and an object-oriented programming language specialised for music.
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SuperCollider Features
Real-time processing
Add a screenshot
Vuo
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Free Personal • Open Source
Mac
25 alternatives to Vuo
Vuo lets media creators make interactive animations, exhibits, performances, and professional-grade media projects by connecting up simple building blocks. Media creators can use these blocks to manipulate audio input, images, layers, videos, and 2D + 3D graphics, as well as...
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Vuo Features
1. Support for MIDIVuo includes MIDI hardware and software support to record and import audio.
Visual Programming
MIDI Keyboard Input
Capture image from video
Export to JSON
Video filters
Photo effects
Gpu control
Rendering with graphics card
Record videos
Blur Filter
OpenFrameworks
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Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
15 alternatives to OpenFrameworks
openFrameworks is an open source C++ toolkit designed to assist the creative process by providing a simple and intuitive framework for experimentation. The toolkit is designed to work as a general purpose glue, and wraps together several commonly used libraries, including:
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OpenFrameworks Features
C++
Fugio
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Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
13 alternatives to Fugio
Fugio is a free, open source, visual programming system for making digital art and creative projects using a wide range of technologies, for Windows, OS X, and Linux (including Raspberry Pi).
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Fugio Features
1. Support for MIDIFugio includes MIDI hardware and software support to record and import audio.
Arduino
OPENGL
Virtual Reality
ORCA
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Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
34 alternatives to ORCA
Orca is an Esoteric Programming Language and live-coding environment for musical experimentation. In Orca, each letter of the alphabet is an operation, lowercase letters operate on bang, uppercase letters operate each frame.
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ORCA Features
Synthesizer
Modular System
Real-time processing
HISE
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Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
8 alternatives to HISE
HISE is a cross-platform open source audio application for building virtual instruments. It emphasizes on sampling, but includes some basic synthesis features for making hybrid instruments as well as audio effects.
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HISE Features
1. Virtual InstrumentHISE uses mainy virtual instruments (piano, guitar, drums, bass, etc.).
PraxisLIVE
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Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
32 alternatives to PraxisLIVE
PraxisLIVE is an open-source, visual programming environment. Experiment with and create projects using a visual patching system coupled with the power of programming in Java, Processing and GLSL.
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PraxisLIVE Features
Real-time processing
Modular System
Cabbage Studio
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Free • Open Source
Music Production App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
24 alternatives to Cabbage Studio
Cabbage Studio is a sophisticated combination of DAW and audio development environment. The studio offers a modular interface for constructing sounds driven by Csound with the power of .
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Cabbage Studio Features
Modular System
Exports audio plugins
Synthesizer
Real-time processing