Digital Audio Workstations for Music

Audacity is a cross-platform digital audio workstation and multi-track audio editor. It serves as a comprehensive suite for capturing live audio input, refining sound files through splicing and effects, and mixing multi-track audio files using a non-destructive waveform interface. The project functions as a VST3 plugin host, providing a software environment to load and execute audio effects and virtual instruments for real-time signal processing. It also includes an audio spectrum analyzer for visualizing frequencies and waveforms to identify specific sonic characteristics. The software covers a broad range of audio production capabilities, including multi-track recording, audio clip editing, and the import and export of audio files. It provides tools for signal processing, noise reduction, and balancing multiple audio sources through a centralized mixing interface.

LMMS is a digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer designed for composing, arranging, and mixing music. It functions as a comprehensive production environment that integrates a MIDI sequencer, a sample-based synthesizer, and an audio mixing console. The project distinguishes itself through a versatile synthesis engine that includes additive synthesis, wavetable generation, and emulations of vintage hardware such as NES audio and FM chips. It also serves as a VST plugin host, allowing for the integration of third-party virtual instruments and audio effects via a standardized interface. Beyond synthesis, the platform covers wide-ranging capabilities in audio mixing and signal processing, including the use of effect chains, sidechain compression, and a modulation matrix. It provides tools for MIDI sequencing through a piano roll and step sequencer, as well as hardware integration for mapping physical MIDI controllers to software parameters. Project states, instrument settings, and automation are saved and restored using XML-based serialization.