Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FMOD VS RtAudio

Compare FMOD VS RtAudio and see what are their differences

FMOD logo FMOD

FMOD Studio is an audio middleware solution and engine for games.

RtAudio logo RtAudio

RtAudio is a set of C++ classes that provide a common API for realtime audio input/output across...
  • FMOD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-16
  • RtAudio Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-24

FMOD features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    FMOD supports a wide range of platforms including PC, mobile devices, consoles, and virtual reality. This allows developers to use a single audio solution for multiple platforms without needing to switch tools.
  • Real-time Mixing and Effects
    FMOD provides real-time audio mixing and effects that allow developers to dynamically change sound properties like volume, pitch, and effects during gameplay, enhancing the player's experience.
  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    FMOD offers a comprehensive set of features such as multi-channel and surround sound support, 3D audio, and a variety of built-in DSP effects, making it suitable for both simple and complex audio projects.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    FMOD Studio offers an intuitive user interface which allows sound designers and developers to interact with the audio project visually, making the workflow more efficient and accessible.
  • Wide Adoption and Integration
    FMOD is widely adopted in the gaming industry and easily integrates with popular game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, which simplifies the process for developers using these platforms.

Possible disadvantages of FMOD

  • Learning Curve
    While FMOD offers a robust set of features, new users may find the learning curve steep, especially if they are not familiar with audio design concepts or the specific workflows FMOD requires.
  • Resource Intensive
    Depending on the complexity and number of audio assets used, FMOD can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting performance, particularly on lower-end devices or with less optimized projects.
  • Cost for Commercial Use
    FMOD charges for commercial licenses based on project revenue or size, which may not be feasible for small developers or indie projects with limited budgets.
  • Complexity for Simple Projects
    For small-scale projects or those requiring simple audio solutions, FMOD might be overkill due to its robust capabilities, leading to potentially unnecessary complexity.
  • Dependency on Updates
    FMOD relies on regular updates to maintain compatibility with the latest software and hardware. If updates are delayed or not implemented, it might cause integration issues in constantly evolving environments.

RtAudio features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Support
    RtAudio provides a unified interface for audio input and output across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling seamless cross-platform audio application development.
  • Easy to Use
    The library offers a straightforward API that simplifies the process of handling audio streams, making it accessible for beginners and efficient for experienced developers.
  • Minimal Dependencies
    RtAudio is designed to have minimal external dependencies, which helps in reducing complexity and potential conflicts with other libraries or systems.
  • Real-Time Audio Processing
    RtAudio supports real-time audio processing, which is essential for applications that require low-latency audio interaction such as music production software and live audio applications.

Possible disadvantages of RtAudio

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While RtAudio is great for basic audio input and output, it lacks some advanced features found in other audio libraries like advanced mixing, sound effects, and 3D audio support.
  • Platform-Specific Limitations
    Although RtAudio is cross-platform, certain features and performance characteristics may vary depending on the underlying platform's capabilities and specific audio hardware.
  • Less Active Development
    RtAudio might not be as actively maintained or updated as some other audio libraries, which may affect its compatibility with newer platforms and technologies over time.
  • Basic Documentation
    The documentation available for RtAudio may not be as comprehensive or detailed as for some other audio libraries, which might pose a challenge for developers seeking in-depth guidance.

FMOD videos

FMOD Studio: Overview & Introduction

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Audio for Games - How to Create Adaptive Character Sounds (FMOD/Unity)
  • Review - FMOD vs Wwise (Part 1) | Introduction

RtAudio videos

How to Install RtAudio on the Raspberry pi

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FMOD and RtAudio)
Game Development
74 74%
26% 26
Development Tools
62 62%
38% 38
Game Engine
74 74%
26% 26
3D Game Engine
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing FMOD and RtAudio, you can also consider the following products

Wwise - Game audio engine, designed to give artists more control and save programmers' time.

PortAudio - PortAudio is a cross platform, open-source, audio I/O library.

OpenAL - OpenAL is a cross-platform 3D audio API appropriate for use with gaming applications and many other...

OpenAL Soft - OpenAL Soft is an LGPL-licensed, cross-platform, software implementation of the OpenAL 3D audio API.

Unity - The multiplatform game creation tools for everyone.

JUCE - JUCE is a wide-ranging C++ class library for building rich cross-platform applications and plugins...