ardour
TLDR
Launch Ardour with the graphical interface
SYNOPSIS
ardour [OPTIONS] [SESSION-NAME]
DESCRIPTION
Ardour is a multichannel hard disk recorder (HDR) and digital audio workstation (DAW) for professional audio production. It provides complete multitrack recording, editing, mixing, and mastering capabilities comparable to commercial DAW software.
Ardour uses JACK (JACK Audio Connection Kit) for all audio I/O, enabling perfect sample-sync data exchange with other applications and hardware audio interfaces. It is capable of simultaneously recording 24 or more channels of 32-bit audio at 48kHz. The software supports LADSPA, LV2, VST, and AudioUnit plugins for effects processing and virtual instruments.
Sessions are stored as directories containing all project data including audio files, edits, automation, and settings. Ardour supports non-destructive editing with unlimited undo history.
PARAMETERS
-a, --no-announcements
Do not contact website for announcements.-A, --actions
Print all possible menu action names.-b, --bindings
Display all current key bindings.-B, --bypass-plugins
Bypass all plugins in an existing session.-c, --name NAME
Use a specific backend client name (default: ardour).-d, --disable-plugins
Disable all plugins (safe mode).-D, --debug OPTIONS
Set debug flags. Use -D list for available options.-h, --help
Display help message.-k, --keybindings FILE
Load key bindings from specified file.-m, --menus FILE
Define menus using specified file.-n, --no-splash
Suppress splash screen display.-N, --new SESSION-NAME
Create a new session via command line.-O, --no-hw-optimizations
Disable hardware-specific optimizations.-P, --no-connect-ports
Skip automatic port connections at startup.-S, --sync
Draw GUI synchronously.-T, --template NAME
Apply template to new session.-v, --version
Display version information and exit.
CAVEATS
Ardour requires JACK or PipeWire for audio I/O. Real-time audio performance depends on proper system configuration including kernel settings for low-latency operation. Plugin compatibility varies by format and platform.
HISTORY
Ardour was created by Paul Davis, who is also responsible for the JACK Audio Connection Kit. Development began in 1999 and the first public release occurred in 2005. It has become one of the most capable open-source DAWs available, used by professional studios and musicians worldwide. The project is funded through subscriptions and donations.
