Sonic Pi
Sonic Pi enables code-based music creation and performance, with a code editor and live engine shown on the site.
About Sonic Pi
Sonic Pi is a code-based music creation and performance tool: users write code in an editor and a live engine plays it, which the site presents as suitable for professional musicians and DJs as well as computing and music lessons. Live loops, synths, samples and effects are available, and deterministic randomness means a program plays exactly the same each time. It is described as free and community-supported.
Key features
- Code editor plus live engine for writing and performing music
- Live loops, synths, samples and effects in app and browser
- Deterministic randomness: a program plays exactly the same every time
- Desktop app supports OSC, Ableton Link, MIDI and multichannel audio
- Browser version runs in Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox with nothing to install
- Desktop builds for Windows 10/11, macOS 13+, and Linux AppImage formats
Best for: Musicians, DJs, teachers and blind or partially sighted users who want to create and perform music by writing code.
Good for
- Available as desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux and as a browser version
- Desktop app works offline and uses ASIO, Core Audio or PipeWire for low-latency audio
- Site states it is designed for accessibility, including blind and partially sighted people
Watch out for
- Browser version has stereo audio only and no OSC, Ableton Link, Link Audio or low-latency interface audio
- Well-timed MIDI in and out is not supported in the browser version on Safari
- macOS 12 or earlier requires an earlier release than the current version
Sonic Pi at a glance
- Website
- sonic-pi.net
- Category
- Music & Audio › Audio Editing & Production
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Audio Editing & Production
Sonic Pi alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Mix music with Mixxx, a free DJ application that includes tools for live performance.
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Sonic Pi FAQ
Do I have to install anything to try Sonic Pi?
The web version runs in Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox with nothing to install. Desktop installers are also offered for Windows, macOS and Linux.
How does the browser version differ from the desktop app?
The browser version provides stereo audio in and out, while the app adds multichannel audio, low-latency audio through ASIO, Core Audio or PipeWire, OSC, Ableton Link and Link Audio. Both offer live loops, synths, samples, effects and deterministic randomness.
What are the desktop system requirements?
Windows 10 or 11 for x64 and Arm64 PCs, macOS 13 Ventura or later for Apple silicon and Intel Macs, and Linux AppImages for x64, Arm64 and 32-bit x86 systems.
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