Rosegarden

Rosegarden free sequencer by Rosegarden Project

Rosegarden is a free sequencer stand alone application developed by Rosegarden Project. Compatible OS(s): Linux.

Rosegarden is a professional audio and MIDI sequencer, score editor, and general-purpose music composition and editing environment. It runs on Linux using the JACK audio system. Rosegarden can be used to record and arrange audio and MIDI compositions with effects and instrument plugins. It supports LADSPA effects and DSSI instrument plugins natively, and hosts VST effects and instruments through the DSSI-VST wrapper plugin.

Rosegarden is Free Software released under the GNU General Public License.

Some of Rosegarden’s features are:

  • MIDI and audio playback and recording with ALSA and JACK.
  • Piano-roll, score, event list and track overview editors.
  • DSSI synth and audio effects plugin support, including Windows VST effects and instrument support via dssi-vst.
  • LADSPA audio effects plugin support.
  • JACK transport support for synchronization with other software.
  • Ability to build and run without JACK, for MIDI-only use.
  • Score interpretation of performance MIDI data.
  • Shareable device (.rgd) files to ease MIDI portability.
  • Triggered segments for pattern sequencing & performable ornaments.
  • Audio and MIDI mixers.
  • MIDI and Hydrogen file import.
  • MIDI, Csound, Lilypond and MusicXML file export.
  • Clear, consistent and polished user interface.
  • User interface translations for Russian, Spanish, German, French, Welsh, Italian, Swedish, Estonian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese, as well as UK and US English.
  • Help documentation available substantially or entirely translated into German, Swedish and Japanese as well as English.

http://www.rosegardenmusic.com/

RiffWorks

RiffWorks free daw | sequencer by Sonoma Wire Works

RiffWorks is a free DAW developed by Sonoma Wire Works. Compatible OS(s): Windows, macOS.

RiffWorks is a “guitar-friendly” application that allows you to record efficiently, stay creative, produce songs, jam online, and podcast your tunes without ever putting down your guitar.

Capture ideas at the moment of inspiration. Set a tempo and start recording by strumming your guitar. Experiment with song structure using a simple Riff-based workflow. Tracks are created automatically as you play. Record multiple takes or layer parts without stopping the creative flow. Add tempo-matched backups with the included InstantDrummer, Rex player, ReWire mixer, and metronome. InstantDrummer provides easy access to full-kit studio drum recordings – No programming necessary. Include up to 7 studio-quality effects per layer including wah, multi-band distortion, modulation, delay, reverb, compression, and British style EQ.

Features:

  • Riff-based Workflow: Record a complete song in bite-sized pieces (Riffs). This unique and fun way to record facilitates experimentation with song structure. Each Riff can include different backups, effects, tempos, lengths, and layers.
  • Automatic Track Creation & Loop Recording: A new layer is created each time you start recording as well as each time a Riff loops. Stack layers on top of each other (bass, guitar, vocals) to create a full Riff sound. Use this looping feature to quickly double up your tracks, do multiple takes, etc. Each layer has several controls for mixing and applying effects.
  • Backups: Includes 4 diverse, tempo-synchronized backups to accompany you while you record:
    1. InstantDrummer provides great sounding drum recordings with adjustable intensity, variation and tempo – no need for tedious drum-machine programming. 8 InstantDrummer Sessions are included for free with the purchase of RiffWorks and more are available.
    2. REX Player for playing tempo synchronized loop files (REX and RX2).
    3. ReWire mixer for playing tempo-synchronized loop files with up to four ReWire synth applications like Propellerheads Reason and Ableton Live.
    4. Metronome: Can be used for lead-in, while recording, for a really simple beat, or to add extra flavor in addition to the drummer.
  • Effects: Add RiffWork’s 7 studio-quality effects to Layers, Riffs, InstantDrummer sessions, and to the Input.
  • RiffCaster – a free web broadcasting service for musicians recording with RiffWorks. Broadcast songs instantly with a single button click in RiffWorks. The public can listen to songs posted on the RiffCaster website and podcast for free. Commenting on songs is welcome.
  • RiffLink: Record and collaborate with musicians from all over the world using the RiffLink interface integrated into RiffWorks. Currently in free public beta, then 60 day free trial.
  • Guitar Amp and Effects Plug-in Support – Amp plug-ins such as AmpliTube 2 Live from IK Multimedia (now included with RiffWorks Standard) and GearBox from Line 6, can be activated, heard, and recorded while playing your instrument through RiffWorks.
  • Song Layer – Option for full song-length recording.
  • Junt: Arming the Junt feature allows you to set the tempo and start recording by simply playing your guitar or singing. Junt has a proprietary tempo detection algorithm that allows you to focus on your internal groove.
  • Riff Gain – Master gain control for each riff.
  • Riff Effects – Effects chain on the Riff as a whole in addition to each layer.
  • Backup Effects – Complete effects chain for each backup module including InstantDrummer, ReWire and the REX player.
  • One-shot Record – Alternative to continuous looped recording mode.
  • Fade Automation – Continuous volume control for each layer.
  • Riff Notes – A place to make remarks about recordings.
  • Help Tab – Instant access to documentation without leaving the application.
  • Mono or stereo input.
  • 16-24 bit recording
  • 44.1 sample rate: for simple setup and CD burning.
  • 32 bit floating point internal processing.
  • Up to 24 recorded layers per Riff not including backups like the InstantDrummer.
  • Up to 48 simultaneous recorded layers with SongLayers playing over Riffs
  • Mix Options:
    1. WAV (.wav) files – perfect for burning a CD, or using a third party program like iTunes to convert to mp3.
    2. OggVorbis (.ogg) files – a modern, free replacement for the mp3 format. Most sound player applications either have support built-in or there are plug-ins available.
    3. Mix to Riff – bounce multiple riffs down to one layer in a single riff.
  • Mac OS Core Audio Device Compatibility – RiffWorks Standard supports most Core Audio devices. See Recommended Hardware List.
  • Windows XP ASIO Device Compatibility – RiffWorks Standard supports most ASIO devices. See Recommended Hardware List.

http://sonomawireworks.com/

Riffstation

Riffstation free sequencer by Riffstation

Riffstation is a free sequencer stand alone application developed by Riffstation. Compatible OS(s): Windows, macOS.

Riffstation is a standalone software application designed for guitar players to practice, learn and create jam tracks easily with the music you already have in your collection. Load any mp3 and you can isolate the guitar, slow it down, loop the riff, see the chords, and create custom jam tracks.

Riffstation has the following features:

  • Automatic chord recognition of Major, Minor and 7th chords.
  • Visualization of chord diagrams synced with the music.
  • Transposition of chords and audio simultaneously.
  • Chord filtering and editing.
  • BPM detection and beat snapped live loop selection.
  • Real-time time stretching from half speed to double speed with 4 modes for various music styles.
  • Real-time audio transposition (+/- Octave) and freehand pitch shifting including a fine tune for retuning by fractions of a semitone.
  • Real-time instrument isolation and extraction on stereo audio. Instruments within a stereo mix can be soloed or muted.
  • Real-time beat rearranging allows user to create alternate song versions or totally brand new riffs out of existing tracks.
  • Real-time pitch control over each beat in each riff bank.
  • Multiple riff banks can be sequenced into songs Sessions and audio can be saved.

http://www.riffstation.com/

reViSiT

reViSiT free sequencer by Chris Nash

reViSiT is a free sequencer Stand Alone, VST developed by Chris Nash. Compatible OS(s): Windows.

reViSiT integrates a Tracker sequencing environment with the VST host sequencer application: receiving synchronization information directly from the host, and returning high-quality ‘tracked’ audio. The net result is that the composer can retain the familiar sequenced tracks and “multi-tracking” audio utilities of the host, while simultaneously benefiting from the advantages offered by trackers.

The Professional Edition adds several features – notably surround sound, flexible output and audio bus routing, pattern management, and MIDI-controlled pattern playback. For a limited period, it is available for a special introductory price of £24.99 (roughly €29 / $39). A comparison table of the features available in the Standard (Free) and Pro versions can be viewed here.

http://revisit.info

Random MIDI Arranger

Random MIDI Arranger free sequencer by gradywerks

Random MIDI Arranger is a free sequencer stand alone application developed by gradywerks. Compatible OS(s): Windows .

Random MIDI Arranger is a stand-alone Windows based program that can generate random MIDI songs at the click of a single button. It uses a combination of preset MIDI clips and sets of rules called ‘Manipulators’ to generate each instrument track. It also features a ‘Render Engine’ which determines song structure, track density, repetitions, tempo, etc. The results can then be exported to a MIDI file for further editing.

Features include:

  • Randomly generate entire songs in about 1 second with the click of a single ‘Auto Randomize Song’ button.
  • New analog style Step Sequencer! (beta available at gradywerks website).
  • Program uses ‘Manipulators’ to modify preset MIDI data using various techniques.
  • Preset file containing MIDI Clips and Manipulators can be edited as if it were a regular .RMA song file. Just drag-n-drop into program to open it.
  • User can create and edit Manipulators containing sets of up to 10 rules to define their behavior.
  • Preset Clips and Manipulators can be given a score, which determines how frequently they will be used.
  • Song structure and tempo can be automatically randomized or manually fixed.
  • Each track can be set to randomly choose from selected MIDI channels, allowing different instruments each time a song is generated.
  • Batch import patterns from the legendary Propellerhead Rebirth. Drag-n-drop multiple ‘.rbs’ files into the sequencer to quickly build huge preset files.

Be sure to introduce yourself and provide some feedback on my gradywerks facebook page. I would love to collaborate with others in the future.

http://www.gradywerks.com/

QuickAudio

QuickAudio free audio-editor by Sion Software

QuickAudio is a free audio editor plugin developed by Sion Software. Compatible OS(s): Windows.

QuickAudio lets you edit, play and record digital audio as well as convert between various popular audio formats. It has standard audio editing features, multiple undo, audio spectrum analysis as well as support for up to 24 VST plugins. Zoom out to edit your whole waveform at once or zoom in to edit individual samples. Cut and paste between as many files as you like.

Formats supported include:

  • Wave.
  • MP3.
  • Ogg Vorbis.
  • AIFF.
  • CDR.

Editing operations include:

  • Cut, Copy and Paste.
  • Change sample rate, bits per sample and channels.
  • Insert Space.
  • Amplify.
  • Silence.
  • Fade In.
  • Fade Out.
  • Normalize.
  • Compress.
  • Reverb.
  • Filters – Lift/Attenuate Musical Presence, Vocal Presence, Bass, Midrange, Treble.
  • Remove Noise.
  • Change Duration (without changing pitch).
  • Change Pitch (without changing duration).
  • Add up to 24 VST plugins for your own custom editing.

http://www.sionsoft.com/

Qtractor

Qtractor free sequencer | daw by rncbc

Qtractor is a free sequencer and DAW Stand Alone developed by rncbc. Compatible OS(s): Linux.

Qtractor is an audio/MIDI multi-track sequencer application written in C++ with the Qt framework. Target platform is Linux, where the Jack Audio Connection Kit (JACK) for audio and the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) for MIDI are the main infrastructures to evolve as a fairly-featured Linux desktop audio workstation GUI, specially dedicated to the personal home-studio.

Website: http://qtractor.org, https://qtractor.sourceforge.io.

Project page: https://sourceforge.net/projects/qtractor

Weblog: https://www.rncbc.org

Qtractor is free, open-source software, distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later.

Features:

  • Multi-track audio and MIDI sequencing and recording.
  • Developed on the Qt C++ application and UI framework.
  • Uses JACK for audio and ALSA sequencer for MIDI as multimedia infrastructures.
  • Traditional multi-track tape recorder control paradigm.
  • Audio file formats support: OGG (via libvorbis), MP3 (via libmad, playback only), WAV, FLAC, AIFF and many, many more (via libsndfile).
  • Standard MIDI files support (format 0 and 1).
  • Non-destructive, non-linear editing.
  • Unlimited number of tracks per session/project.
  • Unlimited number of overlapping clips per track.
  • XML encoded session/project description files (SDI).
  • Point-and-click, multi-select, drag-and-drop interaction (drag, move, drop, cut, copy, paste, paste-repeat, delete, split, merge).
  • Unlimited undo/redo.
  • Built-in mixer and monitor controls.
  • Built-in connection patchbay control and persistence (a-la QjackCtl).
  • LADSPA, DSSI, native VST and LV2 plug-ins support.
  • Unlimited number of plug-ins per track or bus.
  • Plug-in presets, programs and chunk/configurations support, including native VST FXB/FXP file support.
  • Unlimited audio/MIDI effect send/return inserts per track or bus.
  • Loop-recording/takes.
  • Audio/MIDI clip fade-in/out, cross-fade (linear, quadratic, cubic).
  • Audio/MIDI clip gain/volume, normalize, export.
  • Audio/MIDI track and plugin parameter automation (dynamic curves, sample&hold, linear and spline modes).
  • Audio clip time-stretching (WSOLA-like or via librubberband), pitch-shifting (via librubberband) and seamless sample-rate conversion (via libsamplerate).
  • Audio/MIDI track export (mix-down, render, merge, freeze).
  • Audio/MIDI metronome bar/beat clicks.
  • Unlimited tempo/time-signature map.
  • MIDI clip editor (matrix/piano roll).
  • MIDI instrument definitions (a-la Cakewalk ™);
    SoundFont (*.sf2) and MIDI Names XML (*.midnam) files also supported.
  • MIDI controller mapping/learn/assignment (mixer and plug-in parameters).
  • MIDI system exclusive (SysEx) setups.
  • JACK transport sync master/slave.
  • JACK session support.
  • NSM (Non Session Management) support.
  • MMC control surface enabled.
  • MIDI Clock, Song Position Pointer (SPP) support.
  • Configurable PC-keyboard and MIDI controller shortcuts.

http://www.rncbc.org

QjackCtl

QjackCtl free host by rncbc

QjackCtl is a free host application for Alsa, developed by rncbc. Compatible OS(s): Linux.

QjackCtl is a simple Qt application to control the JACK sound server (https://jackaudio.org), for the Linux Audio infrastructure.

Written in C++ around the Qt framework for X11, most exclusively using Qt Designer.

Provides a simple GUI dialog for setting several JACK server parameters, which are properly saved between sessions, and a way control of the status of the audio server. With time, this primordial interface has become richer by including a enhanced patch-bay and connection control features.

Website: https://qjackctl.sourceforge.io, http://qsynth.sourceforge.net

Project page: https://sourceforge.net/projects/qjackctl

Weblog: https://www.rncbc.org

QjackCtl is free, open-source Linux Audio software, distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later.

See also: https://jackaudio.org

http://www.rncbc.org

Psycle

Psycle free daw | sequencer | host by Psycle

Psycle is a free DAW developed by Psycle. Compatible OS(s): Windows 64b.

Psycle is a free, Open-Source, music creation program that offers an easy way to create your own music, fast, and with high quality.

Psycle uses a classical tracker interface (a text grid of notes which are sequenced one after the other), coupled with modularity (plugins) that allow to extend the sounds that you get from it.

It supports three ways to get sound: its own native format, the VST Plugin standard, and recorded .wav samples using the sampler machine.

Notes are entered in patterns, where you can also use commands (plugin specific, or global), as well as automating parameters via the mcm and twk commands. These patterns are then organized in a linear sequence, which becomes the song order.

Main features:

  • A 64 Tracks Pattern Editor, with up to 1024 lines.
  • 256 sequence positions.
  • Audio Routing (machine) view to interconnect the virtual machines in order to apply different effects. Multi I/O for VST plugins is supported.
  • Internal Stereo Sampler unit which supports .wav, .aiff, .iff/svx, .s3i, .its files of any sampling rate, 8/16 and 24-bits, mono or stereo.
  • Modern tracker Sampler (Sampulse), with extends sampler support to .xi and .iti, and supports most of the Impulse Tracker like features, including filter.
  • 70+ Native Plugins (generators & effects), most of them open-source and with an easy to use API to create new ones.
  • Multithreaded audio engine.
  • Support for VST1 and VST2 plugin standard, including support for jBridge.
  • Imports .xm, .s3m, .it, .mod.
  • Exporting to wav, as well as recording realtime to .wav.
  • Configurable Keyboard Layout.
  • MIDI-In Support (control Psycle using a MIDI keyboard, or even a software sequencer).
  • Themes and skins support.

http://psycle.pastnotecut.org/

Pro Tools First

Pro Tools First free sequencer | daw by Avid

Pro Tools First is a free sequencer and DAW stand alone application developed by Avid. Compatible OS(s): Windows 64b, macOS.

Pro Tools First is the entry-level version of the popular sound creation and production system. Featuring professional hardware and software that work together with your computer, Pro Tools lets you easily accomplish everything from composing music and recording to editing and mixing sound for broadcast and post production – all within a single environment.

Specs:

  • 16/16/– Simultaneous voices/tracks (@ 48 kHz/96 kHz/192 kHz).
  • 128/64/324 Maximum inputs.
  • 16 MIDI tracks161024.
  • 16 Instrument tracks.
  • 16 Auxiliary tracks.
  • 23 Included plugins.
  • 3.1 GB Included sounds.
  • 32-bit, 96 kHz Maximum sample rate supported.
  • Unlimited Busses.

Features:

  • Automatic plugin delay compensation.
  • Nondestructive editing.
  • Elastic audio.
  • Soundbase.
  • Retrospective MIDI recording.
  • Track Presets.
  • QuickPunch.
  • Time signature changes.
  • MIDI Editor.

https://www.avid.com/