Ardour
Ardour is an open source digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio and MIDI. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and provides a flexible and powerful multi-track audio and MIDI environment.
recording
editing
mixing
audio
midi
Ardour: Open Source Digital Audio Workstation
Ardour is an open source digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio and MIDI. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and provides a flexible and powerful multi-track audio and MIDI environment.
What is Ardour?
Ardour is an open source digital audio workstation (DAW) application designed for audio recording, editing, and mixing. It is a powerful yet flexible platform that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Some key features of Ardour include:
- Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
- Extensive mixing capabilities with an unlimited number of mix buses
- Non-linear, non-destructive editing of audio and MIDI
- A wide range of professional audio effect plugins support
- Timecode synchronization abilities
- Scripting and control surface support
Ardour is suitable for any individual or organization looking for a fully featured DAW solution. Its open source nature makes it a great free alternative for professional sound engineers, podcasters, musicians, and hobbyists alike to produce high-quality audio. An active online community behind Ardour also offers helpful resources for support and development.
Ardour Features
Features
- Multi-track recording
- Non-linear editing
- Unlimited audio tracks and busses
- VST plugin support
- MIDI recording and editing
- Mixing and mastering tools
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Powerful features rivaling paid DAWs
Cross-platform - runs on Linux, macOS and Windows
Constantly updated and improved
Cons
Steep learning curve
Limited native instruments and effects
No notation or score editing
Official Links
The Best Ardour Alternatives
Top Audio & Music and Digital Audio Workstations and other similar apps like Ardour
Here are some alternatives to Ardour:
Suggest an alternative ❐
FL Studio
FL Studio, formerly known as FruityLoops, is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by the Belgian company Image-Line. It is one of the most popular DAWs used by music producers, DJs, and artists to create, record, arrange, and mix professional quality music.Some key features of FL Studio include:Powerful mixing console...
GarageBand
GarageBand is a digital audio workstation and music sequencer app developed by Apple. First released in 2004, GarageBand aims to be an accessible and user-friendly music production software for amateurs and novice music creators. It comes pre-installed on all new Mac computers and iOS devices.A key feature of GarageBand is...
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a digital audio workstation (DAW) software that allows users to create, produce, and perform electronic music. First released in 2001, Live has become one of the most popular DAWs for electronic musicians due to its user-friendly interface and innovative features.Unlike traditional DAWs that use a linear, timeline-based...
LMMS
LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio) is a free, open source digital audio workstation (DAW) application that runs on Linux, Mac, and Windows. It allows you to produce music and other sounds using virtual instruments, audio samples, and effects plugins.Some key features of LMMS include:User-friendly graphical interface for easy music creationSupport for...
Reason
Reason is a digital audio workstation (DAW) and music sequencing software developed by Propellerhead Software. It allows users to create, edit, and produce music and audio using virtual rack gear, instruments, and effects.Some key features of Reason include:An intuitive and easy-to-use interface designed to resemble a rack of hardware synths,...
Cubase
Cubase is a complete digital audio workstation (DAW) software solution for music production, arranging, recording, editing and mixing. Originally created by German musical software and equipment company Steinberg, Cubase is now a core product line of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.With its fully integrated environment and advanced set of virtual instruments,...
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is a comprehensive digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Adobe Systems. It provides a wide range of audio editing and mixing features for producing music, podcasts, and audio for video.Some key features of Adobe Audition include:Multitrack editing - Mix and edit up to 128 digital audio tracks.Audio restoration...
Logic Pro
Logic Pro is a professional digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software application developed by Apple Inc. Originally created by German software developer C-Lab in the early 1990s as Notator Logic, Apple acquired the software in 2002 and transformed it into Logic Pro. Since then, Logic Pro has become one...
Reaper
Reaper is a complete digital audio production application for Windows, macOS and Linux. It provides an extensive set of features for recording, editing and mixing audio and MIDI projects.Some key features of Reaper include:Flexible track routing with multi-channel supportA wide range of included effects and virtual instrumentsSupport for VST, AU...
Cakewalk
Cakewalk is a complete digital audio workstation (DAW) that allows users to record, edit, arrange, mix and master audio and MIDI. Originally developed by Twelve Tone Systems in the 1990s, it was acquired by BandLab Technologies in 2018.Some key features of Cakewalk include:Multi-track audio and MIDI sequencing and recordingPowerful audio...
Soundtrap
Soundtrap is an online digital audio workstation designed to make music production accessible for all skill levels. As a cloud-based platform, Soundtrap allows users to create, record, edit, and collaborate on songs and podcasts from any device with an internet connection.Some key features of Soundtrap include:Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for fast...
WavePad
WavePad is a versatile digital audio editing application for Windows and Mac from NCH Software. It provides an intuitive and efficient interface for carrying out common audio editing tasks like trimming, cutting, pasting, filtering, amplifying, reducing noise, applying effects, and more.Some of the key features of WavePad include:Support recording from...
Wavelab
Wavelab is a digital audio workstation (DAW) and audio editing software developed by Steinberg for working with audio recordings. First released in 1990, Wavelab has become an industry-standard tool used widely in music production, broadcast, post-production, and mastering.Key features of Wavelab include:Advanced audio editing tools for cutting, splicing, cropping audioAudio...
Studio One
Studio One is a popular, full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) software application designed for music production and recording. Initially released by PreSonus in 2009, Studio One has gained significant traction in the music production industry thanks to its intuitive interface, powerful tools, and professional-grade audio engine.Some key features and benefits...
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Bitwig GmbH in Berlin, Germany. First released in 2014, Bitwig Studio competes directly with other major DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Cubase.Some key features of Bitwig Studio include:Flexible workflow for music production, sound design, performance and...
FamiStudio
FamiStudio is a feature-rich, cross-platform chiptune tracker for composing music for the NES/Famicom audio processor. As an open-source DAW tailored for writing authentic 8-bit music, FamiStudio aims to strike a balance between usability and accuracy to the hardware's capabilities.Key features include:Emulation of the Ricoh 2A03 sound chip found in the...
Auria
Auria is a full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) designed specifically for iPad. Developed by WaveMachine Labs, Auria provides professional-grade audio recording, editing, and production capabilities on iOS.Some key features of Auria include:Up to 24-track audio recording with 32-bit floating point resolutionPowerful non-linear audio editing tools like crossfades, fades, volume and...
SampleTank
SampleTank is a professional sample-based virtual instrument plug-in by IK Multimedia. It functions as a sound module for music production, providing users with a vast library of quality instrument and loop samples to utilize in their projects.Some key features of SampleTank include:Over 25GB of high-quality sample content covering a wide...
Frinika
Frinika is an open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) software designed for music production. It provides tools for MIDI sequencing and arranging, software synthesis and sampling, audio recording and editing, effect processing, mixing, automation, and more.Some key features of Frinika include:Full-featured piano roll MIDI sequencer for writing and editing musicSupport for...
Zynewave Podium
Zynewave Podium is a digital audio workstation (DAW) and MIDI sequencer software for Windows. It provides tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI.Some key features of Zynewave Podium include:Multitrack audio and MIDI recording and editingSupport for VST instruments and effects pluginsPowerful mixing capabilities with effects, panning, and...
Qtractor
Qtractor is an open-source, cross-platform digital audio workstation (DAW) application designed for audio recording, editing, mixing and managing MIDI and audio sequencer tracks. It features an unlimited number of audio and MIDI tracks, supporting a wide variety of plugins such as LADSPA, DSSI, LV2 and VST instruments and effects. Qtractor...
Soundation Studio
Soundation Studio is a feature-rich online digital audio workstation (DAW) that provides tools for audio recording, MIDI sequencing, arranging, editing, and mixing completely in the browser. It allows users to produce professional-sounding music without needing to install any software or purchase expensive equipment.Some key features of Soundation Studio include:Intuitive drag-and-drop...
Amadeus Pro
Amadeus Pro is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) and MIDI sequencer application developed by HairerSoft specifically for macOS. It enables music producers, composers, audio engineers and performers to record, edit and mix music productions.Key features of Amadeus Pro include:Multi-track audio and MIDI recording and editingSupport for VST and Audio...
J4T Multitrack Recorder
J4T Multitrack Recorder is a powerful yet affordable digital audio workstation for Windows and Mac. Designed for recording studios, musicians, podcasters and audio engineers, it features unlimited tracks, VST plugin support, a mixer view, built-in effects and more.Key features include:Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks per projectUp to 128 tracks simultaneous...
MidSequer
MidSequer is a free, open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) and MIDI sequencer software for Windows, macOS and Linux. It provides tools for audio recording, MIDI recording, virtual instrument support, audio/MIDI editing, mixing, effects processing and more. Some key features of MidSequer include:Unlimited audio and MIDI tracksSupport for VST plugins, virtual...
MuLab
MuLab is a full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) that provides tools for creating and manipulating audio and MIDI. It has an intuitive, single-window interface that allows you to easily record, edit, arrange and mix audio, MIDI, and virtual instruments.Key features of MuLab include:Unlimited audio and MIDI tracksPowerful editing tools like...
AudioDope
AudioDope is an affordable digital audio workstation (DAW) and music production software for Windows. It provides a complete set of tools for recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio and MIDI.Key features of AudioDope include:Multitrack audio and MIDI recording and editingPowerful audio editing tools like cut, copy, paste, etc.A library of...
SoundEditor
SoundEditor is a feature-rich digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for Windows. It provides a user-friendly interface and powerful tools to record, edit, mix, and master audio.With SoundEditor, you can:Record audio from microphones, instruments, or other input sourcesImport and edit WAV, MP3, WMA, OGG, and other common audio file formatsCut, copy,...
Nuendo
Nuendo is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) software application developed by Steinberg for Windows and macOS. First released in 2000, Nuendo is designed for audio recording, editing, mixing and mastering for a variety of applications including music production for bands and orchestras, soundtrack creation for film, television and advertising,...
AudioLab
AudioLab is a digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for recording, editing, and mixing audio. It is developed by WonderShare for Windows and Mac.Some key features of AudioLab include:Multi-track audio editing with unlimited tracksSupport for VST plug-ins, audio effects, virtual instrumentsAdvanced audio restoration, noise reduction, and mastering toolsIntuitive and customizable interfaceSupport...
MixPad
MixPad is a versatile digital audio workstation (DAW) software that enables music creators to produce professional audio by mixing multiple music tracks. Developed by NCH Software, MixPad is available for Windows and Mac operating systems as a free download.As an intuitive multi-track recording and mixing software, MixPad comes packed with...
HIP HOP BEAT MAKER
A hip hop beat maker software is designed specifically to help producers, songwriters, and musicians craft high-quality hip hop instrumentals and beats. At its core, it is a digital audio workstation (DAW) with features tailored for hip hop music creation including:Huge library of original hip hop drum samples and loops...
Rosegarden
Rosegarden is a feature-rich open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) and music notation program. It provides tools for audio and MIDI sequencing, including a multi-track sequencer interface, virtual instruments, and audio effects processing. Rosegarden allows users to compose, record, edit, and mix musical scores and arrangements.Key features include:- Music notation editing...
Microncode Audio Tools
Microncode Audio Tools is a digital audio workstation (DAW) software designed for recording, editing and manipulating audio. It provides a complete set of tools for producers, sound engineers, podcasters and musicians to produce professional audio content.Some key features of Microncode Audio Tools include:Multi-track audio recording and editingSupport for VST plugins...
LNX Studio
LNX Studio is a free and open source digital audio workstation software for Windows, Mac and Linux. It provides an integrated solution for audio production tasks including multitrack audio recording, effects processing, audio editing, MIDI sequencing and more.As an open source DAW, LNX Studio places no restrictions on its use...
Open Octave
Open Octave is a free, open-source alternative to MATLAB software. It provides a high-level programming language and advanced mathematical computing environment for numerical computations, data analysis, machine learning, and image processing.Some key features of Open Octave include:Supports matrix operations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user...
Audio Evolution
Audio Evolution is a full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) software for Windows. It provides a complete music production environment for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio.Some key features of Audio Evolution include:Multi-track audio recording and editingSupport for VST plugins, virtual instruments, and effectsA MIDI piano roll editor and sequencerTools for...
Synthfont
Synthfont is an open-source software for designing and generating bitmap fonts. It provides a graphical user interface that allows users to draw individual glyphs pixel-by-pixel and map them to different characters and symbols.Some key features of Synthfont include:Drawing tools to create glyph outlines and fills pixel-by-pixelSupport for monospace and proportional...
EnergyXT
energyXT is a complete digital audio workstation (DAW) software solution for Windows and Mac operating systems. Originally released in 2003, it has become popular for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, combined with advanced features for professional music production.As a DAW, energyXT allows users to record, edit, and mix multiple tracks...
SkyTracks.io
SkyTracks.io is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed specifically for airline operations management and optimization. It provides a comprehensive suite of capabilities to help airlines plan, execute, and monitor their flight operations more efficiently.Key features of SkyTracks.io include:Advanced flight planning - Optimize flight routes and fuel planning while taking into account...
MultitrackStudio
MultitrackStudio is a full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) software for Windows. It provides a complete set of tools for recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio and MIDI.Key features include:Unlimited audio and MIDI tracksPlug-in support for VST instruments and effectsLow-latency ASIO and WASAPI driversAdvanced mixing tools like parametric EQ, dynamics, panning,...
Waveform
Waveform is a feature-rich digital audio workstation and music production software suitable for music creators ranging from hobbyists to professionals. Its user interface is intuitive and focused on workflow efficiency, allowing users to quickly record, edit, and mix audio and MIDI tracks.Some key features of Waveform include:Unlimited audio and MIDI...
UJAM
UJAM is an innovative music software that utilizes advanced AI and deep learning to generate realistic-sounding virtual musicians that can play a wide variety of musical instruments and styles. It's designed specifically for songwriters, music producers, and other creative professionals to easily add professional-sounding musical accompaniment to their songs or...
Bespoke Synth
Bespoke Synth is a feature-rich virtual analog synthesizer plugin designed for music producers, sound designers, and synth enthusiasts. With its intuitive workflow and versatile sonic architecture, Bespoke Synth makes it easy to quickly dial in lush, analog-style sounds ranging from warm pads to searing leads and everything in between.At the...
AudioDirector
AudioDirector is a full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) and music production software for Windows. Developed by Magix Software GmbH, AudioDirector provides a comprehensive set of tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio.With support for unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, VST plugins, virtual instruments, and sample libraries, AudioDirector gives musicians...
WaveShop
WaveShop is a free and open-source digital audio workstation software application. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.WaveShop provides a complete set of tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio. It includes features such as:Multi-track audio editingSupport for VST plug-ins and virtual instrumentsAudio effects including reverb, delay,...
Ohm Studio
Ohm Studio is a free, open-source digital audio workstation software used for music recording, editing and production. It is available for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.Some key features of Ohm Studio:Flexible routing system to easily manage signal flowsSupports VST plugins for adding effects and virtual instrumentsMulti-track audio recording at...
Ferrite Recording Studio
Ferrite Recording Studio is a feature-rich digital audio workstation and multitrack recording software for macOS. As an open source and completely free platform, Ferrite provides a viable free alternative to premium DAW software for home studio enthusiasts, podcasters, musicians and audio engineers.Some of the key features of Ferrite Recording Studio...
Music Maker Studio
Music Maker Studio is a user-friendly digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for music production on Windows computers. Developed by Magix Software GmbH, Music Maker aims to provide an accessible music creation platform for hobbyists and home studio producers.Key features of Music Maker Studio include:Intuitive drag-and-drop workflow to arrange audio clips...
Steinberg Sequel
Steinberg Sequel is a complete digital audio workstation (DAW) and MIDI sequencer software developed by Steinberg for Windows and macOS. First released in 2021, Sequel serves as an affordable and streamlined option compared to Steinberg's more full-featured Cubase DAW.With Sequel, users can record, edit, and mix multiple audio and MIDI...
Ashampoo Music Studio
Ashampoo Music Studio is a comprehensive digital audio workstation (DAW) software designed for both beginner and advanced music production. It allows users to record, edit, mix, master, and produce music tracks on a Windows PC.The user interface of Ashampoo Music Studio is easy to use and understand, even for novice...
Traverso DAW
Traverso DAW is an open-source digital audio workstation application for Linux, MacOS and Windows. It is designed to be an easy-to-use yet powerful multitrack audio recording and editing software for musicians, podcasters, audio engineers and anyone who needs to work with audio.Some of the key features of Traverso DAW include:Non-linear,...
Splash Pro
Splash Pro is a popular photo editing software targeted at professional photographers and photo enthusiasts. It comes packed with powerful tools and features to edit, organize, enhance, and manage photos.Some of the key features of Splash Pro include:Non-destructive editing with adjustment layers and maskingAdvanced RAW processing with profiles and presetsNoise...
FourTracks
FourTracks is an easy-to-use digital audio workstation (DAW) software for Windows. Designed with beginner and intermediate home studio musicians and podcasters in mind, FourTracks provides an intuitive interface to record, edit, and mix multiple audio tracks.With FourTracks, you can record vocals, instruments, podcasts, or any other audio using your computer's...
Luppp
Luppp is an open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) software designed for music production and audio editing. It provides a complete set of tools for recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio and MIDI.Some of the key features of Luppp include:Unlimited audio and MIDI tracksSupport for VST pluginsAdvanced mixing capabilities with effects...
JamHive
JamHive is a cloud-based team collaboration platform designed to help remote teams work together more productively. It provides a central hub for teams to share files, communicate, manage projects, host meetings, and more.Key features of JamHive include:File sharing - Easily upload, access and share files across your team. Includes 5GB...
Non DAW Studio
Non DAW Studio is a free and open source digital audio workstation designed for music production. Unlike traditional complex DAW software like Ableton or Logic, Non DAW Studio aims to provide a simplified recording and mixing workflow without sacrificing essential tools and functionality.At its core, Non DAW Studio focuses on...
Sony Cinescore
Sony Cinescore is a comprehensive digital audio workstation and music composition software specifically designed for professional film, TV, video game, and trailer composers and sound designers. It offers a wide range of advanced tools for creating custom musical scores, sound effects, foley, and music editing.Key features include:Over 5GB of high-quality...
MOTU Digital Performer
MOTU Digital Performer is a professional-grade digital audio workstation (DAW) software that has been used extensively in music and audio production for over 30 years. It offers a comprehensive toolset for multi-track recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.Some key features of Digital Performer include:Unlimited audio and MIDI tracksPowerful MIDI sequencing, editing,...
SoundBridge
SoundBridge is a home audio system developed by Roku prior to their popular streaming players and smart TV software. It was designed to let users easily stream digital music from their computer or mobile device wirelessly throughout their home.Some key features of SoundBridge include:Ability to stream music over a home...
KRISTAL Audio Engine
KRISTAL Audio Engine is a free digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for Windows-based personal computers. It provides tools for recording, editing, and mixing audio and MIDI. Key features of KRISTAL Audio Engine include:Multi-track audio recording up to 128 tracksSupport for VST instruments and effects pluginsA pianoroll editor for manipulating MIDIAudio...
MpTrim
mpTrim is a free and open source video trimming and cutting software for Windows. It provides a simple but capable interface for precisely trimming video files and removing unwanted sections.Some of the key features of mpTrim include:Trim and cut video files precisely by setting start and end points through frame-level...
SoundEngine
SoundEngine is a full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for music production, recording, mixing, and mastering. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for audio editing, MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments, effects processing, and professional mixing capabilities.Key features of SoundEngine include:Unlimited audio and MIDI tracksPowerful non-linear, non-destructive audio editingVST and AU...
Amped Studio
Amped Studio is a full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) and music production software solution developed by Amped Software. It runs on Windows and macOS platforms.Some of the key features and capabilities of Amped Studio include:Non-destructive audio editing - Make changes to audio clips without altering the original file thanks to...
Renoise
Renoise is a digital audio workstation (DAW) and music production software developed by Renoise Team. It features a tracker-based music sequencer that uses a vertical timeline interface, allowing fast and flexible music creation and editing.Unlike traditional DAWs that record music performance in real-time, Renoise sequences music using rows of note...
Kingshiper Audio Editor
Kingshiper Audio Editor is a free and easy-to-use audio editing software for Windows. It provides a wide range of features to record, edit, enhance, and export audio files.With Kingshiper Audio Editor, you can record audio from a microphone, headset, or any other input device plugged into your computer. It supports...
KOMPLETE
KOMPLETE by Native Instruments is a comprehensive production suite that provides a variety of virtual instruments, effects, and sound libraries for all genres of music. It is one of the most complete bundles for music creators, offering over 450GB of high-quality sounds and presets.At its core, KOMPLETE comes packed with...
Zrythm
Zrythm is an open-source, cross-platform digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for music production. It is developed by a dedicated community of contributors and aims to provide a fully-featured DAW that is free to use.Some key features of Zrythm include:Unlimited audio and MIDI tracksSupport for VST, LV2, LADSPA, DSSI, and other...
DarkWave Studio
DarkWave Studio is a free and open source digital audio workstation (DAW) and MIDI sequencer software for Windows. It provides a complete music production environment for composers, musicians, producers and audio engineers to create music and audio projects.With DarkWave Studio, users can record, edit and mix audio tracks with various...
EasyBand Studio
EasyBand Studio is a streamlined digital audio workstation (DAW) application designed to make music production accessible for beginners, yet powerful enough for advanced users. Its intuitive interface allows you to easily record, compose and edit your musical ideas without getting lost in complexity.Key features of EasyBand Studio include:Multi-track recording up...
MAGIX MP3 Deluxe
MAGIX MP3 Deluxe is a digital audio workstation designed specifically for working with MP3 files and other common audio formats. Some key features of the software include:Audio recording from various sources such as CDs, vinyl, cassette tapes, or live inputsEditing tools for cutting, pasting, applying effects, and moreSupport for formats...
FileLab Audio Editor
FileLab Audio Editor is a full-featured digital audio workstation and audio editing software for Windows. It provides a complete set of tools for recording, editing, processing, and managing audio files and projects.Key features include multi-track editing, effects processing, audio restoration tools, metadata editing, format conversion, CD ripping and burning, batch...
Soundop
Soundop is an open-source digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software for recording, editing, and mixing audio and MIDI. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.Some key features of Soundop include:Intuitive and easy-to-use interface optimized for rapid audio editingPowerful audio editing tools like cut, copy, paste, trim, crop, split,...
Wavepurity
Wavepurity is a virtual audio driver for Windows that offers advanced audio control, customization, and enhancements beyond what is built into Windows or your PC's hardware. It acts as an extra software layer between audio applications and your sound hardware.Key features of Wavepurity include:Customizable 10-band system-wide graphic equalizer for fine-tuning...
