Ardour

Ardour is a free and open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for recording, editing, and mixing audio. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and is released under the GNU General Public License v2 or later. The project was started by Paul Davis with contributions from a community of developers, emerging from the Linux audio scene in the early 2000s and growing into a cross-platform production tool.

Ardour provides multitrack recording and non-destructive, timeline-based editing, paired with a professional mixer that supports multiple tracks, buses, and sends. Features include automation, punch-in and punch-out recording, and comping to assemble final takes. The DAW also offers MIDI sequencing and editing for software instruments and external synthesizers, and a range of workflow conveniences designed for studio use.

Audio routing and plugin support are core strengths. On Linux, Ardour uses the JACK audio connection kit for routing; on macOS it integrates with Core Audio, and on Windows via PortAudio. It hosts plug-ins in formats such as LADSPA and LV2, with AU support on macOS. Ardour can import common formats (WAV, AIFF, FLAC) and export mixes as stereo files or stems for further mixing.

Ardour is widely used by independent musicians, sound designers, and educators and is considered a staple of the Linux audio community. As a cross-platform alternative to commercial DAWs, it is maintained by a non-profit project with ongoing development, documentation, and user contributions.