Pros of Howler.js

• Lighter weight and more focused on audio functionality
• Better support for mobile devices and handling mobile-specific audio issues
• More active development and frequent updates

Cons of Howler.js

• Less integrated with other multimedia libraries compared to SoundJS
• Fewer advanced features for complex audio manipulation and sequencing
• Steeper learning curve for developers new to audio programming

Code Comparison

SoundJS:

createjs.Sound.registerSound("path/to/sound.mp3", "soundID");
createjs.Sound.play("soundID");

Howler.js:

var sound = new Howl({
  src: ['path/to/sound.mp3']
});
sound.play();

Both libraries offer straightforward ways to play audio, but Howler.js provides a more object-oriented approach. SoundJS integrates well with other CreateJS libraries, making it suitable for complex multimedia projects. Howler.js, on the other hand, focuses solely on audio and offers a simpler API for basic audio tasks.

While SoundJS is part of the larger CreateJS ecosystem, Howler.js is a standalone library that excels in handling audio across various platforms and devices. The choice between the two depends on project requirements, integration needs, and the developer's familiarity with audio programming concepts.

Pros of Tone.js

• More comprehensive audio synthesis and processing capabilities
• Better suited for complex musical applications and compositions
• Extensive documentation and examples for advanced audio programming

Cons of Tone.js

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Larger file size and potentially higher resource usage
• May be overkill for simple audio playback tasks

Code Comparison

SoundJS example:

createjs.Sound.registerSound("path/to/sound.mp3", "soundID");
createjs.Sound.play("soundID");

Tone.js example:

const player = new Tone.Player("path/to/sound.mp3").toDestination();
Tone.loaded().then(() => {
  player.start();
});

Summary

SoundJS is more straightforward for basic audio playback and is part of the larger CreateJS suite, making it a good choice for simple audio integration in web projects. Tone.js, on the other hand, offers more advanced audio manipulation features and is better suited for complex musical applications. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of your project and your level of audio programming expertise.

Pros of band.js

• Focuses specifically on music generation and sequencing
• Provides a more intuitive API for creating musical compositions
• Includes built-in instruments and effects

Cons of band.js

• Less actively maintained (last update in 2017)
• More limited in scope compared to SoundJS's broader audio capabilities
• Smaller community and fewer resources available

Code Comparison

band.js example:

var conductor = new BandJS();
conductor.setTimeSignature(4, 4);
conductor.setTempo(120);

var piano = conductor.createInstrument();
piano.note('quarter', 'C4');
piano.note('quarter', 'E4');
piano.note('half', 'G4');

SoundJS example:

createjs.Sound.registerSound("path/to/sound.mp3", "sound");
createjs.Sound.addEventListener("fileload", handleFileLoad);

function handleFileLoad(event) {
    createjs.Sound.play("sound");
}

Summary

SoundJS is a more comprehensive audio library with broader capabilities, active maintenance, and a larger community. It's suitable for various audio tasks in web applications. band.js, on the other hand, specializes in music generation and sequencing, offering a more intuitive API for creating musical compositions but with a narrower focus and less active development.