LinuxSampler vs samplv1

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.

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.