Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

MOTU Digital Performer VS OpenMPT

Compare MOTU Digital Performer VS OpenMPT and see what are their differences

MOTU Digital Performer logo MOTU Digital Performer

Get inspired, then refine your mix โ€” all in a singular workflow.

OpenMPT logo OpenMPT

OpenMPT is a popular tracker software for Windows.
  • MOTU Digital Performer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-26
  • OpenMPT Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30

MOTU Digital Performer features and specs

  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    MOTU Digital Performer offers a robust range of features, including advanced MIDI and audio editing capabilities, a wide array of plug-ins, and support for high-resolution audio formats.
  • Flexible Workflow
    Digital Performer allows for highly customizable workflows, accommodating different styles of music production and allowing users to tailor the interface to their needs.
  • Excellent MIDI Capabilities
    The software is known for its strong MIDI sequencing capabilities, making it particularly appealing to composers and arrangers who rely heavily on MIDI.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Digital Performer is available on both macOS and Windows, offering flexibility for users operating on different systems.
  • Live Performance Features
    With the addition of features like the Clips window, DP is well-suited for live performance setups, allowing for real-time music creation and manipulation.

Possible disadvantages of MOTU Digital Performer

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The extensive features and capabilities can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a significant investment of time to learn the ins and outs of the software.
  • Higher Cost
    Digital Performer is priced higher than some other DAWs, which may be a barrier for hobbyists or those seeking a more budget-friendly option.
  • Interface Complexity
    Some users find the interface to be cluttered or complex, which can slow down workflow or make navigation less intuitive compared to some other DAWs.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running a large number of tracks and plugins can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer for optimal performance without lag.
  • Limited Third-Party Support
    While it supports a wide range of plug-ins, Digital Performer may have less third-party support compared to more popular DAWs like Ableton Live or Logic Pro.

OpenMPT features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    OpenMPT features a straightforward and intuitive interface that even beginners can navigate easily.
  • Free and Open-Source
    OpenMPT is completely free to use and its source code is available under the BSD license, encouraging community contributions and transparency.
  • Wide Range of Formats
    Supports a variety of audio module formats, including MOD, S3M, XM, and IT, making it versatile for different projects.
  • VST Plugin Support
    Allows the use of VST plugins for extended functionality, enabling users to add effects and instruments that are not natively supported.
  • High-Quality Sound Engine
    Provides a high-fidelity sound engine capable of rendering detailed and complex audio compositions.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Available for both Windows and macOS, increasing its accessibility for users on different operating systems.
  • Regular Updates
    Receives frequent updates and support from the developer community, ensuring ongoing improvement and bug fixes.

Possible disadvantages of OpenMPT

  • Steep Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, mastering all the features and functionalities can take significant time and effort.
  • Limited Native Effects
    Compared to some competitors, OpenMPT has fewer built-in effects, requiring users to rely on external VST plugins for more advanced audio manipulation.
  • No Native Linux Support
    Does not have an official Linux version, which can be a drawback for users who prefer or exclusively use Linux.
  • Older Tracker Paradigm
    Being a tracker software, it may feel outdated to some users who are accustomed to modern DAWs with different workflows.
  • Resource Intensive
    Heavy projects with multiple tracks and VST plugins can become resource-intensive, potentially causing performance issues on lower-end systems.

MOTU Digital Performer videos

MOTU Digital Performer | REVIEW

More videos:

  • Review - First Look: MOTU Digital Performer 11

OpenMPT videos

How to link VST effects in OpenMPT

More videos:

  • Review - About MPT / OpenMPT

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MOTU Digital Performer and OpenMPT)
Audio & Music
31 31%
69% 69
Music
41 41%
59% 59
Music Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Audio
43 43%
57% 57

User comments

Share your experience with using MOTU Digital Performer and OpenMPT. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenMPT seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 25 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

MOTU Digital Performer mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of MOTU Digital Performer yet. Tracking of MOTU Digital Performer recommendations started around Mar 2021.

OpenMPT mentions (25)

  • need help finding these wav files.
    The bottom of the page says it's on The Mod Archive. What format is the song in? If it's still in its original modular format (as opposed to rendered to MP3 or WAV) you should be able to open it in OpenMPT and save the samples from there. Source: over 2 years ago
  • wind ohs eggs pee
    The software that is used to make the music is (likely) OpenMPT, which is a software I use quite often for making Tracker Music. Tracker music is a really fun form of music software to work with if you don't know how music notes work but do know how computers work. If you want an example of how Tracker Music sounds, check out Dues Ex's title theme, which was composed entirely with a older tracker. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Are there any DAWs with something similar to Audacity's "Audio Selection Sequencer 2" plugin?
    There is also a type of app that is more sophisticated than Audio Selection Sequencer2, but simpler than a typical DAW sequencer. The type of application that I'm thinking of is called a "Tracker". Music Trackers were very popular back in the '90's, but their popularity has declined considerably since DAWs became common on PCs. One of the few music trackers that still exists is OpenMPT https://openmpt.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • does anyone know of a good daw that replicates the snes sound chips?
    When making mockups I typically use OpenMPT. With the 8-tap Sinc Resampler: Kaizer Window Filter at 72%(?) bandwidth. Didn't test it extensively for accuracy but it outputs a warm sound not unlike the SNES, bass becomes "plastic" in a similar fashion. For echo I just use the default Direct X Audio Effects Echo plugin but it's inaccurate. Another thing with OpenMPT is it has a decent sample editor so you can work... Source: over 2 years ago
  • How did you get into microtonal?
    My music theory teacher mentioned that in the days before 12 equal that G# and Ab were not the same pitch. IIRC he said that G# was lower than Ab. That was enough to send me down the microtonal Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole once years later I got my hands on something that could let me explore tuning other than 12 equal - and that was a music tracker. This is one that survives to this day and now has native... Source: almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing MOTU Digital Performer and OpenMPT, you can also consider the following products

FamiStudio - FamiStudio is very simple music editor for the Nintendo Entertainment System or Famicom. It is designed to be easier to use than FamiTracker, but its feature set is also much more limited.

Sibelius - Sibelius is a virtual score creation tool which allows composers to easily create new piano scores, developed by Avid.

SunVox - SunVox is a small, fast and powerful modular synthesizer with pattern based sequencer (tracker).

Guitar Pro - Create, play and share your tabs

iMaschine - iMASCHINE puts professional groove production in the palm of your hand.

LilyPond - GNU LilyPond is a computer program for music engraving.