Freedom251 › Sound Design Software
Bidule
What Bidule is
Bidule is a modular audio application for building instruments and effects by connecting audio modules. It runs as a standalone app on Windows and macOS, and its plug-in versions work in compatible VST2, VST3, or AU hosts. FFT modules split audio into frequency and magnitude components for spectral work. Bidule can play and record multichannel files with up to 64 channels, and render ambisonic files offline. Users can save module collections as reusable groups or download free groups from the in-app catalogue. MIDI devices can control mapped module parameters, while the OSC server can control linked parameters, start processing, or open a .bidule file. The listed one-time price is 95.00 USD. A fully functioning demo is available, but the current standalone trial period has ended; Plogue says a new trial will be offered when a new version is released. Plug-in versions are available only to registered users, after installing and registering the standalone version.
Who it suits
Bidule suits musicians and audio creators who want to build instruments or effects from modules, including those working with multichannel or ambisonic audio. It is available for Windows and macOS.
What it does well
- Standalone app and plug-in formats are available.
- Processes multichannel files with up to 64 channels.
- Can render ambisonic files offline.
- Reusable groups can be saved or downloaded.
- Supports MIDI mapping and OSC control.
What to know first
- Costs 95.00 USD as a one-time purchase.
- The current standalone trial period has ended.
- Plug-in versions require standalone installation and registration.
- Windows requires Windows 10 x64 or higher.
Limits
The listed price is $95, paid once. The current standalone trial period has ended, and Plogue says a new trial will be available when a new version is released. Plug-in editions work only for registered users and require the standalone app to be installed and registered first.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bidule | one-time purchase · one key unlocks any number of personal Mac or PC computers · schools and corporations need one key per station | $95, paid once |
As plogue.com lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Plogue Bidule product page
- Choose the standalone version for Windows or macOS
- Install and register the standalone app before using a plug-in version
- For Windows, use Windows 10 x64 or higher; for macOS, use macOS 10.15 or higher
- For plug-in use, open Bidule in a compatible VST2 or VST3 host on Windows, or AU, VST2, or VST3 host on macOS
Verdict
Bidule brings modular patching together with spectral, multichannel, MIDI, and OSC workflows. Check the system and host requirements, and note that the current standalone trial has ended.
Questions
How much does Bidule cost?
The Bidule plan costs $95, paid once.
Is there a free plan or trial?
There is no free plan. A fully functioning demo is available, but the current standalone trial period has ended; Plogue says a new trial will be available with a new version.
Which platforms does Bidule support?
It supports Windows and macOS. Windows requires Windows 10 x64 or higher; macOS requires version 10.15 or higher.
Which plug-in formats are supported?
The listed formats are VST2, VST3, and AU. Plug-in use requires a compatible host, and plug-in versions require the standalone app to be installed and registered first.
Who makes Bidule?
Plogue, founded in 2000, is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Can Bidule handle multichannel audio?
It can play and record multichannel audio files with up to 64 channels and render ambisonic files offline.
Facts from Bidule's own pages
- Founded
- 2000 · plogue.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada · plogue.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- Plogue says Bidule is used by thousands of musicians worldwide. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- License terms
- Plogue grants a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for personal or commercial use and provides a fully functioning demo version. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- macOS support
- The Mac version requires macOS 10.15 or higher and supports Intel or Apple Silicon/M1 natively; plug-in use requires an AU, VST2, or VST3 host. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- MIDI control
- Bidule can map internal module parameters to a MIDI controller when a MIDI device is connected to the graph. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Multichannel audio
- Bidule can play and record multichannel audio files with up to 64 channels and render ambisonic files offline. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- OSC integration
- Bidule provides an OSC server that can control every parameter available for parameter linking and can start processing or open a .bidule file. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Plug-in licensing
- The Bidule plug-in versions work only for registered users, and the standalone version must be installed and registered first. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- Plogue says it collects only information necessary for services and support, does not sell or share information except as required by law, and does not use cookies or tracking technologies. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- Bidule is a cross-platform modular audio application for connecting audio modules to create instruments and effects. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Reusable groups
- Users can save collections of modules as reusable groups and download free community groups from the in-app catalogue. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Spectral processing
- Its FFT modules split audio into frequencies and magnitudes for spectral manipulation. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Support
- Plogue provides a Bidule user guide and a forum with more than 52,000 posts and more than 5,000 registered members. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Trial
- The current Bidule standalone trial period has ended, and Plogue says a new trial will be available when a new version is released. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Windows support
- The Windows version requires Windows 10 x64 or higher; the plug-in version requires a VST2 or VST3 host. · plogue.com, 30 Sept 2026
Where Bidule stands on Freedom251
- Sound Design Software#9 of 32