MSoundFactory vs Pure Data
MSoundFactory
meldaproduction.comPure Data
puredata.infoSide by side
| Figure | MSoundFactory | Pure Data |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · Sound Design Software | 8.0 (#10) | 8.4 (#6) |
Plans
MSoundFactory
- MSoundFactory PlayerFree
- MSoundFactory LE$55, paid once
- MSoundFactory$167, paid once
In their own words
MSoundFactory
MSoundFactory is a modular virtual instrument for creating instruments from generators, samplers, filters, and effects. Its per-voice Generator engine connects modules automatically and supports oscillators, wavetables, filters, samplers, drum generators, effects, and utilities. Modulation is available globally and per voice, with a 4×4 matrix for supported per-voice parameters. The sampler supports unlimited regions and alternating hits, along with looping, crossfading, modulation, and synchronized samplers for multi-microphone instruments. The product page advertises full MPE support and modular unison that does not allocate multiple voices for the same note. The free Player includes a few sounds and no customizations; it may play some third-party sounds. MSoundFactory LE costs $55, paid once, while the full edition costs $167, paid once and includes all sounds and instruments. The fully functional 15-day trial becomes MSoundFactory after it expires. It runs as a plugin, not a standalone app, on Windows 10/11 64-bit and macOS 10.14 or newer in compatible hosts.
Pure Data
Pure Data (Pd) is a free graphical programming environment for combining media processing in real time. Its patch-based workflow supports audio and graphical processing, and it runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Artists use Pd for visual arts, theatre, dance, audio, installations, performance, and media art. It can also control hardware and electronics or develop interfaces for other programs. Pd's built-in Deken package manager installs external libraries that extend its functionality. Deken is mainly intended for Pd vanilla, though some other Pd flavors, including Plug Data, can use it. Package listings specify availability for macOS, Linux, Windows, or source compilation, and some packages are limited to particular architectures. Users can find a library or object and install a downloaded DEK package through Pd's Find externals tool. The listed plan is free; no paid plans or usage limits are stated.