Csound
7.7#3 in sound design softwareFree planFree planAndroidiOSWebAPI
VisitCsound vs SynthMaster 3
SynthMaster 3
7.7#3 in software synthesizers$99 one-timeFree planiOSmacOSWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Csound | SynthMaster 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation depth | The canonical manual is version 6.18.0 and contains command syntax, realtime I/O, configuration, language reference and extensive opcode sections. | KV331’s downloads page exposes a SynthMaster 2.8 manual, while an independent 2026 report says written SynthMaster 3 documentation was absent and an unofficial manual was created. |
| Founded | 1985 | 2004 |
| Licence | The source repository distributes Csound under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 or later. | The EULA grants a proprietary, nonexclusive licence for one user and prohibits reverse engineering, decompilation and derivative works. |
Csound plans
- CsoundFree
SynthMaster 3 plans
- SynthMaster 3$99, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 Free BetaFree
- Upgrade from SynthMaster 2$29, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster 2$29, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster One$49, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster 3 Player$49, paid once
Pick Csound if…
Csound suits musicians and developers who want a programming-based system for sound and music, including app or game audio work. Browser use and linked language interfaces may suit people exploring it without a conventional standalone workflow.
Pick SynthMaster 3 if…
SynthMaster 3 suits music makers seeking a modular synthesizer with multiple synthesis methods, editing tools, and DAW routing options. Its standalone app and plug-in formats support Windows and macOS workflows.