5 Linux Alternatives to FL Studio

Usually, when one thinks of creating and editing music with a professional touch, they think of FL Studio. Why wouldn’t they? It is one of the best musical software available today, a powerful digital audio workstation (DAW). A commercial platform, it is available for Windows as well as Mac operating systems. Unfortunately, FL Studio is limited for Apple users. While a majority of the plugins are compatible with Mac, not all are available for Linux. And no such support is planned for it, at least in the foreseeable future. So what are you to do if you’ve switched to Linux and want to continue creating melodies and chords with no compromise on quality? Here, we give you five great alternatives to FL Studio, that work seamlessly on Linux.

1. LMMS

Much like FL Studio, LMMS is a multi-platform DAW program, but with one major difference: it is open source and more importantly, the software is available for free. Users can produce beats, tunes, and create a musical potpourri! Those looking for a free replacement for FL Studio after having switched to Linux can seriously consider LMMS. It supports MIDI sequencing and sampling, and also has support for musical hardware.

The highlights 

1. With an interface that is very similar to FL Studio’s UI, users can find many similarities while using LMMS; like an easy beat-maker for instance. It also has numerous virtual instruments that are sure to get the musician’s creative juices flowing. 
2. It has quality support for hardware, inclusive of MIDI keyboards.
3. LMMS has a built-in support for VST instruments, including 32-bit VST bridge.
4. It come with 16 built-in synthesizers, and also contains the NES, the Nintendo Gameboy and Commodore 64 among many, many others.

Where to download LMMS

As a result of being open source, LMMS can be installed on all Linux distributions. To get started, open up a terminal on your Linux-run computer and look for “LMMS” in the package manager. If you require assistance installing the LMMS app, visit Pkgs.org.

2. T7 Daw

T7 Daw is a freemium software that works across OS-es — Windows, Mac as well as Linux. If you decide to purchase it, you can be assured of receiving some really impressive music creation features and tools, which may seem familiar to the FL Studio pros — it has a fantastic audio editing suite, contains diverse synths, digital instruments and of course, MIDI support.

The highlights

1. One of the major advantages of being a cross-platform software is that a user producing music will receive the same DAW experience across OS-es, be it Windows, Mac or Linux.
2. The second benefit is that it has support for endless audio and MIDI tracks.
3. Its third bonus is that T7 Daw has the capability to sync video and audio.
4. Lastly, it contains within it automation tools, that will only make your music creation process that much easier. 

Where to download Tracktion

Since T7 Daw is a piece of paid software, you cannot install it as you would a free application. To use it on the Linux platform, visit the official Tracktion website to buy and install T7 Daw.

3. Bitwig Studio

Like the ones mentioned above, Bitwig Studio is also a commercial tool used for creating magic with music. It has more than 150 music modules and tools that make sound designers and artists swear by it. In addition to all this, the software also provides DJ-ing features, which is extremely helpful for those who play their music live.

The highlights

1. This Digital Audio Workstation is a multi-platform software, meaning whether you use in on Linux, Mac, or Windows, you can be assured of getting the same experience.
2. It contains within it 10 GB of sounds. 
3. Containing over 80 instruments and effects, the DAW can only bolster your creativity while you produce music. 
4. It also aids in sound design, in recording as well as in preforming live.

Where to download Bitwig Studio

Bitwig Studio is not free, which means users need to buy it to use it. To purchase the program, head over to their official website, and click the “Download” button, post which you will be shown options to get the software for Linux. You will also be given further instructions on registering a license.

4. Ardour

Like T7 Daw and Bitwig Studio, Ardour too is a DAW that works across Linux, Mac and Windows. The crucial difference between Ardour and the other programs is that Ardour is more focussed on mixing and recording, as opposed to creating, or working with digital instruments (such as synths, like in FL Studio). However, it does have a strong plugin support that enables users to utilise the software in that way, should they so choose. 

The highlights

1. Ardour has a good quality support for JACK Audio Connection Kit, the sound server daemon on Linux, that helps users perform advanced functions and modifications with recorded audio
2. It also has provision for unending multichannel tracks, which means your music’s editing and production can be as elaborate and large as you want it to be. 
3. The program can pluck sounds directly from imported videos. 
4. Ardour provides support for plugins that will enable them to add features that are familiar to users of FL Studio. 

Where to download Ardour

Similar to LMMS, Ardour is open source and free. Being open-source also means that it can be used on all Linux OS-es. To install the program on your computer, open a terminal window and search for “Ardour”. It will be installed the way apps are usually done.

5. Rosegarden

Like all the other software mentioned above, Rosegarden is a digital audio workstation that is audio as well as MIDI sequencer, score writer, editing and composing tool. Interestingly, it is a free app for Linux OS-es only! Its easy-to-use interface makes it a favourite for beginners. Those with experience of FL Studio will definitely find Rosegarden simple to use. 

The Highlights

1. The interface’s ease of use is attractive to beginners and new users.
2. Since it is a score writer, it supports creating, editing and changing musical scores.
3. The synths included in the app can be utilised to play MIDI tracks.

Where to download Rosegarden

Because Rosegarden is an open source software that is available only for Linux users, installation packages are usually available on all popular Linux OS-es. To download it, search for ‘Rosegarden’ on the terminal, and install the software the usual way. Or head over to Pkgs.org to know more.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that FL Studio is a fantastically designed music program, and one of the best in the market. It is indeed unfortunate that not all the plugins are compatible with Linux users. Thanks to internet however, there are numerous other digital audio workstations and music creating/editing tools available for Linux users — some almost exclusively!

Have we missed on any great DAWs? Or have you used any of these editing tools on Linux before? Let us know in the comments below on how your experience has been!