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Table of Contents

Software Synth/Sampler, Drumbox, Looper


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/Arps

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 …, , , , ,

Plug-in Hosts

The following software load and operate plug-ins.

PageDescriptionTags
Advanced Gtk+ Sequencer Advanced Gtk+ Sequencer is an audio sequencer written in C using GObject and Gtk+. It features a piano roll, as well a synth, matrix ed…, , , , , , , , , , ,
Ardour Professional-grade multitrack/multichannel hard-disk recording. Ardour allows you to record and edit both audio and MIDI data, add many different kinds…, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Bipscript a simple programming environment for creating music Features * instantiate and connect LV2 plugins to create audio and MIDI networks * schedule…, , , , , , , , ,
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…, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Carla Carla is an audio plugin host, with support for many audio drivers and plugin formats. It has some nice features like automation of parameters via MIDI C…, , , , , , ,
guitarix guitarix is a modular linux guitar mono amplifier to be used in a 'jackified' environment (Jack Audio Connection Kit). Guitarix provides one jack inpu…, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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_…, , , , , ,
jalv.select A little gtkmm GUI to select lv2 plugs from a list and run them with jalv. Features: select jalv interpreter from combo box, select LV2 plugin fr…, ,
MusE MusE is a MIDI/Audio sequencer with recording and editing capabilities written originally by Werner Schweer now developed and maintained by the MusE devel…, , , , , , , , , , ,
nama DAW based on the Ecasound audio processing engine. Provides a command interpreter with a Tk based GUI and project management using git. Productivity aids …, , , , , ,
Qtractor Qtractor is an Audio/MIDI multi-track sequencer application written in C++ with the Qt framework. Target platform is Linux, where the Jack Audio Con…, , , , , , , , , , ,
Synthpod Synthpod is both LV2 host and plugin. It can be run as a standalone app and be used as a tool for audio and event filtering or for live performances. …, , , , , , , , , ,
Traverso multitrack audio recording and editing program. Supports Jack, LV2, Jack Transport. daw jack_transport lv2 jack, , ,
Zrythm A digital audio workstation designed to be featureful and easy to use. It allows limitless automation through curves, LFOs and envelopes, supports multi…, , , , , , , , ,
zynjacku JACK based, GTK (2.x) host for LV2 synths. Multi-timbral sound by running several synth plugins. lv2 jack_midi jack, ,
apps/synth_apps.txt · Last modified: 2015/05/26 20:03 by j_e_f_f_g