Aalto vs Bidule

Aalto is a semi-modular software synthesizer by Madrona Labs, built around a patchable interface. Its complex oscillator offers FM, timbre, and waveshape controls, calculating sound dynamically rather than using static wavetables. Every voice has a built-in sequencer with independently controllable, patchable rate and offset. Voice modules include a lowpass gate with vactrol emulation and a patchable waveguide or delay whose feedback loop contains a waveshaper and peaking EQ. A state-variable filter provides simultaneous mixable outputs. Aalto runs on macOS and Windows as a plug-in: Mac provides VST and AU installers, while Windows provides VST. There is no standalone app. A free trial is available, but demo mode plays a reminder sound about every minute and disables patch saving. The listed Aalto license costs $99 as a one-time purchase. It permits installation on any number of computers, though simultaneous use requires one license per computer.

Bidule is a modular audio application for connecting modules to build instruments and effects. It runs as a standalone app on Windows and macOS and can also operate as a plug-in in compatible hosts. FFT modules split audio into frequencies and magnitudes for spectral processing. Bidule can play and record multichannel audio files with up to 64 channels and render ambisonic files offline. Users can save module collections as reusable groups, and free community groups are available through the in-app catalogue. MIDI devices can control mapped internal module parameters when connected to the graph. Its OSC server can control linked parameters, start processing, or open a .bidule file. Listed plug-in formats are VST2, VST3, and AU. The one-time price is 95.00 USD, and a fully functioning demo is available. However, the current standalone trial period has ended; Plogue says a new trial will be available with a new version. Plug-in versions are limited to registered users and require the standalone version to be installed and registered first.