Aalto vs SILO
Aalto
madronalabs.comSILO
unfilteredaudio.comSide by side
| Figure | Aalto | SILO |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Sound Design Software | 8.4 (#4) | 7.6 (#16) |
| System requirements | The page lists macOS 10.9 or higher with a 64-bit VST or AU host, and Windows 7, 8, or 10. | The product page lists Mac OS X 10.11 or later, Windows 7 through 10, and 2 GB RAM. |
Plans
In their own words
Aalto
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.