LinuxSampler

Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API

Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.5

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely3 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

LinuxSampler is ranked #5 of 26 in sampler software on Freedom251. It runs on API, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Windows. There is a free plan.

LinuxSampler plans and pricing

All plans

LinuxSampler Free GNU GPL; commercial hardware/software use requires prior written permission linuxsampler.org · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on sampler software

Free plan: Yes
Plugin support: both
Sample mapping: Yes
Round-robin playback: Yes
Supported sample formats: Gigasampler/GigaStudio (.gig), DLS, Akai, SoundFont 2 (.sf2), SFZ, KORG
Standalone app: Yes

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The record

Purpose: LinuxSampler is a free, streaming-capable open-source software audio sampler designed for high stability, efficiency, very low latency and professional-grade features.
Architecture: The sampler engine runs as a separate backend process decoupled from its user interfaces.
Sampler formats: The project supports GigaStudio/GigaSampler, SoundFont and SFZ formats.
Instrument editing: Gigedit can create and edit GigaStudio/Gigasampler instruments and make changes audible in real time while playing.
Operating systems: Official feature documentation lists Linux, Windows and Mac OS X support.
Plugin formats: The sampler supports VSTi, Audio Units, DSSI and LV2 host-plugin formats.
Audio and MIDI: Listed drivers include ALSA, JACK, CoreMIDI, MidiShare, MME, ASIO, CoreAudio and audio over Ethernet.
DAW integrations: LinuxSampler can run standalone or as a plugin in sequencers and DAWs including Cubase, Logic, Ardour, QTractor and Reaper.
Control APIs: LinuxSampler provides a native C++ API and an ASCII network interface called LSCP for controlling the engine and managing sessions.
Remote control: Its frontends can control the sampler remotely from another computer over the network.
Security limitation: The LSCP server can be controlled locally or from another machine, and the FAQ documents sending scripts to it over port 8888.
License restriction: Using LinuxSampler source code, libraries or applications in commercial hardware or software products requires prior written authorization from the authors.
Frontend limitation: QSampler does not fully support the engine, notably lacking instruments-database support, while JSampler supports all currently available engine features.
Support: The project directs users to its mailing list for questions and discussions after closing the web forum in December 2024.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Sampler Software in 2026#5 of 26

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Sources

linuxsampler.org/about.html· checked 30 Sept 2026
linuxsampler.org/features.html· checked 30 Sept 2026
linuxsampler.org/faq.html· checked 30 Sept 2026
linuxsampler.org/news_history.php· checked 30 Sept 2026
linuxsampler.org· checked 23 Sept 2026
linuxsampler.org/downloads· checked 30 Sept 2026