Dexed vs EastWest ComposerCloud+

Dexed is a free synth plugin and standalone app modeled on the Yamaha DX7. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, with VST, AU and LV2 plugin formats. Its sound engine follows the original DX7’s characteristics and includes Modern, Mark I and OPL Series engine types. Dexed also serves as a MIDI cartridge librarian for the DX7: it can load and save DX7/TX7 SysEx programs, save an individual program to a separate SysEx file, and exchange DX7 SysEx messages, including controller change. A single panel exposes 144 DAW-automatable DX7 parameters, and each operator has a real-time VU meter. Microtuning and MPE support were contributed by the Surge Synthesizer Team. Dexed is free software under GPL v3, at free. The project says documentation is minimal and cautions against expecting a perfect DX7 clone. Release 1.0.1 fixes scaling issues and rebuilds the Linux binary for older glibc versions.

EastWest ComposerCloud+ is a subscription library providing more than 43,000 virtual instruments for composers, producers, and creators. Its collection covers orchestral instruments, synths and keys, vocals, rock and pop, world instruments, and convolution reverb. Through the OPUS engine, subscribers search, audition, and download instruments for local DAW use. OPUS includes sample streaming, routing and microphone-position controls, processing, macros, controller mappings, and on-demand loading. Licenses activate on a computer or iLok key, with two activated devices allowed per subscription. EastWest states that instruments are royalty free for commercial use and creators retain rights to their work. Internet access is required for searching, auditioning, and downloading; an optional content hard drive requires monthly online validation. After cancellation, licensed instruments stop loading in OPUS, but exported audio continues playing. Supported systems are Mac OS X 10.13 or later and Windows 10 or later. Plans include 9.99 USD monthly for students, 19.99 USD monthly for individuals, 69.00 USD yearly for students, and 149.00 USD yearly for individuals. A 14-day trial is listed.