Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

LMMS

Make music with a free, cross-platform tool.

LMMS

LMMS Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether LMMS is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • LMMS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-06

Features & Specs

  1. Cost

    LMMS is free and open-source software, making it accessible for anyone without the need for purchasing licenses.

  2. Cross-Platform

    LMMS runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, providing flexibility for users regardless of their platform.

  3. User Community

    Being open-source, LMMS has a strong and active user community that contributes to its development and offers support via forums and online resources.

  4. Plugins and VST Support

    LMMS supports various plugins and VST instruments, allowing users to extend its functionality with third-party tools.

  5. Built-In Instruments and Samples

    LMMS comes with a variety of built-in instruments, effects, and sample libraries, offering immediate resources for music creation.

  6. MIDI Compatibility

    LMMS is compatible with MIDI keyboards and controllers, enabling hands-on control and easier music production.

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Videos

Review LMMS 2020 - BEST or WORST for beginners?? Free DAW

I Tried Making a Beat in LMMS !

LMMS 1.2 is FINALLY HERE!

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about LMMS and what they use it for.
  • Arpeggiator Cube
    Have you tried LMMS? It's not my favorite, but being 100% free and self contained (seq, fx, instruments) it's easier to install and get going with it even on an old laptop. https://lmms.io/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6tEolVz3_4. - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Free Quality SoundFonts (Sf2)
    As an (extremely) amateur musician I've had hours of fun with free soundfonts like these and the open source LMMS[0], which was nice and familiar to me since I'd played with pirated copies of FruityLoops (now FL Studio) as a teenager. [0] https://lmms.io/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: Getting Started with DAW?
    So, I saw the other day the release of the ep-133, and it happens that I want to get started doing that kind of stuff (e.g., creating simple beats). I have zero knowledge about DAW/sampling and music in general (my background is in soft. engineering), so the first thing that I searched on Google is "open source daw" and I found LMMS (https://lmms.io/). I'm going through the documentation right now. Do you know... - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Midi I/O vs USB
    Of course, you need some kind of DAW software in your PC that receives MIDI (from LPK), creates the audio data and sends them to Volt. If you have zero experience with this, start with some kind of simple and self-contained DAW, like e.g. "LMMS" (free download). Later you can graduate to more complex (and expensive) DAWs and separate VST plugins. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Linux for Video Editing and Photo Editing and Music DJ: Some idea?
    For music making, it kind of depends on what you use normally but LMMS is a decent free DAW. Source: over 2 years ago
  • My dual boot with windows 11 won't boot past intro screen or even into bios after failed attempt to fix frequent Kerbal panic.
    Give a try to Ardour, LMMS, MusE and Rosegarden. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Looking for some editing software
    Take a look at: Shotcut for video. Paint.NET for image editing. LMMS for your soundtrack. All free. Source: over 2 years ago
  • How can i set up a DAW and use a piano Vst on linux?
    Consider giving LMMS a try! It has support for VSTs and soundfonts and you can connect your MIDI keyboard. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Where Do I Even Start?
    On the software end of things, there's loads of great freeware to work with while you learn the ropes (and maybe even after that, too)! You'll turn up quite a few of them with a bit of research, but there's a few I can recommend right off. Audacity is nothing fancy but it is a reliable, well-supported workhorse of a program with straightforward controls and heaps of plugins. LMMS is pretty much the go-to free... Source: over 2 years ago
  • help with making music (as in programs for it, not like asking for help)
    The search term you are looking for is "Digital Audio Workstation". Which one to use is mostly a religious question, because they are basically all the same. If you want a FOSS one, try LMMS. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Need free producing software
    LMMS will give you a very similar experience for free. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Request for a distro based on a list of programs for a Windows user
    Regarding ableton: LMMS should be your thing. Source: over 2 years ago
  • FreeBSD Home Audio Studio
    I am not really qualified to access it's quality, but there is also lmms, which looks like it works well enough. https://lmms.io/ Not really qualified because I am not a musician and I was only using lmms to play around with a midi dials and buttons box, openbsd's sndio. And to see if I could get them to work togther. So in my case it was more of a systems integration exercise than making any music with it. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • making music on linux OS (free or very cheap vst daws etc)
    Some may recommend LMMS. It's only a sequencer, not a full DAW. LMMS does not record audio. Source: over 2 years ago
  • does anyone know of a good daw that replicates the snes sound chips?
    I don't know how faithful it is, but lmms has a synth specifically crafted for that, it's free. Source: over 2 years ago
  • What is a good place to start?
    If you prefer something like a DAW, try lmms (https://lmms.io/). Source: over 2 years ago
  • Trying to get into making Synthwave, Outrun etc. Best equipment or software
    If you wanna go the free route then use LMMS as your DAW and download the free VSTis that are in the sub's wiki (I would link this too, but I can't do it from phone). Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Is it possible to create good orchestral music digitally?
    It is eminently possible. ZynSubFx is really good, for home-grown synth, and it comes stock with LMMS, But more than this, its implementation of SF2 sound fonts works great too. Yamaha's XG MIDI sound bank is available as an .SF2 file, for free, and really doesn't require much in the way of massaging or effects (it's against forum rules, or I prove it with a link to a nice-sounding chamber waltz I made with... Source: almost 3 years ago
  • did the remove scroll wheel click in piano roll?
    You should try installing an official LMMS AppImage from lmms.io and see if that works instead of the package manager. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Creation software for younger students
    Lots of great suggestions here, I'd also add one: LMMS, it's open source DAW available on Linux, Windows and Mac OS. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • I sampled the Lower Brinstar music from Super Metroid for a university assignment. Lemme know what you think
    Looks like Ableton to me. If the cost for the license prohibits you, try looking into a software called LMMS, a free digital audio workstation. Source: almost 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of LMMS

The Linux MultiMedia Studio (LMMS) is a noteworthy tool in the digital audio workstation (DAW) category, appealing to both amateur musicians and seasoned audio creators due to its open-source nature and cost-effectiveness. As a free alternative to premium software like FL Studio, Ableton Live, and GarageBand, LMMS positions itself as a viable option for budget-conscious creators or those exploring the field.

Key Features and Appeal

LMMS is celebrated for its wide-ranging compatibility, operating seamlessly across various platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that facilitate music composition, creation of beats, and sample arrangement. Its integration with a variety of plugins such as VSTs (Virtual Studio Technology) enhances its functionality, enabling users to simulate a broad range of instruments and effects.

The platform has a robust community backing it, making it easier for new users to find resources and support. This has contributed to its widespread adoption, especially among beginners who benefit from the wealth of online tutorials and the collaborative spirit of its user base.

Public Perception and Usage

Based on recent discussions across forums and articles, LMMS is generally perceived positively. Users often cite its zero-cost advantage and accessibility as significant draws. It appeals to individuals looking to dabble in music production without the immediate need to invest in costly software. Bloggers recommend it as a starting point for those new to DAWs due to its straightforward installation and setup process, which can even run on older hardware configurations.

However, while it maintains a favorable standing, some limitations are acknowledged. Notably, LMMS does not support audio recording, which is a critical function offered by its more feature-rich counterparts like Reaper and Cubase. This limitation positions LMMS more as a musical creation tool rather than a full-fledged recording studio environment.

For users prioritizing advanced audio recording capabilities alongside music production, alternatives such as Audacity for recording or more integrated solutions like FL Studio may be preferred. Additionally, its interface, although user-friendly for many, could be perceived as less modern compared to sophisticated commercial tools, which some users expect from contemporary DAWs.

Conclusion

LMMS serves as an invaluable tool for those initiating their journey into digital music production. Its open-source nature, combined with a solid feature set for composing and sequencing, makes it an attractive option. While it lacks some advanced functionalities like audio recording, it remains a strategic choice for users who prioritize budget-friendliness and cross-platform support. Its role in democratizing music production is evident, providing access to a broad audience who can experiment without financial barriers. For a comprehensive solution, users may eventually look towards integrating more specialized DAWs into their workflow as their needs evolve.

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Is LMMS good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss LMMS here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.