Audio/MIDI C++ library for a real-time application

c++ audio real-time midi openal
Kill KRT picture Kill KRT · Apr 10, 2011 · Viewed 17k times · Source

As I've already said in another thread, I'm working on a project related to real-time graphical programming for audio (something like Pure Data, Max/MSP, Reaktor).

I did a day of research on Internet, looking for a good (maintained, well documented and highly portable) C++ library for low level interaction with audio and MIDI, but I still can not make up my mind about a library.

I'm considering PortAudio+PortMIDI (PortMedia), but they lack of documentation (especially PortMIDI) and there is no official community, just a mail list (and I think forum communities are very important!), same (or worst) situation with RTAudio and RTMidi libraries.

I also give a try to:

  • STK, I dodn't like its file organization.
  • Juce, I think it does too much for me, I need only an easy hardware integration
  • OpenAL, I didn't understand its architecture, it relies on ASIO/ALSA/CoreAudio...? Can I access to MIDI port?

So... My question is: have you any experience with real-time audio/MIDI? Which library do you recommend me?

Thanks

Answer

bgporter picture bgporter · Apr 10, 2011

I've used both PortAudio/PortMidi and Juce with great results on both. I'm in the process of switching a project over from PortMidi to Juce, because for my uses all that other app framework stuff ends up being incredibly useful (and in my experience, it's rock solid.). YMMV.

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