lmms

Start the GUI

$ lmms

$ lmms --config [path/to/config.xml]

$ lmms --import [path/to/midi/or/hydrogen/file]

$ lmms --geometry [x_size]x[y_size]+[x_offset]+[y_offset]

$ lmms dump [path/to/mmpz/file.mmpz]

$ lmms render [path/to/mmpz_or_mmp/file]

$ lmms rendertracks [path/to/mmpz_or_mmp/file] [path/to/dump/directory]

$ lmms render --samplerate [88200] --format [ogg] --loop --output [path/to/output/file.ogg]

lmms [options] [file]

--help, -h
    Displays a help message showing available command-line options and exits.

--version, -v
    Displays the LMMS version information and exits.

file
    Specifies an LMMS project file (e.g., .mmp or .mmpz) to open immediately upon launching the application.

LMMS, short for Linux MultiMedia Studio, is a free and open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) that allows users to produce music by arranging samples, synthesizing sounds, playing on a MIDI keyboard, and combining the features of trackers and sequencers. Designed for musicians and producers, it offers a user-friendly interface to compose, mix, and automate songs.

Key features include a Song Editor for arranging tracks, a Beat+Bassline Editor for drum patterns and bass lines, a Piano Roll for editing melodies and chords, and a Mixer for adjusting volumes and applying effects. LMMS comes with a variety of built-in virtual instruments (synthesizers) and effects plugins, and also supports industry standards like VST(i) plugins, allowing for extensive sound design possibilities. It aims to provide a complete music production environment without requiring proprietary software.

LMMS is a graphical application and requires a running X server or equivalent display environment. Performance can be resource-intensive, especially when using numerous virtual instruments, effects, or complex VST plugins. While it supports VST plugins, compatibility can sometimes vary, particularly with older 32-bit VSTs on 64-bit systems. LMMS is primarily focused on MIDI sequencing and sample manipulation; it does not offer direct multi-track audio recording capabilities like some other DAWs, though audio samples can be imported.

LMMS excels in MIDI sequencing, sample-based composition, and sound synthesis through its array of built-in virtual instruments and support for VSTi plugins. It provides tools for creating intricate melodic lines, complex drum patterns, and full song arrangements, making it ideal for electronic music production, chip-tune, and beat-making.

While its name suggests Linux, LMMS is actively developed and available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. This cross-platform compatibility allows musicians to collaborate and share projects seamlessly across different operating systems, broadening its appeal and user base.

Development of LMMS began in 2004 by Tobias Doerffel, initially aimed at creating a free alternative to commercial music production software, primarily for Linux. The first stable release, version 0.4.0, was made available in 2005. Over the years, the project has grown as a community-driven open-source initiative, expanding its features, improving stability, and porting to other operating systems like Windows and macOS, becoming a truly cross-platform solution for digital music creation.

ardour(1), audacity(1), jackd(1), pulseaudio(1), hydrogen(1)