Side by side
Cardinal vs Helm
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 LinuxMacWindows
Helm offers a broad set of synthesis and modulation tools in standalone and plugin forms, and is free software. Its beta status and outstanding bugs are worth considering.
Visit HelmThe facts
| Cardinal | Helm | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cardinal.kx.studio | tytel.org |
| On software synthesizers | #1 of 38 | #3 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.
Helm: what it does well
- Free software with no DRM.
- Standalone app and multiple plugin formats.
- Includes sequencer, arpeggiator, and audio effects.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Users can study, change, and redistribute it.
What to know first
- The project is in beta.
- The project description notes outstanding bugs.
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