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LinuxSampler
What it is
LinuxSampler is free, open-source software for loading and playing sampled instruments. Its sampler engine runs as a separate backend process from its user interfaces, and it can run standalone or as a plugin in sequencers and DAWs including Cubase, Logic, Ardour, QTractor, and Reaper. Supported sampler formats include GigaStudio/GigaSampler, SoundFont, and SFZ; plugin formats include VSTi, Audio Units, DSSI, and LV2. The project lists Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X support, along with audio and MIDI drivers such as ALSA, JACK, CoreMIDI, MME, ASIO, and CoreAudio. Gigedit can create and edit GigaStudio/Gigasampler instruments, with changes audible during playback. The engine can be controlled through a native C++ API or LSCP, an ASCII network interface, and frontends can connect remotely. QSampler lacks some engine features, including instruments-database support, while JSampler supports all currently available engine features. Commercial use of its source, libraries, or applications in hardware or software requires prior written authorization.
For and against
For
- Runs standalone or as a plugin in listed DAWs
- Supports GigaStudio, SoundFont, and SFZ sampler formats
- Provides VSTi, Audio Units, DSSI, and LV2 formats
- Gigedit changes can be heard during playback
- JSampler supports all currently available engine features
Against
- Commercial hardware or software use requires prior written authorization
- QSampler lacks instruments-database support
- LSCP can be controlled locally or from another machine
The verdict
LinuxSampler offers multiple sampler and plugin formats, with engine controls for both local and remote use. Check the intended frontend and licensing terms, especially for commercial hardware or software use.
Who it suits
LinuxSampler may suit musicians and producers who need sampled-instrument playback in a standalone setup or a supported DAW. Its separate engine, plugin options, and control interfaces may also suit users comfortable managing audio software and network-capable frontends.
Plans and prices
LinuxSampler
GNU GPL; commercial hardware/software use requires prior written permission
Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
On the record
- Architecture
- The sampler engine runs as a separate backend process decoupled from its user interfaces.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Audio and MIDI
- Listed drivers include ALSA, JACK, CoreMIDI, MidiShare, MME, ASIO, CoreAudio and audio over Ethernet.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Control APIs
- LinuxSampler provides a native C++ API and an ASCII network interface called LSCP for controlling the engine and managing sessions.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- DAW integrations
- LinuxSampler can run standalone or as a plugin in sequencers and DAWs including Cubase, Logic, Ardour, QTractor and Reaper.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Frontend limitation
- QSampler does not fully support the engine, notably lacking instruments-database support, while JSampler supports all currently available engine features.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Instrument editing
- Gigedit can create and edit GigaStudio/Gigasampler instruments and make changes audible in real time while playing.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- License restriction
- Using LinuxSampler source code, libraries or applications in commercial hardware or software products requires prior written authorization from the authors.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Operating systems
- Official feature documentation lists Linux, Windows and Mac OS X support.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Plugin formats
- The sampler supports VSTi, Audio Units, DSSI and LV2 host-plugin formats.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- LinuxSampler is a free, streaming-capable open-source software audio sampler designed for high stability, efficiency, very low latency and professional-grade features.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Remote control
- Its frontends can control the sampler remotely from another computer over the network.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Sampler formats
- The project supports GigaStudio/GigaSampler, SoundFont and SFZ formats.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security limitation
- The LSCP server can be controlled locally or from another machine, and the FAQ documents sending scripts to it over port 8888.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its mailing list for questions and discussions after closing the web forum in December 2024.linuxsampler.org · read 30 Sep 2026
