I've used Max/MSP, Pure/Data (PD) and Super Collider (SC).
SC seems to be a bit more difficult at the beginning but it is really worth learning it. SC is also cross platform which is also true for PD to my knowledg.
In SC code is much more reusable and transparent , which I consider to be a prerequisite for scientific projects.
Comments
Tools for sound design
SPAT library for Max/MSP is really good at sound spatialization and localization which includes (generic) HRTF codes.
Tools for audio display prototyping
I've used Max/MSP, Pure/Data (PD) and Super Collider (SC).
SC seems to be a bit more difficult at the beginning but it is really worth learning it. SC is also cross platform which is also true for PD to my knowledg.
In SC code is much more reusable and transparent , which I consider to be a prerequisite for scientific projects.
Tools for auditory display prototyping
I find Pure Data (Pd) is very useful for prototyping auditory displays.
I've used Pd successfully for several binaural spatial audio rendering systems.
Nick Mariette