Aalto vs SynthMaster 2
Aalto
madronalabs.comSynthMaster 2
synthmaster.comSide by side
| Figure | Aalto | SynthMaster 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Software Synthesizers | 8.4 (#7) | 7.7 (#19) |
| Demo limits | In demo mode, a reminder sound plays about every minute and saving patches is disabled. | The demo disables preset saving, stops working after 30 minutes and includes fewer factory presets than the paid version. |
| Founded | 2008 | 2004 |
| Maker | Madrona Labs says it has made electronic musical instruments since 2008; the page does not state its headquarters or incorporation founding date. | KV331 Audio founder Bulent Biyikoglu states that he founded the company in 2004. |
| Product | Aalto is a semi-modular software synthesizer with a patchable interface. | SynthMaster 2 is a two-layer semi-modular software synthesizer and effects plug-in. |
| Support | Madrona Labs offers technical support by email and publishes Aalto tutorial videos covering patching and its modules. | The maker asks customers with product support issues to contact it through its support form. |
Plans
SynthMaster 2
- SynthMaster 2$9, paid once
- SynthMaster 2 for iOS$14.99, paid once
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.
SynthMaster 2
SynthMaster 2 has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.