Skip to content
Product News
Recording · Instruments · Studio technologyRSS

THE AUDIO MAGAZINE / RESOURCES

Linux – 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.

204 listings

Luppp

OpenAV Productions

Luppp is a live-looping environment designed around clips and performance control.

LinuxLive PerformanceSamplers
View details →

mda Plug-ins

Paul Kellett / mda

The mda collection contains classic lightweight instruments and effects that became widely used in computer-based production.

LinuxmacOSWindowsCompressors & DynamicsEqualizersModulation EffectsSynthesizers
View details →

mididings

mididings Contributors

mididings is a programmable MIDI router and processor with a Python-oriented configuration approach.

LinuxLive PerformanceMIDI Tools
View details →

MilkyTracker

MilkyTracker Project

MilkyTracker is a music tracker focused on module composition and the classic FastTracker-style workflow.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDAW & Multitrack RecordingSamplers
View details →

Mixxx

Mixxx Team

Mixxx is an open-source DJ application for mixing and performing with recorded tracks.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDAW & Multitrack RecordingLive Performance
View details →

mp3splt

mp3splt Project

mp3splt splits supported compressed-audio files without requiring a conventional workstation edit.

LinuxmacOSWindowsAudio EditingRecording Utilities
View details →

MusE

MusE Project

MusE is a Linux MIDI and audio sequencer with editors for arranging notes, controller data and recorded material.

LinuxDAW & Multitrack RecordingMIDI Tools
View details →

MuseScore Studio

MuseScore

MuseScore Studio is a desktop notation application for entering, arranging and engraving musical scores.

LinuxmacOSWindowsNotation & Scoring
View details →

MusicBrainz Picard

MusicBrainz

Picard organizes and edits music-file metadata using the MusicBrainz database and related identification tools.

LinuxmacOSWindowsRecording Utilities
View details →

Neural Amp Modeler

Steven Atkinson

Neural Amp Modeler plays compatible learned models of amplifiers and other nonlinear audio devices.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDistortion & SaturationGuitar & Bass
View details →

NeuralNote

DamRsn

NeuralNote converts recorded audio into MIDI note information using a transcription model.

LinuxmacOSWindowsMetering & AnalysisMIDI Tools
View details →

New Session Manager

New Session Manager

New Session Manager manages groups of compatible Linux audio applications and their saved session data.

LinuxRecording Utilities
View details →

Nils K1v

Nils Schneider

Nils K1v emulates the Kawai K1's digital synthesis approach, offering a particular late-1980s keyboard palette.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSynthesizers
View details →

NINJAM

Cockos

NINJAM provides an interval-based system for making music together over the internet.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceRecording Utilities
View details →

NoiseTorch

NoiseTorch Contributors

NoiseTorch creates a processed microphone path with real-time noise suppression on supported Linux audio systems.

LinuxAudio RestorationRecording Utilities
View details →

Non Session Manager

Audioroute / NON Project

Non Session Manager coordinates compatible applications as a saved Linux audio session.

LinuxDAW & Multitrack RecordingRecording Utilities
View details →

Nootka

Nootka Project

Nootka helps musicians learn notation and connect written notes with instrumental playing.

AndroidLinuxmacOSWindowsGuitar & BassNotation & Scoring
View details →

Nyquist

Roger Dannenberg / Nyquist Contributors

Nyquist combines a programming language with facilities for sound synthesis and processing.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSound DesignSynthesizers
View details →

OB-Xf

Surge Synth Team

OB-Xf continues the last open-source OB-Xd codebase within the Surge Synth Team’s current development infrastructure.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSynthesizers
View details →

OBS Studio

OBS Project

OBS Studio captures and mixes audio and video for recording or live streaming.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceRecording Utilities
View details →

ocenaudio

ocenaudio Team

ocenaudio is a waveform editor for recording, editing and inspecting audio files.

LinuxmacOSWindowsAudio EditingMetering & Analysis
View details →

Odin 2

TheWaveWarden

Odin 2 combines several oscillator approaches with filters, modulation and effects in a semi-modular instrument.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSound DesignSynthesizers
View details →

Open Stage Control

Vox Hunt / Open Stage Control

Open Stage Control creates customizable remote-control interfaces for audio and multimedia systems.

LinuxmacOSWeb browserWindowsLive PerformanceMIDI Tools
View details →

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.

Scroll to Top