AV software and tools 2023
Notch
A tool that allows you to create 3d motion graphics, lighting and interactive VFX in real-time. Great for professionals.
notch.one
Free trial then £99/m
Touch Designer
TouchDesigner is a visual development platform that equips you with the tools you need to create stunning real-time projects and rich user experiences. Whether you’re creating interactive media systems, architectural projections, live music visuals, or rapid-prototyping your latest ideas.
derivative.ca
Free for non-commercial projects then $300 up.
openFrameworks
openFrameworks is an open-source C++ toolkit for creative coding. It can be used to create audio-reactive live visuals.
VVVV
vvvv is a hybrid visual/textual live-programming environment for easy prototyping and development, designed to facilitate the handling of large media environments with physical interfaces, real-time motion graphics, audio and video that can interact with many users simultaneously. A little heavy on the coding side, but incredibly powerful with a little patience.
vvvv.org
Free
Processing
Processing is a flexible software sketchbook and a language for learning how to code within the context of the visual arts.
processing.org
Free
Unity
Unity’s real-time 3D development platform lets artists, designers and developers work together to create amazing immersive and interactive experiences.
unity.com
$150/m
Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing, and 2D animation pipeline.
blender.org
Free
MIDI
MIDI is a technical standard that describes a communications protocol, digital interface, and electrical connectors that connect a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, computers, and related audio devices for playing, editing and recording music.
OP-1
OP-1 is an all-in-one portable synthesizer, sampler, and controller, with additional features like a built-in FM radio and an assignable G-force sensor for motion controlled effects.
OpenGL
OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform application programming interface for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.
TouchOSC
A fully modular control surface that runs on all iOS and Android devices. Send and receive Open Sound Control or MIDI messages over Wi-Fi to control all compatible software and hardware.
NI mate
NI mate transforms any supported PC and sensor into a high-quality real-time motion capture system within minutes.
Shadertoy
Shadertoy is a cross-browser online community and tool for creating and sharing shaders through WebGL, used both for learning and teaching 3D computer graphics in a web browser.
MadMapper
MadMapper is an advanced tool for video and light mapping.
Max
Max, also known as Max/MSP/Jitter, is a visual programming language for music and multimedia.
Resolume Avenue
Avenue is an instrument for VJs, AV performers and video artists. Avenue puts all your media and effects right at your fingertips, so you can quickly play and improvise your live visuals.
Resolume Arena Media Server
Arena has everything Avenue has, plus advanced options for projection mapping and blending projectors. Control it from a lighting desk and sync to the DJ via SMPTE timecode.
GrandVJ
GrandVJ is a live video mixer developed by ArKaos for VJs, DJs, clubs, and musicians.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a digital audio workstation, designed to be an instrument for live performances as well as a tool for composing, recording, arranging, mixing, and mastering.
Vidvox
A VJ software, syncing video effects with live audio through code.
Massive
A synthesizer created by Native Instruments.
native-instruments.com/massive
Modcan Touch sequencer
A digital four-track sequencer with memory and CV/Gate outputs.
Syphon
Syphon is an open-source Mac OS X technology that allows applications to share frames – full frame rate video or stills – with one another in realtime.
Z Vector
Z Vector is the world’s first professional visualisation software for modern depth sensor families such as Intel RealSense and Microsoft Kinect. They allow you to create movies and do real-time graphics in three dimensions rather than two.
Trapcode
Trapcode Form is a plugin for After Effects that lets you create 3D particle grids and objects.
redgiant.com/products/trapcode-form
VEX
VEX is a high-performance expression language used in many places in Houdini, such as writing shaders.
modul8
A VJ application, used for VJing, art performance, live showcases, and video production.
