AudioNodes LLC offers AudioNodes, a free modular synthesizer and digital audio workstation for macOS, Windows, Linux, and compatible web browsers.
The current version is 0.14.3, released on September 8th with another round of VST hosting fixes and workflow improvements. AudioNodes is still officially labeled as alpha software, but the feature list is already pretty epic.
Unlike the DAWs we normally use, you won’t place everything inside a traditional virtual mixing deck here. AudioNodes uses a Global Patch where you connect instruments, audio files, effects, MIDI sources, modulators, and outputs with virtual cables.
You can build synths from oscillators, noise generators, filters, envelopes, and AM/FM tools, or load samples and create a custom instrument. A multi-track timeline handles audio, MIDI, and automation clips, so this is way more than a modular synth with a recorder attached as an afterthought.
You can trim, slice, arrange, mix, and process audio files through real-time effects. There are also piano roll and sequencer nodes, audio and MIDI recording, project rendering, analyzers, math utilities, and if you don’t like to patch from scratch, there’s a library of reusable patches called Snippets.
The desktop edition can host third-party 64-bit VST3 plugins on all three supported operating systems, as well as VST 2.4 plugins on Windows. Plugins run in an isolated process, so a crashing plugin should not bring down the complete AudioNodes project, although this approach adds some latency.
We recently featured Infinite, another free node-based workstation. Infinite combines modular audio with video compositing and 3D visuals, whereas AudioNodes stays focused on synthesis, recording, editing, mixing, and other more familiar DAW tasks.
The free version is pretty generous. You get unlimited nodes, unlimited timeline tracks, and stereo audio rendering at up to 48 kHz, and projects made with it can be used commercially.
AudioNodes HD is the optional subscription tier. It adds custom nodes, polyphonic and unlimited subpatches, multi-screen support, advanced node and timeline settings, markers, private Snippets up to 100 MB, experimental features, and 7.1 rendering at up to 96 kHz.
HD costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, which works out to about $8.33 per month. Both options begin with a one-month free trial, and there is currently no perpetual license.
If you cancel, existing projects and HD-built nodes continue to work, but paid editing features are locked until you reactivate the subscription. For example, a custom node remains functional, but you cannot edit its internal patch.
The easiest way to try AudioNodes is to open the browser edition, which doesn’t require installation. The desktop version is available for 64-bit macOS, Windows, and Linux and offers better performance, VST hosting, and improved handling of local audio files.
Download: AudioNodes (FREE)
Deal of the day 🔥: Get the VATRA mix finisher plugin by Flame Sound!More:
- Infinite is a FREE open-source modular audiovisual workstation
- Bespoke Synth is a FREE modular software studio
- OpenDAW is a FREE browser-based music production platform
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Tomislav Zlatic.
