Bespoke Synth vs Bidule
Bespoke Synth
bespokesynth.comBidule
plogue.comSide by side
| Figure | Bespoke Synth | Bidule |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $20/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 2 |
| Spec score · Sound Design Software | 8.6 (#2) | 8.4 (#5) |
| Founded | 2011 | 2000 |
| Support | The maker points users to Discord for discussion and support, and to online documentation for usage help. | Plogue provides a Bidule user guide and a forum with more than 52,000 posts and more than 5,000 registered members. |
Plans
Bespoke Synth
- FreeFree
- Bespoke Plus$20 a month
- Bespoke Pro$40 a month
- bespokeFree
- bespoke plus$20, paid once
- bespoke pro$40, paid once
In their own words
Bespoke Synth
Bespoke Synth is modular synthesizer software for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Users connect modules in custom layouts to create sounds, with documented tools for sequencing, synthesis, audio effects, sampling, and modulation. The maker describes its DAW-like workflow as focused on jamming and exploration rather than a global timeline. The library provides access to more than 190 modules, and listed capabilities include MIDI controller support, VST plugin hosting, and Python livecoding. Python scripts can control notes and modules; documented integrations include Ableton Link synchronization and OSC message output. Users can import samples, save and load layouts, and write the last 30 minutes of audio to a recordings folder. Bespoke is open source under GPLv3, and all versions are described as identical. A free plan is listed, alongside optional Bespoke Plus at $20 per month and Bespoke Pro at $40 per month. The maker says payments go to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Online documentation and Discord are listed for help and discussion.
Bidule
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.