Bespoke Synth vs Max
Bespoke Synth
bespokesynth.comMax
cycling74.comSide by side
| Figure | Bespoke Synth | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $20/mo | $10/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 3 |
| Spec score · Sound Design Software | 8.6 (#2) | 7.9 (#11) |
| Founded | 2011 | 1997 |
| Integrations | The reference documents Ableton Link synchronization and OSC message output. | Max's Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons, including support for Novation, Monome, and ROLI hardware controllers. |
| Support | The maker points users to Discord for discussion and support, and to online documentation for usage help. | Cycling '74's support team is listed as online Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time. |
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
Max
- Max Subscription$12.99 a month
- Max Subscription$120 a year
- Max 9 Permanent License$399, 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.
Max
Max is an interactive visual patching environment for musicians, artists, and people prototyping software. It runs on macOS and Windows as a standalone app, supports sample import, and works with Audio Unit, VST, VST3, and AMXD formats. Users can build synthesizers, manipulate samples, and create layered multichannel sound with MC objects. Jitter adds expandable video and graphics tools for realtime audiovisual work. Max connects to development boards and accesses sensors, knobs, and switches for interaction prototypes. Gen creates audio, matrix, or texture processes and can output source code for use elsewhere. Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons, including Novation, Monome, and ROLI support. Extensions can be written in C++, NodeJS, Java, or JavaScript. Cycling '74 develops Max for Live with Ableton, and Max 9 adds sound-processing objects based on Ableton's audio library. The 30-day trial unlocks all features without restrictions on opening, editing, saving, or creating.