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Softsynths and Samplers


See also:

Samplers/synths (standalone)

If described as a “sampler”, this means the app loads/plays sampled waveforms. If described as a “synth”, this means the app's sounds are synthesized via oscillators, or physical modeling.

PageDescriptionTags
 Aeolus Pipe organ synth with 3 manuals and 1 pedal, 5 different temperaments, variable tuning, stereo, surround or Ambisonics output, flexible audio controls i…, , ,
 ALSA Modular Synth AlsaModularSynth is a realtime modular synthesizer and effect processor. It features * MIDI controlled modular software synthesis * Rea…, , ,
 amsynth * <https://github.com/amsynth/amsynth> very cool analog synth modelling from Nick Dowell * two analogue-style audio oscillators, featuring: …, , , ,
 AZR-3 [JACK] A tonewheel organ with drawbars, distortion and rotating speakers. Uses JACK audio and MIDI. Based upon the AZR3 VST plugin by Rumpelrausch Täips.…, , ,
 Beatrix MIDI controllable, hammond-style drawbar organ app with overdrive, leslie sim, and reverb. Uses OSS (not ALSA or JACK). Beatrix is distributed under …
 bristol synthesizer emulator Bristol is an emulation package for a number of different 'classic' synthesisers including additive and subtractive and a few orga…, , ,
 Chionic * <http://www.reduz.com.ar/chionic/> (defunct) Linux sampling software originally from Juan Linietsky, now unmaintained from Chionic's Feature Li…, , ,
 connie Simulation of an electronic organ like Vox Continental. A second model features a “poor musician's hammond”. Uses JACK for audio and MIDI. jack jack_mi…, ,
 ct-synth Polyphonic synthesizer, for Linux and Android. Custom GUI, providing touch-friendly widgets. MIDI keyboard or on-screen keyboard. Sound: PulseAudio (L…
 Cumulus real-time granular synthesis with MIDI control softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained,
 cursynth softsynths_and_samplers
 Delfin a realtime software sampler unmaintained softsynths_and_samplers,
 Din Use the computer mouse to pick both the pitch (by moving horizontally) and the volume (by moving vertically) of a sound from an on-screen pitch board that …, ,
 Elara synth from Steve Brookes softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained,
 FluidGUI GUI for FluidSynth. Written in Java, uses Swing. unmaintained fluidsynth softsynths_and_samplers java, , ,
 FluidSynth FluidSynth is a real-time MIDI synthesizer, for use directly in CLI and as a background process and resource for other applications, including GUI w…, , , , , ,
 fsthost softsynths_and_samplers lash jack_session jack_transport jack, , , ,
 GENPO Replicates the essential features of any pipe, theatre, or reed organ. GENPO reads a description of an organ (from a XML file) and presents a GUI for ope…, ,
 GrandOrgue GrandOrgue is a sample based pipe organ simulator. When connected to MIDI keyboards and an audio system, it can accurately simulate the sound of a r…
 gsynth Roland TB-303 emulator programmed using fasttracker-style note entry softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained,
 horgand FM-synthesis organ, JACK-aware, with DSP effects and programmable accompaniment alsa_seq fltk softsynths_and_samplers jack, , ,
 Ingen (formerly known as om) modular synthesizer that runs under JACK and uses LADSPA and/or DSSI plugins for processing ladspa lv2 lash osc softsynths_and_…, , , , , ,
 Internet Synth Web-based synth (source available by request) softsynths_and_samplers
 jackMiniSynth a minimal subtractive synth (with Moog filter) for JACK spiralsynth softsynths_and_samplers synthesis_and_composition_packages, ,
 JSampler Java GUI for Linuxsampler. softsynths_and_samplers
 Minicomputer Synth for creating experimental electronic sounds. Uses JACK alsa_seq softsynths_and_samplers jack, ,
 Mono monophonic real-time synthesizer softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained,
 MSS GTK Synth. Uses OSS (not ALSA or JACK) softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained,
 Mx44 a realtime software synthesizer very good for esoteric pads and ultra electric leads softsynths_and_samplers jack,
 obx Emulation of the 1980's Oberheim OBX series of hardware synths. jack softsynths_and_samplers,
 Octavian Octavian is a realtime software synthesizer. Its design is like analog modular synthesizers, so it can be used both as a synth and as an effect proces…, ,
 petri-foo Petri-Foo is a sampler for Linux which is forked from the Specimen project. It brings many new features to the project such as: * Default sample/p…, , , , ,
 PHASEX Synth built around flexible phase modulation and flexible oscillator/LFO sources. Modulations include AM, FM, offset PM, and wave select. PHASEX comes e…, ,
 pleiad maia softsynths_and_samplers
 QSampler Qt GUI for Linuxsampler. softsynths_and_samplers
 QSynth Qt GUI Interface for FluidSynth softsynths_and_samplers soundfonts_and_related jack jack_midi midi_software, , , ,
 RTSynth midi event triggered real time synth. Uses ALSA or JACK. softsynths_and_samplers jack,
 RTSynth softsynths_and_samplers jack,
 San Dysth This softsynth has controls to generate various kinds of sounds inbetween white noise and pure tones. It also provides controllers to disturb the gen…, , ,
 simsam Simple sampleplayer softsynths_and_samplers jack,
 Slat “Sounds like a theremin”, neat synth software from James Shuttlesworth softsynths_and_samplers jack,
 Soundtank Jacob Robbins' LADSPA host designed for making and playing softsynths. Soundtank hosts LADSPA plugins in “realtime objects” which embody the structu…, ,
 Specimen a MIDI-controllable audio sampler from Peter Bessman, now maintained by Eric Rzewnicki Specimen seems abandoned, but has been forked into Petri-Foo…, ,
 Spiral Synth very cool realtime software synthesizer softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained,
 Spiral Synth Modular modular software synth, roll your own synthesizer with its plugins ladspa fltk softsynths_and_samplers jack unmaintained, , , ,
 SpiralLoops a loop-based sampler with plugin support softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained,
 Swami Sampled Waveforms And Musical Instruments (SWAMI) is a tool in progress for creating, editing, and combining SF2 SoundFonts. Uses JACK. jack audio_edito…, , , , ,
 SynthForge SynthForge is a modular sound synthesiser, for creating audio synths and effects for Linux. alsa_seq softsynths_and_samplers,
 tapeutape alsa_seq lash softsynths_and_samplers jack, , ,
 The Linux Softsynth Roundup the shape of things in May 2003 on-line_articles_by_dave_phillips softsynths_and_samplers and_now_for_something_rather_different, ,
 TiMidity++ greatly extended and enhanced version of TiMidity. alsa_seq midi_software jack softsynths_and_samplers, , ,
 Ultramaster Juno-6 software emulation of the classic Roland analog synth softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained,
 Xsynth MIDI-controlled analog-style realtime synthesizer from Steve Brookes softsynths_and_samplers dssi,
 Yoshimi Yoshimi is a software synthesizer, a live soft-DSP audio signal generator. It receives MIDI signals as input either from ALSA MIDI or JACK, and sends d…, , , , , , , ,
 ZynAddSubFX ZynAddSubFX is arguably the most versatile and performant launch and play software synthesizer for Linux. It features polyphonic and multitimbral a…, , , , , ,

Samplers/synths (plug-ins)

The following software are plug-ins, designed to be used with apps that load plug-ins.

PageDescriptionTags
 ams LV2 plugins derived from ALSA Modular Synth. These plugins are used to create modular synths and contain a VCO, VCF, VCA, LFO, Slew Limiter, Envelop, and S…, ,
 BLOP Band-limited oscillator LADSPA plugins. ladspa_plugin softsynths_and_samplers,
 Calf Studio Gear Calf Studio Gear is an audio plug-in pack for LV2 and JACK environments under LINUX operating systems. The suite contains 47 effects (delay, m…, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
 Calf Studio Gear plugins Good quality, large collection of synths and effect LV2 plugins lv2_plugins effects_processors softsynths_and_samplers !- pr…, ,
 chainsaw synth Basic polyphonic subtractive synthesizer, loosely based on the ideas from the supersaw oscillator found on some Roland synthesizers. It offers a…,
 Chowdhury DSP Chowdhury DSP is a project with the intention of developing innovative and high-quality audio software, as well as making that software available…, ,
 DISTRHO An open-source project for Cross-Platform Audio Plugins. We provide our own plugins and Linux ports, everything being open-source. LV2 and VST version…, ,
 FluidSynth-DSSI a DSSI wrapper for FluidSynth fluidsynth dssi_plugins softsynths_and_samplers, ,
 foo-yc20 The YC-20 is a divide-down combo organ designed in the late 60's. This emulation faithfully copies the features, sounds and flaws of the original orga…, ,
 HexoSynth This project aims to create a modular synthesizer. Like those encountered in projects like VCVRack or Bitwigs Polygrid. The core idea is having a he…, ,
 Hexter A “... software synthesizer that models the sound generation of a Yamaha DX7”, DSSI plugin goodness from Sean Bolton. Related: DX7 on wikipedia.org …,
 Linux Studio Plugins Project Linux Studio Plugins is a collection of open-source plugins: * Limiter * Dynamic Processor * Expander * Gate * Graphic …, , , , , , ,
 Linuxsampler alsa_seq jack lv2_plugins softsynths_and_samplers, , ,
 newtonator lv2_plugins softsynths_and_samplers,
 Odin 2 The sound of this 24-voice polyphonic beast will take you from your studio right to Valhalla. Earth shattering basses, exquisite leads or mad FX, Odin's…, ,
 samplv1 samplv1 is an old-school all-digital polyphonic sampler synthesizer with stereo fx. Features: * pure stand-alone JACK client with JACK-session a…, , , , , ,
 setBfree A DSP Tonewheel Organ emulator. setBfree is a MIDI-controlled, software synthesizer designed to imitate the sound and properties of the electromechan…, ,
 Sineshaper Monophonic DSSI synthesizer with two sine oscillators and two waveshapers softsynths_and_samplers dssi_plugins,
 Surge A sound designer's dream. A friendly, open community. Featuring many synthesis techniques, a great selection of filters, a flexible modulation engine, …,
 synthv1 synthv1 is an old-school all-digital 4-oscillator subtractive polyphonic synthesizer with stereo fx. Features: * pure stand-alone JACK client with …, , , , , ,
 Triceratops LV2 Substractive Poly Synth Audio Synthesizer for Linux LV2 Plugin System, Substractive Polyphonous LV2 Synth. softsynths_and_samplers lv2_plugins,
 VCO-Plugins ladspa_plugin softsynths_and_samplers,
 WhySynth A DSSI Softsynth Plugin. Some features, taken from the website * 4 oscillators, 2 filters, 3 LFOs, and 5 envelope generators per voice. * 10 os…,
 zyn Port of ZynAddSubFX synth engines to LV2 Host lv2_plugins softsynths_and_samplers,

Drum samplers/synths (standalone)

These apps mimic “drum machines”. If described as a “sampler”, this means the sounds are sampled waveforms of real drums. If described as a “synth”, this means the sounds are synthesized via oscillators (like the analog Roland TR-808), or physical modeling.

If described as “MIDI-controlled”, this means the sounds are playable in real-time via a MIDI controller such as drum pads or a keyboard (or another MIDI app if the ALSA Sequencer interface is supported). If “Pattern-controlled”, then the app requires you to program “beat patterns”, and the app plays these patterns at whatever tempo you set.

Recommended: Hydrogen

PageDescriptionTags
 Beatfish Pattern-controlled drum sampler. Uses JACK for audio. Enlightenment for its GUI. drumming jack softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained, , ,
 Beats By Design an “artificially intelligent drum machine”, requires jMusic and of course Java drumming java softsynths_and_samplers, ,
 Drumpiler Write or generate drum and tone patterns in a simple programming language. Mix it using the sample assembler (asampler). Renders to files or plays re…,
 Fultron 2002 Old Pattern-controlled drum sampler. Uses SDL. drumming softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained, ,
 Gneutronica GTK2-based drum machine drumming jack alsa_seq softsynths_and_samplers, , ,
 Groovit Old command-line Pattern-controlled drum synth. Uses OSS drumming softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained, ,
 Hydrogen Pattern-controlled drum sampler. Uses JACK or ALSA for audio, and ALSA sequencer for MIDI. ladspa jack_transport lash alsa_seq drumming jack ladish_l…, , , , , , ,
 Jackbeat Pattern-controlled drum sampler. Uses JACK or PulseAudio. drumming jack softsynths_and_samplers, ,
 orDrumbox orDrumbox is a free drum machine software (written in Java), designed to be as creative as possible with unusual features : auto-composition, polyryt…, , ,
 PSIndustrializer Physical modeling synth for generating percussion sounds. It also can produce chimes, bubbles, gongs, hammer hits on different materials and s…,
 pyTrommler GTK Pattern-controlled drum sampler written in Python drumming unmaintained softsynths_and_samplers, ,
 Slag Pattern-controlled drum synth. Uses JACK drumming jack softsynths_and_samplers, ,
 Smack MIDI-controlled drum synth. Uses JACK drumming softsynths_and_samplers,
 TK-707 emulation of the Roland TR-707 drum machine drumming softsynths_and_samplers,
 Virtual Drum Machine Old command-line Pattern-controlled drum sampler. Uses OSS. drumming softsynths_and_samplers unmaintained, ,
 Xdrum drumming unmaintained softsynths_and_samplers, ,

Drum samplers/synths (plug-ins)

The following software are plug-ins, designed to be used with apps that load plug-ins.

PageDescriptionTags
 DrMr LV2-plugin, drum-kit sampleplayer An LV2 plugin that plays Hydrogen drumkits. Its main reason to exist is to give a way for lv2 hosts to have a built in d…, ,
 Drumgizmo An open source, multichannel, multilayered, cross-platform drum plugin and stand-alone application. It enables you to compose drums in midi and mix t…, ,
 drumkv1 drumkv1 is an old-school all-digital drum-kit sampler synthesizer with stereo fx. Features: * pure stand-alone JACK client with JACK-session and…, , , , , , ,
 edrummer eDrummer is a software program that, when used in conjunction with electronic drum pads, effectively turns your computer into an “electronic drum kit”…, ,
 Fabla * <http://openavproductions.com/fabla> * <http://github.com/harryhaaren/openAV-Fabla> Fabla is an open-source LV2 drum sampler plugin instrument. It…, ,

Loopers

PageDescriptionTags
 beatslash 2 plugins for live beat repeating and beat slicing. “beat repeater” will repeat the current beat. “beat slicer” will randomly repeat parts of a live …,
 ClockLoop Commandline loop player jack looping_software alsa_seq, ,
 Freecycle Beat slicer, very useful for defining and editing loops, also creates loop MIDI file jack jack_transport ladspa looping_software unmaintained, , , ,
 FreeWheeling live looping instrument from JP Mercury alsa_seq looping_software jack, ,
 giada A free, minimal, hardcore audio tool for DJs, live performers and electronic musicians. How does it work? Just pick up your channel, fill it with samples…
 GuitArp for_guitarists_only looping_software,
 kluppe * <http://kluppe.klingt.org/> Loop player for files and live input, from d13b. looping_software jack unmaintained, ,
 Live Loop - midi sequencer LiveLoop - create your loops in real time java software LiveLoop is a live midi sequencer that enables you to record loop whi…,
 LoopDub Load a bank of same-sized loops into memory, and use the mouse or a MIDI controller to turn them on and off, change volume or filter settings, and gene…
 luppp * <http://openavproductions.com/luppp> * <http://github.com/harryhaaren/Luppp/downloads> Luppp is a live performance program, it allows loading & re…, , , , ,
 Smasher !- smasher wiki page description -! Cross-platform audio loop slicer designed to create sliced loops from WAV, MP3, FLAC or AIFF files in seconds with…, ,
 SooperLooper excellent looping sampler from Jesse Chappell looping_software jack osc, ,
 Tranches Tranches, very much geared towards live use, calls itself a “midi-controlled multi-(inputs/outputs) live beat repeat/rearrange/redirect tool”. It is …, , , , ,
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