LinuxSampler vs TX16Wx Software Sampler

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.

TX16Wx Software Sampler is a sampler plug-in for creative musicians, with both disk streaming and RAM playback; disk streaming is included in the free version. It reads WAV, AIFF, Ogg, FLAC, and Yamaha waves, and loads SoundFont, SFZ, Akai, and EXS formats. Editing tools include a sample editor, automatic loop slicing, keyboard mapping, and drag-and-drop group editing. The base feature set includes two resonant filters per voice, modulation envelopes, LFOs, step sequencers, and a modulation matrix. The Professional edition adds pitch shifting, time stretching, send effects, a wave matrix, and group trigger switching. The maker lists VST, VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP formats, with availability depending on operating system. TX16Wx runs only as a plug-in, not as a standalone app; audio input sampling depends on the host routing audio to it. Listed requirements are Windows 7 SP1 or higher, macOS 10.9 or higher, and Debian Bookworm or equivalent for Linux. Paid access is listed from €39.