Unlocking Your Creative Workflow: Top Control (OSC + MIDI) Alternatives

Control (OSC + MIDI) has long been a powerful tool for musicians, artists, and developers looking to create custom interfaces for controlling their applications. Built on the WebKit rendering engine, it offers incredible flexibility through JSON-defined interfaces, supporting OSC output, multitouch, bi-directional communication, and sensor data. However, as with any software, users may seek a Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for various reasons, including specific features, platform compatibility, or a desire for open-source solutions. This article explores excellent alternatives that can help you maintain and even enhance your creative workflow.

Top Control (OSC + MIDI) Alternatives

Whether you're looking for a free solution, cross-platform compatibility, or a more specialized feature set, the following alternatives offer compelling options to replace or complement your use of Control (OSC + MIDI).

TouchOSC

TouchOSC is a highly popular and versatile modular OSC and MIDI control surface. Available commercially for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android, it provides a robust platform for remotely controlling and receiving feedback from any software or hardware that implements OSC or MIDI. Its extensive features for Midi and Music Composer make it a strong Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative, especially for those prioritizing mobile device integration.

Lemur

Lemur is a professional MIDI and OSC controller app renowned for its deep customization and robust feature set. Available commercially for iPhone and iPad, Lemur offers a powerful environment for creating sophisticated control surfaces. Its focus on Midi capabilities makes it a top-tier Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for users seeking high-performance and extensive design options within the iOS ecosystem.

Open Stage Control

Open Stage Control is a free and open-source desktop OSC bi-directional control surface application. Built on web technologies and running as an Electron web server, it's accessible via any web browser on Mac, Windows, Linux, and even Chrome/Chromium. This makes it an excellent Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for users who prefer a web-based, open-source solution with strong Music Composer features and broad platform compatibility.

OSCillation

OSCillation is a free software application from WORK PRO, designed for controlling devices via OSC Protocol. Available for Mac, Windows, Android, and Android Tablet, it allows users to create custom control interfaces. Its inclusion of Midi and Music Composer features, combined with its free availability, makes OSCillation a compelling Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for a wide range of users.

andOSC

andOSC is a free OSC application specifically designed for Android phones and tablets. It leverages device sensors (touch, accelerometer, orientation) to send OSC messages, offering a unique way to control applications. With Midi features, andOSC serves as a straightforward and accessible Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for Android users who prioritize sensor-based control.

WorkCAD Designer

WorkCAD Designer is free software from WORK® specifically for managing audio via TCP/IP and USB. While primarily focused on audio device management on Windows, it includes Midi and Music Composer features. For users invested in the WORK® ecosystem or needing a Windows-centric solution for audio control, WorkCAD Designer offers a specialized Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative.

LIVKONTROL

LIVKONTROL is a commercial application for Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad, Android Tablet) specifically designed to deliver the best possible experience controlling Ableton Live remotely. While it doesn't list specific features beyond Ableton Live control, its dedicated purpose makes it a highly focused Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for users primarily working with Ableton Live.

MyOSC

MyOSC is a free Android and Android Tablet application that functions as an OSC controller, often used in conjunction with the TouchOSC Bridge for PC/Mac connectivity. Its Midi capabilities make it a viable Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for Android users looking for a free and functional OSC interface.

OSCPad

OSCPad is a commercial application for Android and Android Tablet that allows for custom OSC touchscreen layouts, with an alpha feature supporting direct loading of TouchOSC layouts. Featuring Midi and Music Composer capabilities, OSCPad is a strong Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for Android users who appreciate flexible layout design and compatibility with existing TouchOSC projects.

OSCdroid

OSCdroid is a free and useful tool for Android and Android Tablet users, ideal for prototyping and manipulating values in interactive applications, as well as controlling music software like Pure Data or MAX/MSP. Its Midi features make it a simple yet effective Control (OSC + MIDI) alternative for those needing a quick and free OSC solution on their Android device.

The landscape of OSC and MIDI control applications is rich and diverse. While Control (OSC + MIDI) offers a solid foundation, exploring these alternatives can open up new possibilities for your creative endeavors. Consider your operating system, budget, and specific feature requirements to find the best fit for your unique workflow.