Democratizing Creative Technology
MSDP was built on a simple premise: powerful computer music tools and interactive video synthesis should be free, open, and stage-ready for all artists.
The Genesis of MSDP
For decades, experimental electronic musicians and multimedia artists have been divided between two paradigms: rigid, timeline-based Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) that struggle in spontaneous live performance, or visual programming environments like Cycling '74 Max/MSP and Pure Data that require months of coding expertise before producing a sound.
Conceived by composer and technologist Hugh Lobel in 2015, the Music and Sound Design Platform (MSDP) was engineered to bridge that divide. It provides an intuitive, non-linear environment—reminiscent of chaining together physical guitar stompboxes and modular synthesizers—while harnessing the raw computing power of real-time digital signal processing.
Our Guiding Principles
Four cornerstones that govern every module, update, and design decision in MSDP.
Radically Free & Open
No tier locks, no subscription paywalls, and no telemetry tracking. MSDP is distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.
Modular Non-Linearity
Any input can drive any parameter. Route audio, video shaders, and modulation control signals freely without timeline constraints.
Zero Stage Latency
Engineered specifically for live performance pressure. High-efficiency C/C++ core routines ensure unyielding stability on stage.
Unified AV Protocol
Audio and video are not isolated silos. Built-in analysis tools convert acoustic transients directly into real-time visual parameters.
The Technical Backbone
MSDP leverages battle-tested frameworks to deliver studio-grade sound quality and hardware compatibility out of the box.
Core Engine
Max/MSP/Jitter Standalone
Licensing
GNU GPL v3
Supported OS
Windows 10/11, macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)
Total Modules
105+ Native Tools
Protocols
MIDI, OSC, Spout / Syphon Video
Audio Engine
64-bit Floating Point DSP
Hugh Lobel
Hugh Lobel is an American composer, sound designer, and multimedia software developer. With extensive academic and practical experience in electroacoustic music, his creative output spans chamber music with live electronics, interactive dance theater, and generative video systems.
Through MSDP, Hugh has introduced thousands of university students, independent sound artists, and stage performers to the power of modular computer music without monetary barriers.