MusE

Free plan Linux

What MusE is

MusE is a free Linux-focused MIDI and audio sequencer for recording, editing, playback, and arrangement. It supports multitrack audio, MIDI sequencing, plugin formats, and graphical automation. MIDI editors include piano roll, drum, list, and score views, with realtime recording and playback, MIDI file import and export, and external synth support. Audio work covers realtime recording and playback across several mono or stereo inputs and outputs. The project lists VST, LV2, DSSI, and LADSPA formats, plus FluidSynth and Deicsonze FM internal synths. Integrations include JACK audio and MIDI, ALSA MIDI, RtAudio, LASH session control, LV2, and FLAM plugin GUIs. MusE is released under the GNU General Public License, with AppImage builds and stable source releases for most Linux distributions. A FreeBSD port exists; the FAQ says Windows and OS X ports need more work. Stable beat timing requires a high-performance timer, with at least 500 Hz recommended.

Who it suits

MusE suits Linux musicians who need MIDI sequencing, audio recording, editing, plugins, and automation. It may also interest FreeBSD users, while Windows and OS X users face unfinished ports.

What it does well

Free under the GNU General Public License
Combines MIDI and multitrack audio
Includes four MIDI editor views
Supports VST, LV2, DSSI, and LADSPA
Offers AppImage and source releases

What to know first

Primarily focused on Linux
Windows and OS X ports need more work
Stable timing recommends a 500 Hz timer
No free trial is listed

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
MusE	GNU General Public License · Linux-focused	Free

As muse-sequencer.github.io lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

MusE offers a broad sequencer feature set without a license fee, especially for Linux users. Platform support and timing requirements should be checked before adoption.

Facts from MusE's own pages

Audio features: MusE supports realtime recording and playback across several mono or stereo inputs and outputs, with graphical automation editing. · muse-sequencer.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · muse-sequencer.github.io, 22 Sept 2026
Integrations: Supported technologies include JACK audio and MIDI, LASH session control, ALSA MIDI, RtAudio, LV2, and FLAM plugin GUIs. · muse-sequencer.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
License: MusE is published under the GNU General Public License. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Linux downloads: The project says MusE is available for most Linux distributions and offers AppImage builds and stable source releases. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Maintainer: MusE was originally written by Werner Schweer and is now developed and maintained by the MusE development team. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
MIDI editing: Its MIDI editors include piano roll, drum editor, list view, and score editor. · muse-sequencer.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
MIDI features: MusE supports realtime MIDI recording and playback, MIDI file import and export, and external synths. · muse-sequencer.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
MIDI sequencing: Yes · muse-sequencer.github.io, 22 Sept 2026
Multitrack editing: Yes · muse-sequencer.github.io, 22 Sept 2026
Other operating systems: The support FAQ says MusE is mostly for Linux, has a FreeBSD port, and that Windows and OS X ports need more work before they are usable. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Plugins: The homepage lists VST, LV2, DSSI, and LADSPA plugin formats for audio sequencing. · muse-sequencer.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
Product: MusE is a full-featured MIDI and audio sequencer with recording, editing, plugin support, and automation. · muse-sequencer.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
Realtime timing: The FAQ says MusE requires a high-performance timer for a stable beat and recommends an operating-system timer of at least 500 Hz. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The FAQ directs users who need help to the MusE forum. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: Linux · muse-sequencer.github.io, 22 Sept 2026
Synths: Internal synth plugins include a FluidSynth soundfont softsynth and Deicsonze FM synth emulating DX11. · muse-sequencer.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
Third-party plugins: Yes · muse-sequencer.github.io, 22 Sept 2026

Where MusE stands on Freedom251

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