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SPECIFICTION
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Ardour

ardour.org

From $1/mo WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.6 #4 of 39 in Digital Audio Workstations

What it is

Ardour is an open-source workstation for recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio and MIDI projects on Linux, macOS and Windows. It supports any number of tracks and busses, along with unlimited undo and redo. Signal connections can be one-to-many, many-to-one or many-to-many. Supported plugin formats include AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3 and LADSPA; plugins also support sample-accurate automation and MIDI Learn. MIDI synchronization options include MIDI timecode, MIDI Machine Control, MIDI clock and JACK transport sync. Ardour can import one video, display a thumbnail timeline, synchronize audio and export video. Users can search for and import audio or MIDI from Freesound. The software is licensed under GNU GPL v2, allowing users to copy, share and modify it without payment. Optional subscriptions support development and include unlimited updates while active. Monthly subscriptions are $1 a month, $4 a month, $10 a month or $50 a month; an annual subscription is $120 a year.

Spec sheet

Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Paid from
1Read 21 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Headquarters
Galisteo, New Mexico, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Audio MIDI Workflows
Ardour supports recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI projects.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Development Funding
Subscriptions fund feature development, bug fixes, documentation, equipment, and developer meetings.Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Free Use
Users are not obligated to pay and may copy, share, and modify Ardour.Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Freesound Access
Users can import audio or MIDI from the Freesound database and search it within Ardour.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
MIDI sequencing
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
MIDI Synchronization
Ardour supports MIDI timecode, MIDI Machine Control, MIDI clock, and JACK transport sync.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Multitrack editing
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Open Source
Ardour is an open-source collaborative project licensed under the GNU Public License v2.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Payment Billing
Subscriptions are managed through PayPal, with one retry if a monthly payment fails.Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Plugin Automation
Plugins support full sample-accurate automation and MIDI Learn control.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Plugin Formats
Supported plugin formats include AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3, and LADSPA.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Signal Routing
Connections can be one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Subscriber Updates
Subscribers receive unlimited updates while they remain subscribers.Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Support Channels
Support includes documentation, tutorials, bug tracking, email, forums, IRC, Matrix, and social channels.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Supported Platforms
Ardour runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Third-party plugins
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Tracks And Busses
Ardour supports any number of tracks and busses.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Undo Redo
The editor provides unlimited undo and redo.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Video Synchronization
Audio regions can be locked to video and moved at video-frame granularity.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org
Video Timeline
Ardour can import one video, display a thumbnail timeline, sync audio, and export video.Read 27 Sep 2026 · ardour.org

Plans and prices

Developing World $1 a month billed monthly Supports Ardour development · Unlimited updates while subscribed Subscription supports Ardour development and includes unlimited updates while subscribed. Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Low Cost $4 a month billed monthly Supports Ardour development · Unlimited updates while subscribed Subscription supports Ardour development and includes unlimited updates while subscribed. Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Standard $10 a month billed monthly Supports Ardour development · Unlimited updates while subscribed Subscription supports Ardour development and includes unlimited updates while subscribed. Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Institutional $50 a month billed monthly Supports Ardour development · Unlimited updates while subscribed Subscription supports Ardour development and includes unlimited updates while subscribed. Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org
Annual subscription $120 a year billed annually at US$120 A 1 year subscription will likely span 2 major releases. Read 27 Sep 2026 · community.ardour.org

Every Ardour plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows.
  • Supports unlimited tracks and busses.
  • Supports AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3 and LADSPA plugins.
  • Includes unlimited undo and redo.
  • Can synchronize audio to an imported video.

Limits

  • Video workflow supports importing one video.
  • Unlimited updates are included while subscribed.
  • Subscriptions are managed through PayPal.

Who it suits

Ardour suits users producing audio and MIDI projects who need recording, editing, mixing or mastering across Linux, macOS or Windows. Its plugin, synchronization and video features also suit workflows that use those capabilities.

Verdict

Ardour offers a broad audio and MIDI workflow with plugin, routing and synchronization support across three desktop platforms. It can be used without payment under its open-source license, while optional subscriptions fund development and provide updates during the subscription.

Where Specifiction places it

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