LinuxSampler
linuxsampler.org
What it is
LinuxSampler is free, open-source audio sampler software for loading and playing sampled instruments. Its engine runs as a separate backend process from its user interfaces, and the project describes it as streaming-capable. It supports GigaStudio/GigaSampler, SoundFont, and SFZ formats, and can run on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. Users can operate it standalone or as a plugin in sequencers and DAWs including Cubase, Logic, Ardour, QTractor, and Reaper.
Supported plugin formats include VSTi, Audio Units, DSSI, and LV2. Listed audio and MIDI drivers include ALSA, JACK, CoreMIDI, MidiShare, MME, ASIO, CoreAudio, and audio over Ethernet. The engine can be controlled through a native C++ API or LSCP, an ASCII network interface; frontends can also connect remotely. Gigedit can create and edit GigaStudio/Gigasampler instruments, with changes audible during playback. QSampler lacks some engine features, including instruments-database support, while JSampler supports all currently available engine features. Commercial use of the source, libraries, or applications in hardware or software requires prior written authorization.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- LinuxSampler is a free, streaming-capable open-source software audio sampler designed for high stability, efficiency, very low latency and professional-grade features.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Support
- The project directs users to its mailing list for questions and discussions after closing the web forum in December 2024.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Founded
- 2002Read 23 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Architecture
- The sampler engine runs as a separate backend process decoupled from its user interfaces.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Audio and MIDI
- Listed drivers include ALSA, JACK, CoreMIDI, MidiShare, MME, ASIO, CoreAudio and audio over Ethernet.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Control APIs
- LinuxSampler provides a native C++ API and an ASCII network interface called LSCP for controlling the engine and managing sessions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- DAW integrations
- LinuxSampler can run standalone or as a plugin in sequencers and DAWs including Cubase, Logic, Ardour, QTractor and Reaper.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Frontend limitation
- QSampler does not fully support the engine, notably lacking instruments-database support, while JSampler supports all currently available engine features.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Instrument editing
- Gigedit can create and edit GigaStudio/Gigasampler instruments and make changes audible in real time while playing.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- License restriction
- Using LinuxSampler source code, libraries or applications in commercial hardware or software products requires prior written authorization from the authors.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Operating systems
- Official feature documentation lists Linux, Windows and Mac OS X support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Plugin formats
- The sampler supports VSTi, Audio Units, DSSI and LV2 host-plugin formats.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Remote control
- Its frontends can control the sampler remotely from another computer over the network.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Sampler formats
- The project supports GigaStudio/GigaSampler, SoundFont and SFZ formats.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
- Security limitation
- The LSCP server can be controlled locally or from another machine, and the FAQ documents sending scripts to it over port 8888.Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
Plans and prices
LinuxSampler Free GNU GPL; commercial hardware/software use requires prior written permission Read 30 Sep 2026 · linuxsampler.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Supports GigaStudio, SoundFont, and SFZ formats.
- Runs standalone or as a plugin in named DAWs.
- Provides C++ and LSCP control interfaces.
- Gigedit edits instruments with changes audible during playback.
Limits
- Commercial hardware or software use requires prior written authorization.
- QSampler lacks instruments-database support.
- LSCP can be controlled remotely over a network.
Who it suits
LinuxSampler suits musicians and developers who need sample playback across standalone, plugin, or DAW workflows. Its APIs and remote-control options also suit users building or managing sampler sessions programmatically.
Verdict
LinuxSampler supports several sample and plugin formats, multiple operating systems, and both standalone and DAW workflows. Users should note the commercial-use permission requirement and the difference in feature coverage between QSampler and JSampler.
Where Specifiction places it
- Sampler Software#7 of 268.1
