First look at the Zrythm Digital Audio Workstation
Alpha Symphony
Zrythm is an open source digital audio workstation that will one day compete with commercial tools like Bitwig Studio and Tracktion Waveform.
Linux offers many options for producing music – some commercial and some open source. The open source side has made lots of progress over the past few years, but the all-free studio still has some gaps. For instance, when a music maker wishes to work with loops for music production, the most viable solutions, such as Tracktion Waveform and Bitwig Studio, are still proprietary. The Zrythm [1] project by Alexandros Theodotou looks to close this gap with free software (Figure 1).
Zrythm is a free Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that is brand still in the development stage, but you can download it right now to try it out.
Strong Start
Alexandros Theodotou had already been working on the LV2 plugin system for some time when he decided to build a freely licensed DAW that would meet his needs. He is specifically interested in electronic dance music (EDM). To succeed with EDM, a DAW must be able to handle MIDI sequences alongside live vocals. In addition, Alexandros wanted comprehensive options for manipulating and looping prerecorded or DIY samples.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Digital Autonomy
• How the Fediverse Found Parts for Its Platforms
• The Answer Was Already on the Shelf
• Changing the Chip Industry: How Public Investment Has Grown Open Silicon
• United Nations Open Source Portal Goes Live
• EU Open Source Strategy Plays Key Role in Tech Sovereignty Package
• France Says “Au Revoir” to Microsoft
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Is Linus Torvalds Vibe Coding?
The creator of Linux has added AI into his process for Linux kernel development, and it's more than just for debugging.
-
openKylin 3.0 Released with Expanded AI Integration
The latest release features a pre-installed AI agent to help perform tasks.
-
DigitalOcean Ends Open Source Credits Program
In a change that has surprised many open source developers, DigitalOcean has decided to sunset its Open Source Credits Program.
-
Office 365 Available for Testing on Linux via Bottles
Linux users can now test the official Office 365, thanks to Mirko Brombin's work on Bottles.
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of other European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.
-
It’s Time to Test Fedora 45 Beta
Fedora 45 beta has been released with updated Gnome, KDE Plasma, and kernel.
-
Ubuntu Stonking Stingray Gets Even Rustier
Ubuntu 26.10 has completed its migration to the Rust-based coreutils.
