Side by side
Cardinal vs Dexed
Both stand on software synthesizers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
Cardinal provides a large bundled modular-synthesis environment in standalone and plugin forms. Its fixed module set and variant format limits are important to consider before choosing it.
Visit Cardinal Free plan Open source iPhoneLinuxMac+1
Dexed pairs a DX7-modeled synth with librarian functions and a broad set of automatable parameters. It is free under GPL v3, though documentation is limited and the project cautions against expecting a perfect clone.
Visit DexedThe facts
| Cardinal | Dexed | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cardinal.kx.studio | asb2m10.github.io |
| On software synthesizers | #1 of 38 | #2 of 38 |
Cardinal: what it does well
- Free and open-source under GPLv3+.
- Includes 1,382 modules from 84 authors or brands.
- Main, Synth, and FX support MIDI input and output.
- Standalone use supports OSC remote control.
What to know first
- Cannot load external modules or add modules to a build.
- Main is unavailable in AU and VST2.
- CLAP support is still in progress.
- VST3 hosting in Carla or Ildaeil is experimental.
Dexed: what it does well
- Free software under GPL v3.
- Available as plugin and standalone app.
- Supports VST, AU, and LV2 formats.
- Exposes 144 DAW-automatable parameters.
- Loads and saves DX7/TX7 SysEx programs.
What to know first
- Documentation is minimal.
- It is not expected to be a perfect DX7 clone.
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