Audio engineering is about precision: clean signal paths, accurate monitoring, reliable timing, and the freedom to build a workflow that fits the job. Ubuntu Studio is configured for exactly that, with a low-latency PipeWire audio system that is JACK-compatible, a real-time-ready kernel setup, and a deep toolbox of recording, mixing, mastering, and measurement software.

Record, edit, and mix

• Ardour – a professional DAW with unlimited tracks and buses, flexible routing, automation, plugin delay compensation, and surround-capable mixing.
• Qtractor – an audio and MIDI multitrack sequencer with a streamlined interface.
• Audacity – fast destructive editing, noise reduction, restoration, and batch work.
• JACK Mixer and Meterbridge – JACK-based mixing and metering utilities for monitoring and testing.
• Kid3 – edit tags and metadata for finished masters and releases.

Process and master with plugins

The audio plugin workflow installs one of the largest collections of open-source effects and tools available, in LV2, LADSPA, and DSSI formats:

• Dynamics: compressors, limiters, gates, and expanders from the Linux Studio Plugins (LSP), x42, ZAM, ABGate, and Steve Harris (SWH) collections.
• Equalization: EQ10Q, the FIL plugins, and x42 and LSP parametric equalizers.
• Reverb and space: Dragonfly Reverb, Zita-Rev1, Rev plugins, and JConvolver for convolution reverb with your own impulse responses.
• Pitch and time: Rubber Band, Autotalent, and Zita-AT1 for pitch correction and time-stretch.
• Spatial: AMB plugins for Ambisonics, and Zita-LRX crossover filters for multi-band work.
• Analysis and metering: the x42 meters and analyzers, including EBU R128 loudness, phase and correlation, and spectrum tools.
• Channel strip and utility tools: Zita-Mu1 for stereo monitoring control, plus the CAPS, TAP, MDA, and CMT collections.
• Plugin hosting: Carla hosts LV2, LADSPA, DSSI, VST, and other plugin formats in a rack or patchbay and can run them as standalone JACK applications.

Routing and signal flow

• PipeWire and JACK – a unified audio engine that supports both desktop audio and professional low-latency routing at the same time.
• Patchance, Helvum, and QjackCtl – see and re-route every audio and MIDI connection graphically.
• Ray Session – save and recall whole sessions made up of multiple applications and their connections.
• A2jmidid, Zita-ajbridge, and QMidiNet – bridge ALSA MIDI to JACK, use additional sound cards as extra channels, and send MIDI over the network.
• JackTrip – high-quality, low-latency audio between remote locations for network performance and remote sessions.

Hardware support

• Ubuntu Studio Audio Configuration – choose your interface, sample rate, and buffer size from simple menus, with built-in support for FireWire devices through FFADO.
• ALSA tools and mixers – QasMixer, QasHctl, and QasConfig expose every control of your interface.
• Scarlett GUI – full control of Focusrite Scarlett and Clarett interfaces.
• rtirq – gives the interrupts for your audio hardware real-time priority for the lowest dependable latency.
• MCPdisp – a Mackie Control Protocol display for control surfaces.

Synchronize with picture and other systems

• xjadeo – a video player that syncs to JACK transport, to score or sound-design against picture.
• Ableton Link utilities – keep tempo in sync between networked applications and devices.

Why engineers choose Ubuntu Studio

• Stability. LTS releases are supported for three years, so a studio system can stay put while the work gets done.
• Control. Every connection, buffer, and plugin is visible, scriptable, and under your control.
• No licensing overhead. Install the whole workflow on every machine in the facility without a license server or a subscription.
• Open formats. Your sessions and files are in open, documented formats you can keep for decades.

Get started

1. Download Ubuntu Studio or add the audio workflow to an existing Ubuntu install with the Ubuntu Studio Installer.
2. Open Ubuntu Studio Audio Configuration and set up your interface.
3. Launch Ardour and open your first session.

See also: Recording Studios · Musicians · Houses of Worship