5 Linux Alternatives to FL Studio

FL Studio is deemed to be the one-stop for editing and producing music with high-level professionality. Of course, it is a musical software that is amongst the best and is highly compatible—available for use in both Windows and Mac. Unfortunately, its use is slightly restricted for latter users where not all of Linux plug-ins are not available for Mac. Till date, no plans to improve software support in Mac devices have been announced and that’s a huge disadvantage. Nevertheless, if you’re someone using Linux with great passion to create tunes, chords and melodies in Linux without forsaking its quality, you’ve come to the right place! We’re going to be discussing the top 5 alternative software which is Linux-friendly.

LMMS

This is a highly-efficient digital audio workstation (DAW) that’s similar to FL Studio. The only contrasting attribute to this software is that it’s an open-source that’s is completely free for use. Users of this software can benefit from features to create new tunes, beats and even come up with a catchy musical potpourri! Music enthusiasts interested in a free alternative FL Studio that’s compatible with Linux can take LMMS for an answer. This software is designed to support musical hardware, sampling and also MIDI sequencing.

Notable plus-points:

• The interface design of high similarity with FL Studio’s UI allowing users to navigate easily through the software
• Packed with a myriad of virtual instrumental options to accommodate the user’s creativity flow.
• Has excellent support capacity for hardware and MIDI keyboards.
• Designed with built-in VST instruments which include 32-bit VST bridge.
• Has up to 16 synthesizers that are built-in along with ‘Nintendo Gameboy’, ‘NES’, ‘Commodore 64’, etc.

How to install LMMS:

Since this software is open to everyone for use, you can download it in any Linux models. Firstly, in your computer or any other device that’s Linux-run, open a terminal. Then, navigate yourself to the package manager, search for “LMMS”. You can then simply proceed to install the software. Go to “Pkgs.org” in case you need further assistance in installing this application. 

T7 Daw

This is a software that’s free of charge, but some of its advanced features have to be paid for. It is compatible in Mac, Windows, and Linux too. You can be assured of impressive music creation features and tools, which may seem familiar to the FL Studio pros. It has impressive audio editing features, contains a diversified selection of digital instruments, courses, synths and MIDI support too.

Notable plus-points:

• Users creating tunes or music will obtain the same quality of DAW experience regardless of the operating system used—Windows, Mac or Linux.
• Top-notch support for an array of audios and MIDI tracks.
• Capable of syncing video and audio with ease.
• Makes the music production process much easier with the availability of automation tools.

How to install Tracktion:

Tracktion cannot be installed easily like how you would for an open-source. Instead, you would have to purchase and install T7Daw from Tracktion’s official website.                     

Bitwig Studio

Bitwig Studio is also a commercial tool used for channelling creativity in music. There are as much as 150 music modules and tools to complement sound designers’ and artists’ creativity. Moreover, the software also offers helpful DJing features which can be used to play live music.

Notable plus-points:

• Compatible on Mac, Linux or even Window with the assurance of consistent experience throughout,
• Packed in with 10GB of sound capacity
• Helps in the sound designing process and also live performances.
• Has up to 80 sound effects and instrumental options to further reinforce the creative spark in you whilst producing music.

How to install Bitwig Studio:

This is not free software and hence, has to be purchased. You can install it from their official website by clicking the “Download” button that would be shown there. You will then be provided with options to install the software that works with Linux. Follow any instructions given upon license registration and—Walla! You can proceed to use Bitwig Studio.

Ardour

This, too, is a DAW that is compatible with Mac Linux, and also Windows. The main difference in Ardour when compared to any other software is that Ardour is primarily focussed on recording and adding a mix to tracks. Creating, or working with digital instruments (such as synths, like in FL Studio) comes secondarily. Nevertheless, Ardour has powerful plugin support that enables all its users to utilise the software mainly for creating and working with digital instruments if they wish to do so choose.

Notable plus-points:

• Has great support for the sound server daemon on Linux (JACK Audio Connection Kit) which enables users to undertake advanced modifications to their recorded audio
• Supports large and elaborate music editing and production with its provision for unending multichannel tracks
• Able to detect sounds directly from any imported videos which consequently simplifies the editing process.
• Users can add features that they are comfortable with using through extensive plugins support.

How to install Ardour:

Ardour is a free, open-source (just like LMMS). Henceforth, it can be used on all Linux operating systems. Open a terminal window and search for “Ardour” on your computer. The application can then be downloaded.

Rosegarden

Similar to all the other software mentioned before this, Rosegarden is a DAW which is both audio and MIDI sequencer, supports editing, composing, and score writing. Another bonus for this software is that it’s a free application exclusively for Linux OS-es!  Musicians who’ve used FL Studio before will love using Rosegarden due to its simplicity.

Notable plus-points:

• The attractive interface that’s easy-to-use for beginners or users new to the platform.
• Supports editing, creating and modifying musical scores as needed.
• All synths provided in this application could be used to play MDI tracks.

How to install Rosegarden:

As mentioned, Rosegarden is an open-source software exclusive for Linux users. Therefore, all Linux OS-ex will have its software installation packages. To download, open the terminal and simply search for ‘Rosegarden’. You can then proceed to the installation process as you usually would.  Further assistance can be obtained at “Pkgs.org”.

Conclusion

FL Studio is undoubtedly a well-designed program for musicians, composers or producers. Though some of its plugins aren’t compatible with those using Linux, there are many other DAWs that work almost equally well. You can always resort to one or another software to unravel your talent of creating and editing music— regardless of your operating system!

Are they any other DAWs software we didn’t include? How were your experiences with these Linux editing tools? Do leave a comment below and share how your experience was!