LinuxSampler

LinuxSampler is a free, open-source software sampler for Linux and other Unix-like systems. It provides a complete software-based sampling engine that emulates hardware samplers, handling MIDI input and streaming audio playback.

The project follows a client-server architecture. The server component, linuxsampler, runs as a background process, while frontends such as QSampler—a Qt-based graphical user interface—allow users to load sample banks and play notes. The engine relies on the libgig library to read sample formats, including Gigasampler (.gig) and SoundFont 2 (.sf2).

Key features include real-time MIDI playback, multi-voice polyphony, and support for multiple sample formats via libgig. It can stream samples from disk and supports configurable audio backends, such as ALSA, JACK, and OSS. This makes LinuxSampler suitable for use with other audio software and MIDI controllers in a modular setup.

Usage typically involves loading banks of samples into the LinuxSampler server and using a frontend to control playback, manage instruments, and adjust parameters such as levels and envelopes. The system is designed to emulate hardware samplers in a software environment, offering a flexible alternative for producers and live performers on Linux.

License and development: LinuxSampler is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and is maintained by a community of contributors. The project integrates with other components in the Linux audio ecosystem through libgig, QSampler, and common Linux audio backends.

See also: Gigasampler, SoundFont, libgig, QSampler.