Decent Sampler vs LinuxSampler

Decent Sampler is a free sample player for libraries in DecentSampler format. It opens.dspreset and.dslibrary files and is available as a standalone app or a plugin. Supported systems include Windows 10 and later, Mac computers with Intel or Apple Silicon, Linux x64 and ARM64, and iOS; plugin formats differ by platform. Its supported sample formats include WAV, AIFF, and FLAC, and it offers sample mapping and round-robin playback. The product page lists version 1.34.0, with updates including shelf EQ, darker delay repeats, and the ability to turn modulators on or off. Usage guides cover Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic, and GarageBand. Downloading requires an email address. The maker also provides library-creation documentation and directs creators to its Q&A page and Pianobook Discord help channel. Bug reports can be submitted through a contact form or bug tracker, which requires a separate account. The listed price is free.

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.