Just a Sample vs LinuxSampler

Just a Sample is a free, open-source audio sampler designed around one audio source and one region. It runs as a plugin on Windows, macOS, and Linux, in VST3 and AU formats; there is no standalone app. Its editing tools let users zoom to set sample playback bounds, with waveform drawing optimized for large samples. The integrated Bungee time stretcher changes time and pitch independently and can slow playback to 0.01x. A routable effects chain includes reverb, chorus, distortion, and EQ. Playback controls include waveform mode, editable attack and release curves, equal-power cross-fade looping, pitch bend, and fine-tuning. Users can record samples into the plugin and try experimental auto-tuning to A440, which works best on simple sounds. Samples can be stored in plugin state to avoid external file dependencies, or that option can be disabled. The project uses the MIT License. Its installers are self-signed and may trigger operating-system warnings.

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.