Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Pure Data VS Resolume

Compare Pure Data VS Resolume and see what are their differences

Pure Data logo Pure Data

Pd (aka Pure Data) is a real-time graphical programming environment for audio, video, and graphical...

Resolume logo Resolume

Resolume is an application for live video performances.
  • Pure Data Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-18
  • Resolume Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-22

Pure Data features and specs

  • Open Source
    Pure Data (Pd) is open source, which means it is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This encourages a vast community of users and contributors, fostering innovation and collaborative development.
  • Cross-Platform
    Pd runs on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even mobile platforms. This makes it highly accessible and versatile for users across different environments.
  • Visual Programming
    The visual programming environment of Pd allows users to build programs graphically, making it easier for those who may not be familiar with text-based coding.
  • Extensible
    Pd supports a variety of externals and libraries, allowing users to extend its functionality. This enables it to be used for a wide range of applications from audio and visual arts to scientific research.
  • Active Community
    Pd has an active and supportive community, which makes it easier for new users to find help, tutorials, and additional resources.
  • Real-Time Processing
    Pure Data is capable of real-time audio and visual processing, making it suitable for live performances and interactive installations.

Possible disadvantages of Pure Data

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Despite its visual nature, Pd can be challenging for beginners to learn, especially those without a background in programming or signal processing.
  • Limited Documentation
    While there are many community-driven resources, the official documentation can sometimes be sparse or outdated, making it difficult for users to find reliable information.
  • Performance Issues
    For very complex projects, Pd may experience performance bottlenecks. This can be a limitation for users looking for high efficiency in audio and visual computations.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of Pd can feel dated and less polished compared to modern software development environments. This may deter some users who are used to more contemporary interfaces.
  • Compatibility
    While Pd is highly extensible, certain externals and libraries may not be compatible with all operating systems or may require manual compilation, complicating the setup process.

Resolume features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Resolume offers a highly intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals.
  • Real-Time Video Mixing
    The software supports real-time video mixing and effects, allowing VJs and AV artists to perform live without latency issues.
  • Extensive Effects Library
    Resolume comes with a comprehensive library of effects and transitions, providing users a wide range of creative options for their visual performances.
  • Support for Multiple Formats
    It supports various video and audio file formats, making it versatile for different types of media content.
  • MIDI and OSC Integration
    The software supports MIDI and OSC protocols, allowing users to integrate it seamlessly with other hardware and software for enhanced performance control.

Possible disadvantages of Resolume

  • Expensive Licensing
    Resolume can be costly, especially for independent artists or small studios, as it requires purchasing a license for full access to its features.
  • High System Requirements
    The software demands a powerful computer, including a strong GPU and considerable RAM, which might not be feasible for all users.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, mastering all features and functionalities of Resolume can take time and effort.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of Resolume comes with significant limitations, reducing its usability for professional purposes without a paid upgrade.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported occasional crashes and stability issues, which can be problematic during live performances.

Pure Data videos

Introduction to Pure Data

More videos:

  • Review - Pure Data Guitar Pedal
  • Tutorial - How to Design Sound Art Installations with Pure Data (Part 1)

Resolume videos

Resolume 7.6 - Latest Version

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Pure Data and Resolume)
3D
55 55%
45% 45
Music Generation
100 100%
0% 0
Interactive Presentations
Prototyping Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Pure Data and Resolume

Pure Data Reviews

We have no reviews of Pure Data yet.
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Resolume Reviews

7 Best Projection Mapping Software 2024 (#1 Video Mapper)
Other options include Resolume Arena, which excels in live performances and offers an ultra-fast video player for real-time video mixing. Resolume Avenue, a sister program to Arena, also provides a reliable visual programming environment with an audio processing engine. HeavyM, on the other hand, is suitable for beginners and small-scale events, offering an online library of...
Exploring the top 10 World of LCD Projector Mapping Softwares
We love that this video project mapping software website has the training available on their website. Resolume Arena is primarily known for providing VJ (video jockey) and projection mapping capabilities. This versatile software enables users to create live visuals, animations, and effects while seamlessly integrating with other media sources. With its extensive video...
Top 7 Alternatives to MadMapper – Amplify Your Projection Mapping Projects!
Resolume Arena is a powerful projection mapping software that allows you to create real-time visuals and audio-responsive effects. With its intuitive interface and extensive library of effects, Resolume Arena is suitable for both beginners and professionals. The software supports various video formats and seamlessly integrates with popular VJ software.
Source: www.uubyte.com
Top 5 VJ Softwares In 2021
No VJ list is complete without Resolume, so let’s just get this out of the way. Widely regarded as the industry standard VJ tool, Resolume comes in three different options – Avenue, Arena & Wire.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Pure Data should be more popular than Resolume. It has been mentiond 38 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.

Pure Data mentions (38)

  • Python Notebooks for Fundamentals of Music Processing
    My most recommended method for beginners has always been PD (https://puredata.info/) combined with The Theory and Technique of Electronic Music: (https://msp.ucsd.edu/techniques/latest/book.pdf) and this book (https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262014410/designing-sound/). Eli's tutorials on SuperCollider are also very helpful: https://www.youtube.com/@elifieldsteel Of course, my project Glicol can also be helpful for... - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • AI can now master your music
    For node based workflows, check out Max or Pure Data. https://cycling74.com/products/max https://puredata.info/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • New To Lighting Design, Looking for guidance
    Tools like Ossia Score, Chataigne and PureData (pd) can also help a ton in building interactive art and triggering other A/V software. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • WebPd 1.0.0 alpha released !
    WebPd is a highly modular compiler for audio programming language Pure Data allowing to run .pd patches on web pages. It converts the audio graph and processing objects from a patch into plain human-readable JavaScript or WebAssembly which can then be integrated directly into any web application. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is there any alternative to sonic pi?
    You might also be interested in the very different Pure Data (http://puredata.info/) environment, which is also free and open-source. It uses a visual programming approach, which many people like but if you are already a programmer it might seem inconvenient in comparison. Source: about 2 years ago
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Resolume mentions (16)

  • NestDrop Midnight Edition v23.15 - PRO VERSION FREE DOWNLOAD
    Resolume ⇒ NestMap ⇒ TouchDesigner ⇒ MadMapper ⇒ Any other software listed on the Spout website. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Live radio projection gig part 2
    You'll need this + that and some time to learn how to use both. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • AI animation is breaking any rule! Transforming myself into many different characters!
    I'm wondering if something could be integrated into something like Resolume. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Recommendations for light sequencing software (music, 2-3 WLED chips over sACN)
    Resolume seems to be more VJ oriented than light sequencing, xLights while functional seems a bit simple and not focused for music, and of course there's GrandMA3 for personal use but that seems way too complex/overkill. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Crossposed on r/synthesizers, hoping for beginner hardware recommendations
    Resolume Avenue and Resolume Wire - this is an expensive piece of software but it’s really great for live performance/VJing and also has a ton of amazing effects, midi integration, Ableton link, etc. Wire is a separate app from them but integrates with Avenue, and it’s a modular environment similar to Vsynth where you create nodes in a visual environment that you connect together to create a patch which shows you... Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Pure Data and Resolume, you can also consider the following products

SuperCollider - A real time audio synthesis engine, and an object-oriented programming language specialised for...

MadMapper - The Mapping Software

VCV Rack - A cross-platform modular synthesizer.

QLab - QLab, Live show control for Mac OS X.

TouchDesigner - TouchDesigner is a visual development platform that equips you with the tools you need to create stunning realtime projects and rich user experiences.

VDMX - VDMX5 was created from the ground up to meet the demands of realtime video performance.