Introduction

In the rapidly moving world of audio technology, small audio software developers emerge as hidden gems, often bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. These companies, which usually comprise of one person or a small team with fewer resources compared to their monster counterparts, have demonstrated an ability to carve out a niche in a competitive marketplace. Their growth signals an essential shift in the digital ecosystem and many audio professionals are realising the benefits of supporting small-scale developers. Here, we delve into three key advantages that stand out.

Speedboats Move Faster Than Tankers

According to the website Marine Insights; “A loaded supertanker would require about 5 to 8 kilometres and roughly 15 to 20 minutes to come to a complete halt. They have a turning diameter of nearly 2 kilometres.” Now consider the same manoeuvres for a speed boat, they can stop and turn in a matter of metres.

It’s the same for small companies compared to large corporations. Every part of the process is more agile and things happen quicker. We speak to developers in both small and large companies, often those in large ones are fighting bureaucracy, layers of management, and budget approvals to get things done. Everything takes a lot longer. Small developers sometimes have bugs fixed in hours and features added in days. It’s simply the nature of the beast.

Small audio software developers are often the brains behind the most progressive audio tools in the market, precisely because they are not confined to either the management issues or the mainstream demands that larger firms often cater to. Their offerings echo diversity and innovation, shaping a repository of tools that are tailor-made for specific needs.

Take a look at some of the most powerful audio tools in our industry right now, many of them are created by small developers - they are leading the way in noise reduction, reverb, alignment tools, and other technologies. They often punch well above their weight.

Small developers hold an innate agility that allows them to promptly respond to shifts in market trends and user preferences. Their compact structure grants them the leeway to iterate rapidly, refining their offerings based on real-time feedback and insights.

Take, for example, a boutique plugin developer that revamped its entire product based on the constructive feedback received from a close-knit community of audio professionals, showcasing an impressive level of flexibility and receptiveness to change.

I Want To Speak To The Boss!

In the world of small developers, customers are not just numbers; they are valued members of a community. Developers often foster environments where users can communicate directly with the creators, building a feedback loop that is both personal and efficient. In many cases when you contact a small developer you are speaking to the owner, the ideas person, the developer, and the support department.

There’s a certain reassurance receiving a response directly from the developer when you contact them with a query or suggestion, making the support experience far more satisfying and engaging than automated responses.

Just recently we know of a small developer who read an interview with one of their clients. During the interview they mentioned an area where the plugin could be improved. Without telling the artist, they went ahead and started work on adding the feature, not just to one, but all of their plugins. That new feature will ship in the next couple of months and be available to all existing owners for free!

Small developers can afford to delve deeper into individual issues, often coming up with solutions that are uniquely crafted to address specific problems. This approach stands in stark contrast to large corporations where individual issues might get lost in a sea of customer service tickets. Imagine the delight of a customer who found a solution to a persistent issue through a personalised response from the developer, a level of service that is essentially the hallmark of small developers.

When Henry Ford supposedly said; “You can have any colour as long as it’s black!” he was underlining the payoff when an industrial route is taken to market.

Working Together

The offerings from small audio software developers often carry a distinctive flair, presenting features that are born out of a passionate pursuit to solve a unique problem rather than a boardroom strategy. These unique attributes can range from innovative functionalities to aesthetic touches that offer an enriched user experience.

These kind of attentions to detail are the digital equivalent of a hand made pair of shoes, or a piece of hand crafted furniture. Often small developers are the artisans of the plugin world.

Engagement does not stop at feedback loops for small developers; it extends to nurturing communities where users have a say in the developmental trajectory of the product.

Some developers hold regular forums with audio professionals where users can pitch ideas for features, creating a vibrant ecosystem where software evolves through collective brainstorming. These symbiotic relationships are much easy to nurture in smaller organisations.

Summary

Leaning towards small developers for your next purchase could be more than just acquiring a tool; it could be joining a community where your voice matters, where innovation is a constant, and experiences are tailored with a personal touch.

The audio industry is vast, but small developers are creating tools with a heartbeat, offering more than just functionality, but often a product that has been brought to life through genuinely listening to their users and then crafted with passion.

It can be easy to overlook small developers when they lack the huge marketing machines that larger brands have to share their products with the world. It’s worth seeking them out and finding out how much supporting them can benefit both them and you!

In this article we’ve focussed on software companies, however, the same can be applied to those making hardware products, there’s some real gems out there making great hardware, microphones, speakers and other studio gear.

Who are some of your favourite small developers and why?