Pure Data vs SynthMaster 3

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.

SynthMaster 3 is a modular software synthesizer available as a standalone app and plug-in for macOS and Windows. It offers VAnalog, additive, vector, wavetable, granular, phase modulation, phase distortion, frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, ring modulation, physical modeling, and SFZ sample playback. Each instance can contain up to 16 layers, with each layer holding up to 16 modules and 32 modulation sources. The software includes waveform, wavetable, and multi-sample editors; multi-samples can be imported from WAV or AIFF files and exported in SFZ format. Each layer has a MIDI output channel for routing arpeggiator or sequencer output to different DAW tracks. Plug-in formats are VST2, VST3, AudioUnits, and AAX. The product includes 3150 factory presets. SynthMaster 3 costs $99, paid once and includes 6 free expansions. A free player and demo are also available. The demo stops after 30 minutes, adds noise every minute, and disables WAV wavetable and SFZ multi-sample export.