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Ardour
Ardour · Galisteo, New Mexico, United States
What it is
Ardour is an open-source audio and MIDI workstation for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering projects on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports any number of tracks and busses, with unlimited undo and redo. Routing can connect sources one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many. Plugin formats include AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3, and LADSPA; plugins also support sample-accurate automation and MIDI Learn. For synchronization, Ardour handles MIDI timecode, MIDI Machine Control, MIDI clock, and JACK transport sync. It can import one video, display a thumbnail timeline, synchronize audio to it, and export video. Users can search Freesound within Ardour and import audio or MIDI from that database. The project uses the GNU GPL v2 license, allowing users to copy, share, and modify Ardour without paying. Optional subscriptions support development and provide unlimited updates while active. Monthly subscription options are $1 a month, $4 a month, $10 a month, and $50 a month; an annual option is $120 a year.
For and against
For
- Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Supports unlimited tracks and busses
- Includes unlimited undo and redo
- Supports AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3, and LADSPA
- May be copied, shared, and modified without payment
Against
- Optional updates are unlimited only while subscribed
- Annual subscription is $120 a year
- Video workflow imports one video
The verdict
Ardour offers broad audio and MIDI workflows alongside video synchronization and flexible routing. Users can work with it without paying, or subscribe for unlimited updates while subscribed.
Who it suits
Ardour suits musicians and audio creators who need audio and MIDI recording, editing, mixing, and mastering across Linux, macOS, or Windows. Its video timeline and synchronization options may also suit projects that combine audio with video.
Plans and prices
Developing World
Supports Ardour development · Unlimited updates while subscribed
Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Low Cost
Supports Ardour development · Unlimited updates while subscribed
Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Standard
Supports Ardour development · Unlimited updates while subscribed
Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Institutional
Supports Ardour development · Unlimited updates while subscribed
Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Annual subscription
Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
On the record
- Audio MIDI Workflows
- Ardour supports recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI projects.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Plugin Automation
- Plugins support full sample-accurate automation and MIDI Learn control.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Development Funding
- Subscriptions fund feature development, bug fixes, documentation, equipment, and developer meetings.community.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Freesound Access
- Users can import audio or MIDI from the Freesound database and search it within Ardour.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Free Use
- Users are not obligated to pay and may copy, share, and modify Ardour.community.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- MIDI sequencing
- Yescommunity.ardour.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- MIDI Synchronization
- Ardour supports MIDI timecode, MIDI Machine Control, MIDI clock, and JACK transport sync.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Multitrack editing
- Yescommunity.ardour.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Open Source
- Ardour is an open-source collaborative project licensed under the GNU Public License v2.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Plugin Formats
- Supported plugin formats include AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3, and LADSPA.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Signal Routing
- Connections can be one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Paid from
- 1community.ardour.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Payment Billing
- Subscriptions are managed through PayPal, with one retry if a monthly payment fails.community.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Subscriber Updates
- Subscribers receive unlimited updates while they remain subscribers.community.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Support Channels
- Support includes documentation, tutorials, bug tracking, email, forums, IRC, Matrix, and social channels.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Supported Platforms
- Ardour runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
- Third-party plugins
- Yescommunity.ardour.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Tracks And Busses
- Ardour supports any number of tracks and busses.ardour.org · read 27 Sep 2026
