Synthesis & DSP Tools, compared
All 21 synthesis & dsp tools in the directory, side by side — language, license, and platforms. Open any tool for install steps and a code example.
| Tool | Language | License | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| AudioLazyinactiveReal-time expressive DSP package for Python built on lazy streams, filters and synthesis. | Python | GPL-3.0 | macOS Windows Linux |
| CabbageFramework to wrap Csound code into VST/AU audio plugins and standalone instruments with a GUI. | Csound | GPL-3.0 | macOS Windows Linux |
| CsoundVeteran sound-and-music computing system for synthesis and DSP via orchestra/score code. | Csound | LGPL-2.1 | macOS Windows Linux |
| Elementary AudioDeclarative JavaScript library for digital audio signal processing, portable across web and native renderers. | JavaScript / C++ | MIT | Web macOS Windows |
| FaustFunctional DSP language that compiles to C++, WebAssembly, plugins and many other targets. | Faust | LGPL-2.1-or-later | macOS Windows Linux |
| FlockinginactiveJavaScript audio synthesis framework using declarative JSON specs, aimed at artists and experimental web sound. | JavaScript | MIT OR GPL-2.0 | Web |
| Gibberish.jsFast JavaScript DSP library that generates JIT-optimized, sample-accurate audio callbacks via code generation. | JavaScript | MIT | Web |
| JUCECross-platform C++ framework for building audio apps and VST/AU/AAX/LV2 plug-ins. | C++ | AGPL-3.0-only OR Commercial | macOS Windows Linux |
| Max/MSPVisual patching environment; scriptable via the js object, gen~ DSP language, and Node for Max. | JavaScript / Gen | Proprietary | macOS Windows |
| NyquistLisp/SAL language for sound synthesis and algorithmic composition; also embedded in Audacity. | Lisp / SAL | See project | macOS Windows Linux |
| PedalboardFast Python library for audio effects and VST3/AU plugin hosting, built on JUCE by Spotify. | Python | GPL-3.0 | macOS Windows Linux |
| Pure DataVisual dataflow environment for real-time synthesis, audio processing and interactive multimedia. | Pd (visual) | BSD-3-Clause | macOS Windows Linux |
| pydubHigh-level Python library for simple audio editing: slice, concatenate, convert, and apply gain. | Python | MIT | macOS Windows Linux |
| pyoPython module written in C for building real-time audio signal-processing and synthesis scripts. | Python | LGPL-3.0 | macOS Windows Linux |
| python-sounddevicePlay and record NumPy audio arrays via PortAudio, with blocking and callback streaming. | Python | MIT | macOS Windows Linux |
| RTcmixReal-time descendant of Cmix: a C-based synthesis engine driven by Minc scripting scores. | Minc / C | Apache-2.0 | macOS Linux |
| SoundFileRead and write WAV/FLAC/OGG and other formats via libsndfile, returning NumPy arrays. | Python | BSD-3-Clause | macOS Windows Linux |
| STK (Synthesis ToolKit)C++ class library of synthesis and DSP building blocks (oscillators, filters, physical models). | C++ | MIT | macOS Windows Linux |
| SupriyaPython API for the SuperCollider synthesis server: build synths, patterns and score audio. | Python | MIT | macOS Windows Linux |
| ThrenoscopeinactiveA live-coding instrument for spatial microtonal drones over long durations. | SuperCollider | AGPL-3.0 | macOS Windows Linux |
| ZzFXSub-1KB zero-dependency synth that generates game sound effects from a list of numeric parameters. | JavaScript | MIT | Web |