Ardour: Open-Source Recording Software and How It Is Paid For

Ardour is a recording, editing and mixing program that has been developed in the open for many years. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, and the project releases it under the GNU Public License v2.

An unusual payment model

Here is what surprises many people. The source code is free to anyone, but the project says that users who don’t want to or cannot build the software themselves should pay for the pre-built versions. According to the project’s FAQ, you choose what to pay, with a minimum of 1 US dollar for a download, and a monthly subscription option exists too. Check the download page for the exact current terms, since they have changed over time.

If you are comfortable building from source, you can do that at no cost. Linux distributions also package Ardour.

What it can do

• Multitrack recording: Capture many tracks at once from an audio interface.
• Editing: Non-destructive audio and MIDI editing on a timeline.
• Mixing and routing: A flexible mixer and plugin support for effects and instruments.
• Cross-platform: The same program on Linux, macOS and Windows.

Getting it

1. Press the Download button to reach the official Ardour download page.
2. Pick your operating system and choose how much you wish to pay.
3. Install and set up your audio interface in the program’s settings.

Ardour suits people who value open-source tools. For simpler editing, the free Audacity has a gentler start, and LMMS is another open-source option aimed at writing music.