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Compare · By Aven · Checked October 3, 2026

FRCTL vs Resolume

Resolume, made by Resolume B.V. in The Hague, is VJ software for playing and mixing media and effects live. Avenue covers VJ performance. Arena adds projection mapping, edge blending, SMPTE timecode and DMX. Wire is a separate node-based environment for building effects and generators. FRCTL is a browser-based VJ studio built around a chain of effects applied to video, images, a camera or generated sources.

At a glance

Side by side.

FRCTL and Resolume compared
FRCTLResolume
ApproachEffect chain applied to video, images, a camera or generated sources, plus Shader Lab for custom shadersLive playback and mixing of clips with effects (Avenue, Arena). Node-based patching (Wire)
PlatformsWeb browser. Windows desktop app on the Pro plan, with Spout and NDI outputmacOS 10.15 or later. Windows 10 or later
PricingFree $0. Creator $12/month or $99/year. Pro $29/month or $249/year, first 7 days free. Lifetime licence on preorder at $333 one time, shipping January 2027, with Pro until it shipsAvenue €299. Arena €799. Wire €399. Perpetual licenses with 12 months of updates
Free optionFull toolkit with every effect and shader, live mode, no watermark. Exports up to 1080p, 30fps, 2 minutes. Personal and non-commercial useDemo with all features. A watermark appears on the output and a robotic voice periodically names the software
DiscountsYearly billing saves $45 on Creator and $99 on Pro50% off for students, teachers and educational institutions
Audio reactivityModulation matrix with LFOs, an envelope follower, sample and hold, and ten audio frequency bands. Beat detectionFFT from external audio, the composition or a clip, with low, mid and high bands. BPM by typing, tap, MIDI clock or Ableton Link
Depth and subject isolationOn every plan, including Free: subject isolation, face blur, and a Depth displace effect that estimates depth from a clip or image. Any effect can be limited to the subject, the background, or highlights, mids or shadows. A subject mask that follows a moving subject on a live camera is on Creator and ProAdded in 7.28: Human Segmentation and Depth Estimation nodes in Wire. Background Removal, Depth Estimation, Depth Blur, Depth Field, Depth Displace, Depth Pixelation and Depth Shift effects and a Depth blend mode in Avenue and Arena. Each is a Wire patch that can be opened and edited
Custom contentShader Lab (GLSL)FFGL plugins. ISF shaders through Wire. REST and Websocket APIs
Sync and controlTap tempo, automatic beat detection, and clock sync via MIDI clock or OSC. Clock output to external gear. MIDI learnMIDI and OSC mapping. MIDI clock. Ableton Link. SMPTE and DMX on Arena
Video outputSecond display. Spout and NDI on the Windows desktop app (Pro)NDI and Syphon/Spout in and out. Advanced Output, with full features on Arena. Projection mapping and edge blending on Arena
Video inputCameraBlackmagic, AJA and Datapath capture cards. NDI, Syphon and Spout input
RecordingExports video files inside the app on every planRecords the composition, layers, groups or outputs. QuickTime with the DXV3 codec by default
Built-in content173 effects in 16 families. 40 built-in typefaces for overlaysOver 100 built-in video effects
MarketplaceThe Collective, a feed of shareable presets and a marketplace for VJ loops. Selling VJ loops is open on every plan, Free included. Presets are shared freeResolume Footage store (VJ loops). Juicebar plugin marketplace

FRCTL and Resolume

Key differences.

Depth and subject isolation

Both now separate a person from the background and work from estimated depth. Resolume 7.28 added background removal, a set of depth effects (Depth Blur, Depth Shift and others) and a depth blend mode to Avenue and Arena, built as Wire patches you can open and rework. Those run on a paid license, or in the demo with its watermark. FRCTL has subject isolation, face blur, one depth effect (Depth displace) and highlight, midtone and shadow masks for any effect, in a browser and on its free plan.

Subject isolation on a live camera in FRCTL: the effect chain runs on the background only.

How a set is built

Resolume organizes a performance around clips you trigger and mix, with effects on top. FRCTL builds looks from an effect chain on footage, a camera or generated sources, driven by a modulation matrix.

Pricing model

Resolume sells perpetual licenses priced in euros. FRCTL uses monthly or yearly plans in US dollars alongside a free plan.

Free versions

Resolume's demo includes every feature and adds a watermark and a periodic robotic voice. FRCTL's free plan has no watermark and caps exports at 1080p, 30fps and two minutes.

Mapping and show control

Resolume Arena includes projection mapping, edge blending, SMPTE and DMX. FRCTL's feature list doesn't include these.

Using both

Resolume receives Spout and NDI, and FRCTL's Windows desktop app sends both, so FRCTL can run as a live source inside a Resolume set.

Try FRCTL and other comparisons

Try FRCTL freeSee plansAll features

Last checked October 3, 2026. Prices and features change, so check Resolume’s site for current details. Resolume is a product of Resolume B.V.. FRCTL isn’t affiliated with Resolume B.V..

Sources: resolume.com/blog (Resolume 7.28 release), resolume.com/software, resolume.com/shop, resolume.com/software/wire, resolume.com/support (tech specs, Avenue vs Arena, BPM, Link, MIDI, SMPTE, NDI, Syphon/Spout, DMX, advanced output, recording, effects, registering), resolume.com/footage, get-juicebar.com, frctl.live/pricing, frctl.live/features, frctl.live/effects.