What doesn't "play nice" with Linux? (Instruments, Fx, DAW & Hardwarec)

[BBFG#]

I keep reading Native Instruments as topping this list, but wonder who and what else belongs on it.
Please share your experience on what has been problematic or just hasn't worked for you.

[mabian]

- AberrantDSP, Lese - their Windows stuff don't work with Wine due to using Direct2D version not currently supported in Wine
- everything with iLok (UVI, AiR, etc.)
- Dreamtonics (auth doesn't work)
- ACE Studio - doesn't work at all

unfortunately, I'm afraid the list will get fast quite long...

- Mario

[jamcat]

- Healthy social interactions
- Romantic relationships

[kvotchin]

Ableton Live, and probably some other big name DAWs (other than Bitwig and Reaper, that is). Cubase is no doubt one, say.

[Paree]

Ableton Live, and probably some other big name DAWs (other than Bitwig and Reaper, that is). Cubase is no doubt one, say.

Ableton worked fine under wine the last time i tested it, not native and it has been a while since i tested it

[Surgo]

Wine and yabridge work for a lot of things, the biggest blocker is probably DAW (if you don't like Reaper or Bitwig) and the lack of Thunderbolt support (if you want one of those audio interfaces).

[audiojunkie]

With Linux, it is better (and easier) to list what DOES work.

* Most "popular" hardware (but you still need to check and confirm every component or buy a Linux compatible machine)
* Class Compliant interfaces and hardware that don't use software managed DSP or mixing
* Most distros can be "tuned" to run at low latency, but using a purpose made or turn-key distro for pro Audio is easier
* There are many Linux native DAWs, such as Ardour, Reaper, Bitwig, Tracktion Waveform, Fender Studio Pro, and more--but if you must use Cubase, Ableton, FLStudio, etc. your success may be limited.
* Linux native applications and plugins (most will work on all distros, even though compiled on Ubuntu)
* Some Windows applications and plugins (through WINE and WineASIO or yabridge (or LinVST3 or Carla)) This includes some people who have had success with Ableton and FL Studio. I personally recommend Linux native for optimal performance and stability.

If your studio setup can fit within this paradigm, then Linux is a viable and excellent platform for pro audio. I am doing very well, and have no limitations.

However, if your hardware is not fully compatible, or you must have certain applications or plugins that are not available under this paradigm, then it is better that you stick with Windows or MacOS.

All OSes have their pros and cons. (Yes, there are indeed pros to using Linux that are unique and not available on Windows or MacOS.)

In short:

You have to determine which set of pros and cons you want to live with, be that Windows, MacOS, or Linux.

[BBFG#]

With Linux, it is better (and easier) to list what DOES work.

Except we have quite a few threads going now for that.
Seems like we need an "avoid" list on the other side of it. Or equally the hoops a person might have to jump through to get them to work.

[mabian]

https://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=294788

[detritusdave]

- AberrantDSP, Lese - their Windows stuff don't work with Wine due to using Direct2D version not currently supported in Wine
- everything with iLok (UVI, AiR, etc.)
- Dreamtonics (auth doesn't work)
- ACE Studio - doesn't work at all

unfortunately, I'm afraid the list will get fast quite long...

- Mario

I've got Lair by Aberrant DSP working really well via Wine/Yabridge - the GUI is small, but apart from that, all good.

I'm drinking whisky, so apologies if the screenshot comes out all wrong.

Screenshot From 2026-04-10 20-41-01.png

[mabian]

- AberrantDSP, Lese - their Windows stuff don't work with Wine due to using Direct2D version not currently supported in Wine
- everything with iLok (UVI, AiR, etc.)
- Dreamtonics (auth doesn't work)
- ACE Studio - doesn't work at all

unfortunately, I'm afraid the list will get fast quite long...

- Mario

I've got Lair by Aberrant DSP working really well via Wine/Yabridge - the GUI is small, but apart from that, all good.

I'm drinking whisky, so apologies if the screenshot comes out all wrong.
Screenshot From 2026-04-10 20-41-01.png

Please can you make sure it's Lair 1.1?
Lair 1.0 worked with Wine, it was version 1.1 that stopped working with Yabridge on my system (don't remember if black GUI ot total hang...)

[mabian]

- AberrantDSP, Lese - their Windows stuff don't work with Wine due to using Direct2D version not currently supported in Wine
- everything with iLok (UVI, AiR, etc.)
- Dreamtonics (auth doesn't work)
- ACE Studio - doesn't work at all

unfortunately, I'm afraid the list will get fast quite long...

- Mario

I've got Lair by Aberrant DSP working really well via Wine/Yabridge - the GUI is small, but apart from that, all good.

I'm drinking whisky, so apologies if the screenshot comes out all wrong.
Screenshot From 2026-04-10 20-41-01.png

Please can you make sure it's Lair 1.1?
Lair 1.0 worked with Wine, it was version 1.1 that stopped working with Yabridge on my system (don't remember if black GUI ot total hang...)

Just tried again with Lair 1.1 - GUI is totally empty, on a REAPER 7.69 pre-version.

- Mario

[imrae]

I recently installed a bunch of plugin alliance stuff with yabridge into a Fedora toolbox. Most of it seems fine, but the bx plugins with their "new" style have an issue where the light-up buttons don't seem to work. (Knobs are fine though.)

(E.g. the revamped bx_limiter GUI https://www.plugin-alliance.com/products/bx_limiter)

Also, amusingly, the knobs are invisible on ACME Opticom but it sounds fine.