Hey guys, in this video we’re going to go over 5 of the top digital audio workstations
for Linux.
Some of these are open source programs, but all of them are completely free to download
and use.
Many of these programs have support for both audio and MIDI recording and editing, but
a few of them are more specialized programs.
We’ll go through each of the strengths and weaknesses for these programs, then we’ll
let you know which one you should learn to use depending on what kind of music you’re
looking to create.
Number 5: Audacity.
Audacity is an audio recorder that supports multitrack processing and stereo track recording.
It’s great for processing audio on simple projects such as podcasts or video audio when
there are only a few tracks to work with.
It’s completely free, constantly maintained, and is supported on all 3 major operating
systems.
Audacity falls short of the other digital audio workstations on this list since editing
is destructive and it has no support for MIDI or virtual instruments.
It’s also not good for people who need to work with more than just a stereo input at
once.
With that said, Audacity is a great program for single track recording.
We recommend Audacity for people who need an easy to use audio recorder and editor for
a single track, like when recording one microphone for narration.
Number 4: Qtractor.
Qtractor is a full digital audio workstation that is available only for use on Linux.
It is an open source programs and is currently being updated frequently.
Qtractor allows for multitrack recording, non-destructive editing, and MIDI composition
and arrangement.
It also supports a variety of audio formats, sample rates, and plugins such as LADSPA,
DSSI, VST, and LV2.
Though Qtractor is definitely a fully functional and useful program, its lack of support for
other operating systems can make finding tutorials and support for the program difficult at times.
Qtractor is one of the better programs for Linux for using virtual instruments through
the piano roll, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re main goal is to record instruments
with microphones.
Number 3: Tracktion 6.
Tracktion 6 is a full digital audio workstation with multitrack recording, editing, and MIDI
support.
It’s an older version of the current Tracktion 7 and is free to download and use.
Tracktion 6 has support for VST and AU audio plugins, but it doesn’t include many plugins,
or any virtual instruments when first downloaded, so there’s some work required to get it
to a point where it’s usable for MIDI work.
Also, the layout of the program is a little confusing and hard to navigate at first.
Some of the tools are not where you would expect them to be.
For example, adding plugins on a track works on a drag and drop system instead of a simple
list view like most DAWs.
We recommend Tracktion 6 for people getting started with music production.
Even though it doesn’t have the best layout, the tools provided in the program are simple
to use, and it makes getting started with audio very easy without providing too many
extra confusing tools for new users.
Number 2: LMMS.
LMMS, or Linux Multimedia Studio, is a fantastic program that integrates a lot of different
virtual instruments together into one powerful beat producer.
In this program, the main tools that you’ll use are the song editor and beat/bassline
editor.
The song editor combines beats and basslines that you create with different synths on the
piano roll.
The beat and bassline editor is used to make loops that can be repeated in the song.
All of these can be controller with a bunch of different effects, and basically anything
in the program can be used with automation throughout the song.
LMMS comes packed full of different synths which include presets for a large variety
of different sounds.
There’s also samples that can be used to create different sound effects, or combined
to create a drum beat.
This is a great program if you’re creating beats from MIDI instruments and samples, but
it’s not the right choice for people who need to record audio onto different tracks,
such as when working with real acoustic instruments.
Number 1: Ardour.
Ardour is a full, open source digital audio workstation.
It supports multichannel recording and editing as well as MIDI composition and external MIDI
instruments.
Ardour features non-destructive editing, so you can go back and make changes at any point
throughout the mixing process.
There is also support for different audio plugins such as AudioUnit, LV2, LinuxVST,
and LADSPA.
Ardour also has excellent support for automation, meaning you can automate your panning and
volume of every track.
Finally, Ardour also supports video soundtrack editing.
To get the full version of Ardour, you have to either subscribe to a payment every month
or pay at least $45 to get continuous updates.
Though we realize this isn’t free, Ardour has been included on this list because it
can easily be compiled from source code on Linux, as shown in a previous video on this
channel.
It also beats out Qtractor since it is also used on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS, so there
is plenty of support for this program available online.”
Overall LMMS and Ardour are the two best programs for audio production on Linux.
LMMS is great as a beat producer and is well beyond Ardour for working with MIDI and virtual
instruments.
Ardour is a good all-round program combining the audio and MIDI recording capabilities
we would expect from a full digital audio workstation on other operating systems.
Thanks for watching this video on digital audio workstations for Linux.
If you have any comments on our list, let us know below.
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