SuperCollider
A programmable platform for real-time audio synthesis and algorithmic composition.
These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.
2 more ways to get SuperCollider
Package managers
- Chocolatey
choco install supercollider - Homebrew
brew install --cask supercollider
About SuperCollider
SuperCollider is used by musicians, artists and researchers to make sound with code. It has three parts: scsynth, a real-time audio engine that runs as a server; sclang, an interpreted language that acts as its client; and scide, an editor with integrated help. An alternative server, supernova, adds multi-threading.
Because of the client/server design, several clients can control the same server, and clients exist for Python, JavaScript, Haskell and Scala. Originally written by James McCartney in 1996 and released under the GPL in 2002, it is now maintained by its community.
Strengths
- Real-time synthesis engine controlled from code
- Client/server design allows multiple and non-native clients
- Multi-threaded supernova server option
- Editor with built-in help system
Limitations
- Requires learning a programming language
- Linux release is offered as a source tarball on the site
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source under the GNU General Public License.
- License
- GPL
- Developer
- The SuperCollider contributors
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Musicians and researchers who want to generate and process sound with code
- Categories
- Audio tools, Developer tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to SuperCollider
Compare allSoftware that can replace SuperCollider for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Csound
A free and open-source audio programming language for sound synthesis and computer music.
Csound is another free, open-source audio programming language with a long computer music history, and it also runs on mobile, embedded and web platforms.
Pure Data
Open-source visual programming environment for building interactive audio and multimedia works.
Pure Data replaces written code with visual patching for real-time audio, while staying free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Sonic Pi
A free live-coding music synth where you write simple code to compose and perform music.
Sonic Pi is a free, open-source live-coding synth with a friendlier beginner tutorial and Ableton Link support, aimed more at performing and learning than research.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
VCV Rack
A virtual Eurorack modular synthesizer for Windows, macOS and Linux with a large module library.
Cardinal
Free, self-contained virtual modular synthesizer based on VCV Rack, as a plugin and standalone app.
Plogue Bidule
Connect audio, MIDI and processing components in a modular workspace.
Surge XT
An open-source hybrid synthesizer available as a plugin and a standalone app.
JACK Audio Connection Kit
Connect audio and MIDI applications through an audio server.
