Looking for Different/Experimental Creative Software That's Only on Linux

[Steve Bolivar]

I'm taking the end of support for Win10 as an opportunity to switch my Dell G3 laptop over to Linux and explore that world. I still have a Win11 system that's been a victim of GAS (don't worry - I quit a year ago ) so I don't need any more Windows software. I found linuxdaw.org and LinuxCreative (YouTube) but wanted to know if anyone had any hidden gems to offer. Stand alone, DAW, DAWlike, plugin, video, image manipulation...
I posted here since there is the pinned Linux DAW thread here already but this isn't really directly applicable to that.
Thanks

[lunardigs]

RaySession (audio session manager for pipewire, jack, etc.) is really good. It's like qpwgraph meets Carla, and it's stable/non-crashy. I think it's been around since 2021?
One thing I really like about it is the patchbay somehow remains uncluttered looking, even when it is. Plus, making patches/dragging cables is intuitive. For instance, you have a handle on stereo devices that drags a stereo connection. Imagine that!
One quirk though is that the usual Shift Click (multi select) is instead Ctrl Click.
Any which way, it's entirely better than qpwgraph or Helvum if you ask me.

[BrokenTrance]

I'm taking the end of support for Win10 as an opportunity to switch my Dell G3 laptop over to Linux and explore that world. I still have a Win11 system that's been a victim of GAS (don't worry - I quit a year ago ) so I don't need any more Windows software. I found linuxdaw.org and LinuxCreative (YouTube) but wanted to know if anyone had any hidden gems to offer. Stand alone, DAW, DAWlike, plugin, video, image manipulation...
I posted here since there is the pinned Linux DAW thread here already but this isn't really directly applicable to that.
Thanks

Just some simple programs if you don't already know; Pinta(Windows Paint like), Krita, PhotoScape, OBS Studio and Kdenlive ofcourse
I have gone back and forth between Linux and Win11 for the last weeks. Try to test and install low latency kernel for your linux dist if you haven't and make it always start/default for you dist There might be drawbacks with this, but can't hurt to test. Other tweaks might be good - like the one written about in the Pianoteq linux Readme. There are probably dozens of other tweaks you can do.
I like Linux Mint with standard Cinnamon, not as bloated as Ubuntu Studio. In the end i will probably go Win11 anyway....

Good luck

[glokraw]

I posted here since there is the pinned Linux DAW thread here already but this isn't really directly applicable to that.
Thanks

The linux daw topic over the years has become a catch-all, and handy because of it's location. Anything linux-music related is fine to post there, and will likely get more notice and hopefully replies that help.

I like Rakarrack as a multi-effects panel that is easy to create new effect chains, and modify the existing effects, and save new presets.

The Yoshimi synth is massively multi-timbral if desired, and has a great sound engine, and it's own multi-effects, a derivative of zynaddsubfx synth. For layering synth sounds, it's hard to beat.

The Hydrogen drum machine is easy for creating new patterns and kits. It has it's own per-drum stereo effects, and velocity control on beats. Very intuitive, and has a floating mixer panel when desired.

Guitarix, and the NeuralRack provide modern and classic guitar capabilities. Debian Trixie is needed for the new NeuralRack, or you can compile for older distros. It does a fine job hosting .nam profiled amps and mono .wav IR's, sounds great with great captures.

[BBFG#]

A list of what we've found that work on all three OS platforms.
viewtopic.php?t=573248

[j_e_g]

And now fur something completely different (ie, not a DAW or sequencer):

BackuoBand (BB) is a linux-only app that turns your computer into an auto-arranger. Play your master controller, and 3 robot musicians (a guitarist, bassist, and drummer) follow your chord changes as you play them, playing along in any of 63 different styles (various rock, jazz, latin, etc styles). BB is like having a live trio to accompany you. The software adapts to being controlled by keyboard, wind, guitar, and/or pedal controllers. You can also turn off any of the robot musicians for example if you want to play bass controller along with a robot guitar and drummer, (ie You can turn off the bass robot). Make your own styles. Add your own sampled instruments.

Open-source, with the ability to customize it (create a version without a DUI to run on a raspberry pi).

https://sourceforge.net/projects/backupband/files/

[willy_dinglefinger]

DIN

https://dinisnoise.org/

[Steve Bolivar]

Thanks for all the suggestions!