How patches are built
Auragen centers on a node graph, with Dropzone as a layer-based alternative. FRCTL uses a single effect chain, with parameters driven by a modulation matrix.
FRCTL vs Auragen
FRCTL and Auragen both run in a web browser and both make live, audio-reactive visuals. Auragen, published under the Noiserator name by GlassVoid LLC, describes itself as a GPU procedural texture generator and live generative graphics tool, built around node-based patching. FRCTL is a browser-based VJ studio built around a chain of effects applied to video, images, a camera or generated sources.
Side by side.
| FRCTL | Auragen | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Effect chain applied to video, images, a camera or generated sources, plus Shader Lab for custom shaders | Node-based patching (nerdGRAPH) plus a drag-and-drop layer and FX chain (Dropzone). 2D and 3D generators, including SDF raymarching and particles |
| Platforms | Web browser. Windows desktop app on the Pro plan, with Spout and NDI output | Web browser with no account needed. Desktop app for Windows and macOS (free account). iPad and iPhone web app |
| Pricing | Free $0. Creator $12/month or $99/year. Pro $29/month or $249/year, first 7 days free. Lifetime plan listed as coming soon | Free $0. Beta License $20/month (listed as 50% off a standard $40/month), $200/year, or $300 one-time |
| Free option | Full toolkit with every effect and shader, live mode, no watermark. Exports up to 1080p, 30fps, 2 minutes. Personal and non-commercial use | Full studio on web and desktop, MIDI mapping, audio reactivity, social media exports. Video recording and exports above 720p are on the paid tier |
| Commercial use | Creator and Pro. Free covers personal and non-commercial projects | Free and paid plans, per the vendor FAQ |
| Audio reactivity | Modulation matrix with LFOs, an envelope follower, sample and hold, and ten audio frequency bands. Beat detection | Five frequency bands plus full spectrum, each with gain and fall. FFT region modifier. BPM modifier with a manually set tempo |
| Custom shaders | Shader Lab (GLSL) | GLSL editor with Shadertoy auto-conversion and an ISF mode |
| Sync and control | Tap tempo, automatic beat detection, and clock sync via MIDI clock or OSC. Clock output to external gear. MIDI learn | MIDI CC learn on any parameter |
| Live performance | Single or dual decks with a keyer. Auto-VJ re-rolls effects every 1 to 32 beats | performMODE: two patch zones with a crossfader and 9 blend modes |
| Video output | Second display. Spout and NDI on the Windows desktop app (Pro) | Display output to an external monitor. NDI, Spout (Windows) and Syphon (macOS) on the desktop app, paid tier |
| Video input | Camera | Webcam. NDI and Spout input and Kinect on desktop |
| Export | Free: 1080p, 30fps, 2 min. Creator: 1080p, 60fps, 10 min. Pro: up to 4K and 60fps, up to 1 hour at 1080p30, plus keyed exports. The desktop build records local 4K MP4 | Frames, frame sequences and video. Up to 8192x8192 on the paid tier |
| Built-in content | 170 effects in 16 families. 40 built-in typefaces for overlays | 100+ generators, 75+ post-FX |
| Marketplace and community | The Collective, for presets and loop packs. Selling on Creator and Pro | Community gallery and creators directory |
| Extras | Graphic and text overlays. Subject and depth isolation | Built-in Claude AI assistant. MCP server for Claude Code on the paid tier |
Key differences.
Commercial use
Auragen allows commercial use of outputs on its free plan. FRCTL includes commercial use on Creator and Pro.
Free exports
Auragen's paid tier covers video recording and exports above 720p. FRCTL's free plan exports up to 1080p at 30fps, for up to two minutes.
Desktop app
Auragen's desktop app is free with an account, on Windows and macOS. FRCTL's desktop app is part of the Pro plan, on Windows.
Tempo
FRCTL has tap tempo, automatic beat detection, and MIDI clock or OSC sync. Auragen's docs describe a BPM modifier with a manually set tempo.