Digital Performer vs OpenMPT
Digital Performer
motu.comOpenMPT
openmpt.orgSide by side
| Figure | Digital Performer | OpenMPT |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 1 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.4 (#6) | 8.0 (#16) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.4 (#23) | 8.0 (#56) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.3 (#5) | 7.9 (#15) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | No |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Support | MOTU says registered users are eligible for technical support through its support website or by telephone. | Users can seek help in the forums and FAQ, and report bugs or request features through the issue tracker. |
| Supported platforms | macOS and Windows | Windows; macOS and Linux via Wine |
Plans
Digital Performer
- Full versionPriced on request
- Full versionPrice not published
- Competitive upgradePrice not published
- Competitive upgradePriced on request
- Performer Lite upgradePriced on request
- Upgrade from previous versionPriced on request
- Upgrade from previous version$195, paid once
- DP11 competitive upgrade$395, paid once
- Performer Lite upgrade$395, paid once
- Digital Performer 11 full version$499, paid once
In their own words
Digital Performer
Digital Performer is an application for recording audio, sequencing MIDI, editing, arranging, mixing, and creating music notation. Its MOTU Audio System combines a hard-disk recording engine with a mixing environment that includes internal busses, aux tracks, master faders, sends, and real-time effects. The application supports virtual instruments and third-party VST plug-ins on Mac and Windows, plus Audio Unit plug-ins on macOS. QuickScribe exports notation scores as MusicXML for use in notation programs such as Finale and Sibelius. Digital Performer runs on macOS and Windows and is 64-bit only; it does not support 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments, and PC ARM processors are not supported. The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating systems. A 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows documents to be saved. There is no free plan. The listed full version costs $499, paid once, and the DP11 competitive upgrade costs $395 as a one-time purchase. Registered users are eligible for technical support through the support website or by telephone.
OpenMPT
OpenMPT is a tracker and audio application for writing and playing music, with a sample-based workflow or DAW-style use through plugin support. It is portable and needs no installation. The editor supports up to 128 channels and 256 virtual channels, multiple open modules, and a built-in sample editor. OpenMPT supports VST effects and instruments, DirectX audio plugins, and VST automation from patterns. It imports module formats including Impulse Tracker, Scream Tracker 3, FastTracker 2, and ProTracker, and can save IT, MOD, MPTM, S3M, and XM modules. Audio export includes lossless PCM and float audio up to 192 kHz and 32-bit, as well as Opus, Ogg Vorbis, MP3, MIDI, and OPL register dumps. Live workflows include queuing patterns and controlling VST parameters with a MIDI keyboard. OpenMPT can load MIDI files but is not a MIDI editor. It is free under the New BSD License. Windows is supported natively; macOS and Linux use Wine.