LinuxSampler vs Nuance
LinuxSampler
linuxsampler.orgNuance
newsonicarts.comSide by side
| Figure | LinuxSampler | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Sampler Software | 8.1 (#7) | 8.0 (#8) |
| Operating systems | Official feature documentation lists Linux, Windows and Mac OS X support. | The download page lists macOS 10.13 or above and Windows Vista or above; the Windows download requires a Direct3D 11+ or OpenGL-compliant GPU. |
| Plugin formats | The sampler supports VSTi, Audio Units, DSSI and LV2 host-plugin formats. | The download page lists macOS Standalone, AudioUnit, VST3 and VST2.4, and Windows Standalone, VST3 and VST2.4, all 64-bit. |
| Support | The project directs users to its mailing list for questions and discussions after closing the web forum in December 2024. | New Sonic Arts lists [email protected] for technical support and [email protected] for pre-sales enquiries. |
Plans
In their own words
LinuxSampler
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.