From full free and open-source software to proprietary favorites from other platforms, the plug-in options on Linux have quietly come into their own. linuxdaw.org has a visual, searchable catalog – and it’s a reminder of just how spoiled for choice you are even without Windows or macOS.
Every format is here – standalone, VST2, VST3, CLAP, LV2, and even VCV Rack. Even what’s on this site just scratches the surface – you’ll find plenty more in your favorite distro and repository. But it’s especially good at chronicling proprietary tools that have come to the platform, including superb developers like Audio Damage, Sinevibes, TAL Software, u-he, discoDSP, Harrison, and AudioThing, just to name a few. It also represents a nicely curated collection of some of the latest-generation tools on the free software side, including folks like Chowdhury and CHAIR.
They’ve made something that feels less like a dumping ground and more something that’s fun to browse – think boutique neighborhood record shop rather than Tower Records bargain bin. (Kids, ask your parents.)
I immediately found stuff I didn’t know about that looks interesting, like Aaron Anderson’s wave terrain synthesis instrument Terrain. Obviously, a lot of this stuff runs on other platforms, so it’s not a bad place to look if you’re curious to try these on Mac or Windows – and in doing so, you know you won’t be tied to those platforms. (Fancy running these in a live gig on a Raspberry Pi, for instance?)
But as for assembling your own software studio on Linux? It’s great to have this. It wasn’t so long ago when running Linux meant putting up with painfully primitive UI design and a hit-or-miss smattering of tools; it felt like a sacrifice. It really doesn’t feel that way any more.
Check it out:
And while I should probably give some time to other distros, if you’re looking for an easy way to get up and running, see the recent story on Ubuntu Studio: