Max vs SynthMaster 3

Max8.9Visit SSynthMaster 36.2Visit

Higher score Max #5 in Sound Design Software 8.9/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Cycling '74

vs

S SynthMaster 3 #32 in Sound Design Software 6.2/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 3 features Visit KV331 Audio

• Max fits best

  Professional visual patching and media design

• SynthMaster 3 fits best

  Broad synthesis at a moderate one-time price

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Side by side

Feature	Max 8.9/10 Visit ↗	SSynthMaster 3 6.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	6.2
Ranking	#5 in Sound Design Software	#32 in Sound Design Software
Best for	Professional visual patching and media design	Broad synthesis at a moderate one-time price
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	$133.20/yr	$99 one-time
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS
Support	Tickets, Community, Docs	Email, Tickets, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Max 2/3 · SynthMaster 3 2/3
Standalone app	✓	✓
Sample import	✓	✓
Surround audio	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Primary workflow	Hybrid	Modular
Plugin formats	Audio Unit, VST, VST3, and AMXD	VST2, VST3, AudioUnits, AAX
Supported platforms	macOS and Windows	Windows, macOS
Our review
Pros	Build custom synthesizers, effects, samples, and MIDI tools Combines multichannel audio, video, graphics, Gen, and Jitter Loads Audio Unit, VST, VST3, and Max for Live plug-ins	Supports wavetable, granular, additive, FM and sample playback synthesis Provides up to 16 layers with per-layer modulation, sequencing and arpeggiation Includes VST2, VST3, AudioUnits and AAX plugin formats
Cons	No free plan, with annual access starting at $133.20 Permanent license costs $442.89 and major upgrades are separate Available only for macOS and Windows	The product is paid, with a listed price of $99 one time The downloadable demo stops working after 30 minutes The documented standalone version is for Windows
Our verdict	Max is a visual patching environment for musicians, artists, educators, researchers, and media designers. Its connected-object workflow supports custom synthesizers, effects, sample-processing systems, MIDI tools, interactive audiovisual… Read the review →	SynthMaster 3 is a modular software synthesizer for producers, composers and sound designers who want several synthesis methods inside one instrument. Its architecture supports up to 16 layers per instance, combining wavetable, granular,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Max — where it wins

  • Build custom synthesizers, effects, samples, and MIDI tools
  • Combines multichannel audio, video, graphics, Gen, and Jitter
  • Loads Audio Unit, VST, VST3, and Max for Live plug-ins

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan, with annual access starting at $133.20
  • Permanent license costs $442.89 and major upgrades are separate
  • Available only for macOS and Windows

• SynthMaster 3 — where it wins

  • Supports wavetable, granular, additive, FM and sample playback synthesis
  • Provides up to 16 layers with per-layer modulation, sequencing and arpeggiation
  • Includes VST2, VST3, AudioUnits and AAX plugin formats

  Where it doesn't

  • The product is paid, with a listed price of $99 one time
  • The downloadable demo stops working after 30 minutes
  • The documented standalone version is for Windows

• Max8.9/10 · 30-day trial

  A deep visual patching environment for custom sound, audiovisual, and hardware projects.

  Visit Cycling '74Full verdict →
• SSynthMaster 36.2/10 · Paid

  A broad synthesis instrument with deep layering and a $99 one-time price.

  Visit KV331 AudioFull verdict →