Qtractor
Qtractor Project
Qtractor is a Linux audio and MIDI sequencer with a track-based arrangement interface.
View details →THE AUDIO MAGAZINE / RESOURCES
Free Music Software & Plug-ins
Find permanently free recording tools, instruments, effects and audio utilities for desktop, mobile and the browser. Each listing explains its purpose, compatibility and important free-edition restrictions, with links to the official source.
These are researched directory entries, not hands-on reviews. Optional purchases, account requirements and limited editions are identified on product pages. Format availability can differ by operating system.
424 listings
r8brain Free
Voxengo
r8brain Free converts audio sample rates and bit depths in a dedicated file-processing workflow.
View details →Radium source edition
Radium
Radium combines tracker ideas with a graphical composition environment.
View details →Rakarrack
Sonic Ladder
Rakarrack is a Linux-oriented guitar multi-effects application with a rack of processing options.
View details →Rassel
Klevgrand
Rassel turns a compatible mobile device into a motion-controlled percussion instrument.
View details →Reaktor Player
Native Instruments
Reaktor Player runs a licensed selection of instruments and effects built for the Reaktor environment.
View details →ReaPlugs
Cockos
ReaPlugs makes a selection of Cockos audio processors available as a free plug-in bundle for compatible Windows hosts.
View details →Renegate Free
Auburn Sounds
Renegate Free is a gate designed to control unwanted low-level material between intended events.
View details →Resonic Player
Liqube Audio
Resonic Player is a free audio player oriented toward quick browsing and listening.
View details →Ricochet (legacy)
Audio Damage
Ricochet is a legacy multi-tap delay for building repeating patterns and spatial echoes.
View details →Room EQ Wizard
Room EQ Wizard
Room EQ Wizard provides measurement and analysis tools for loudspeakers and rooms, including frequency response and time-domain views.
View details →Rosegarden
Rosegarden Project
Rosegarden combines music notation with MIDI sequencing and audio arrangement on Linux.
View details →RoughRider3
Audio Damage
RoughRider3 is a characterful compressor intended for pronounced dynamics shaping.
View details →RTcmix
RTcmix Contributors
RTcmix is a programmable environment for synthesis, processing and algorithmic music.
View details →rtpMIDI
Tobias Erichsen
rtpMIDI provides network MIDI connectivity for Windows using the RTP-MIDI approach.
View details →Saike JSFX
Saike
Saike's JSFX collection contains experimental instruments, effects and production utilities for compatible hosts.
View details →SampleTank 4 CS
IK Multimedia
SampleTank 4 CS supplies a free introduction to IK's sample-based instrument platform.
View details →samplv1
rncbc / Rui Nuno Capela
samplv1 is a polyphonic sample-based instrument for Linux workflows.
View details →Saturation Knob
Softube
Saturation Knob supplies a compact harmonic-coloration effect with a simple drive control and selectable behavior.
View details →SAVIHost
Hermann Seib
SAVIHost turns a compatible plug-in into a compact standalone-style application.
View details →Schism Tracker
Schism Tracker Project
Schism Tracker continues the keyboard-driven tracker approach associated with Impulse Tracker.
View details →seq24
Seq24 Project
seq24 is a minimal loop-oriented MIDI sequencer designed around patterns that can be triggered and arranged.
View details →Seq66
Seq66 Project
Seq66 is a pattern-based MIDI sequencer developed from the seq24 family.
View details →Serato Studio Free
Serato
Serato Studio Free provides a permanent, restricted beat-making workspace built around sample, drum and instrument decks.
View details →Browse software categories
Audio Editing (28)Audio Restoration (8)Compressors & Dynamics (33)DAW & Multitrack Recording (39)Delays (17)Distortion & Saturation (47)Drum Instruments (22)Equalizers (25)Guitar & Bass (31)Live Performance (44)Mastering (12)Metering & Analysis (43)MIDI Tools (41)Modulation Effects (33)Notation & Scoring (13)Orchestral & Acoustic Instruments (22)Recording Utilities (74)Reverbs (24)Samplers (29)Sound Design (79)Spatial & Surround Audio (16)Synthesizers (91)
Availability, licensing and system requirements can change. Verification refers to official documentation and download availability, not installation or hands-on testing. Check the developer's current terms before installing.