Sound Show

Overview

Sound Show is a desktop soundboard and multimedia player for running audio cues in live performances. It is best suited to performers who need controlled playback alongside projected media or automated cue sequences. The free edition can cover a modest setup, while larger boards and connected show-control gear point toward Pro.

Key features

Tracks can be layered or crossfaded, with separate volume and playback controls. That gives operators more flexibility for overlapping cues than a board limited to one active sound at a time. Sound formats include MP3, WAV, FLAC, MP2, WMA, OGG and AIFF.

Sound Show also sends video, images, text and webcam feeds to a second display, useful when a performance needs visuals alongside sound. Sequences can include delays, automatic starts, simultaneous playback or waits for input. Playlists support autoplay, shuffle and looping, and can be saved and loaded for repeat performances.

Hotkey triggering is supported. Pro adds MIDI, Stream Deck, OBS, QLC+ lighting control and Android remote integrations. The remote can control the desktop app when both devices share a Wi-Fi network. Free allows up to two audio outputs, against eight in Pro, so complex routing is a clear reason to upgrade.

Pricing

Free: free. It includes most features, but caps users at 10 tabs and 40 sounds per tab, limits visual customization, locks some modules and allows two audio outputs. It suits smaller shows that can work within those boundaries.

Pro: €45, paid once, billed as a one-time payment. It removes the sound and tab limits, adds custom grids, skins and icons, includes the MIDI, QLC+, OBS and Android remote integrations, and raises the output limit to eight. This is the better fit for larger cue libraries or setups that depend on those integrations; Stream Deck integration is also included with Pro.

Platforms

Sound Show is a desktop app, not a browser app, with support for Windows, macOS and Linux. Requirements are Windows 10 21H1 or newer, macOS 11 Big Sur or newer, or Linux x86_64. Android 6.0 or newer is supported for the remote-control app. The Android remote requires the phone and desktop to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Who it's for

Sound Show fits performers and show operators who want cue playback, visual projection, playlists and automation in one desktop tool. It is less compelling for someone seeking a browser-based soundboard, or for a show whose audio routing exceeds Free's two-output cap but does not justify Pro.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Layering and crossfades with independent track controls give operators options for managing overlapping cues.
• Pro: Second-display projection and sequence automation extend the tool beyond basic soundboard playback.
• Pro: Pro combines unlimited tabs and sounds with up to eight outputs and integrations for show-control workflows.
• Con: Free's 10-tab, 40-sounds-per-tab and two-output limits may constrain a growing show.
• Con: It is a desktop-first setup; Android is for remote control rather than a listed standalone soundboard platform.

Alternatives

For a wider set of soundboard options, browse Soundboard Software.

• Blerp is a freemium alternative with a free trial, broad platform support including web and mobile, and a free plan that includes a 500+ voice library, basic voice filters, moderation queue and word censorship.
• SoundTools Soundboard is a free alternative across desktop, mobile and web; its free plan requires no account or install and has no limits or watermarks.
• EXP Soundboard is a free alternative for Linux, macOS, web and Windows, with MP3/WAV support.
• Resanance is a free option for Windows, Android and web that offers unlimited sounds and hotkeys and multiple output devices.
• Stadium Sound is another free alternative.
• Voicemod AI Voice Cleaner is a freemium option whose free plan is an AI voice cleaner, with support for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows.
• AudioPad is a free alternative for Linux and Windows; its home page identifies a GNU GPL v3.0 license while its pricing page labels the free plan MIT License.
• Go Button is an iOS freemium option whose free version includes one saved show playlist, all functionality, and no ads or time limits.

Verdict

Choose Sound Show if you run live performances and want layered audio cues, projection and automation in a single desktop app, with Pro available for larger boards and integrated show control. Look elsewhere if you need a browser-based tool or a free setup with more than two audio outputs.