TimeSide vs pedalboard
Python audio processing frameworks compared
TimeSide and pedalboard both support programmable audio processing in Python. TimeSide combines processing tools with a server and REST API for media collections, while pedalboard focuses on audio file I/O, effect chains, plugin hosting, and live audio.
TimeSide: Process and Analyze Audio at Scale
TimeSide is a Python framework and server for analyzing, transforming, visualizing, and streaming audio and video. It suits research teams and developers building audio workflows, archives, or web services that need extensible processing across large collections.
pedalboard: Process Audio in Python with JUCE
Spotify's Pedalboard is a Python audio library built on JUCE 6 for reading, writing, rendering and adding effects to audio. It supports macOS, Windows and Linux, including VST3 plugins across platforms and Audio Units on macOS.
| TimeSide | pedalboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Python | C++ |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 393 | 6.4k |
| Forks | 60 | 363 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 |
Key differences
- TimeSide covers audio and video workflows, including analysis, visualization, streaming, and annotations; pedalboard focuses on audio processing and effects.
- TimeSide combines a Python framework with a web server and REST API; pedalboard is a library for use in Python and TensorFlow workflows.
- TimeSide is written in Python and pedalboard in C++.
- TimeSide is licensed under AGPL-3.0, while pedalboard is licensed under GPL-3.0.
- TimeSide highlights plug-ins and integrations for analysis, including Aubio, Yaafe, and VAMP; pedalboard supports built-in effects and VST3 or Audio Unit plugins.
- TimeSide documents a Docker and Docker Compose quick start; pedalboard supports batch processing and live audio, with platform-specific plugin and audio requirements.
Choose TimeSide if you…
- need a server and REST API for audio or video processing workflows.
- want to analyze, visualize, stream, or annotate media across a collection.
- need an extensible framework with audio-analysis integrations and custom processors.
Choose pedalboard if you…
- want to build audio effect chains or batch-render audio from Python.
- need VST3 or Audio Unit plugin hosting, subject to platform support.
- plan to use audio processing in Python or TensorFlow workflows, or work with live audio.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.