samplv1
samplv1.sourceforge.io
What it is
samplv1 is a free, open-source, all-digital polyphonic sampler synthesizer for Linux with stereo effects. It runs as a standalone JACK client with JACK-session and NSM session management, accepting MIDI through JACK MIDI or ALSA MIDI. It is also available as an LV2 instrument plugin. The project is licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later, and its listed free plan costs nothing. The home page lists version 1.5.0, released September 15, 2026, with a package for factory and community presets and updated theme options. Qt and libsndfile are required to build and run it. JACK, ALSA, LV2, FFTW3, Rubber Band, and liblo are optional build components; liblo is needed for NSM support. CMake instructions cover building from the source tarball, using /usr/local by default. User settings are stored in $HOME/.config/rncbc.org/samplv1.conf. The project says bugs remain but considers the software production and stable. Development matters go through its SourceForge project page.
Spec sheet
- Product
- samplv1 is an old-school all-digital polyphonic sampler synthesizer with stereo effects.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Support
- The project directs bug reports, feature requests, discussion, and other development matters to its SourceForge project page.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- License
- The project describes the software as free and open source under GNU GPL version 2 or later.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Configuration
- Settings are stored per user in $HOME/.config/rncbc.org/samplv1.conf.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Installation
- The site gives CMake instructions to build and install from the source tarball, with /usr/local as the default install prefix.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Latest release
- The home page lists version 1.5.0, released September 15, 2026, with a factory/community presets install package and updated theme options.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Maintainer
- The site identifies the maintainer as rncbc, also known as Rui Nuno Capela.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- MIDI
- The standalone client supports both JACK MIDI and ALSA MIDI input.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Optional components
- JACK, ALSA, LV2, FFTW3, Rubber Band, and liblo are optional build-time components; liblo is needed for NSM support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Plugin
- samplv1 is also available as an LV2 instrument plugin.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Requirements
- Qt and libsndfile are mandatory build and runtime requirements.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Stability
- The project says bugs remain but considers samplv1 to be in a production/stable phase.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
- Standalone
- It runs as a standalone JACK client with JACK-session and NSM session management support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
Plans and prices
samplv1 Free Free, open-source software · GPL version 2 or later Read 8 Oct 2026 · samplv1.sourceforge.io
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free GPL-licensed software
- Standalone and LV2 plugin formats
- JACK MIDI and ALSA MIDI input
- Stereo effects included
- JACK-session and NSM management
Limits
- Linux platform only
- Qt and libsndfile are mandatory
- Source build requires setup
- Project acknowledges remaining bugs
Who it suits
It suits Linux musicians who want a free sampler synthesizer as a standalone JACK client or LV2 plugin. Builders should be comfortable with its required libraries and source-based installation.
Verdict
samplv1 offers a free Linux sampler in standalone and LV2 forms, with multiple MIDI and session options. Installation and optional audio components require technical setup.
Where Specifiction places it
- Sampler Software#20 of 267.3
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