3.9 / 5     (58 votes)
Win32 Win64 OSX Linux
   
VST
LMMS is a free cross-platform which allow you to produce music with your computer.

This includes the creation of melodies and beats, the synthesis and mixing of sounds, and arranging of samples. You can have fun with your MIDI-keyboard and much more; all in a user-friendly and modern interface.
  • Song-Editor for composing songs
  • A Beat+Bassline-Editor for creating beats and basslines
  • An easy-to-use Piano-Roll for editing patterns and melodies
  • An FX mixer with 64 FX channels and arbitrary number of effects allow unlimited mixing possibilities
  • Many powerful instrument and effect-plugins out of the box
  • Full user-defined track-based automation and computer-controlled automation sources
  • Compatible with many standards such as SoundFont2, VST(i), LADSPA, GUS Patches, and MIDI
  • Import of MIDI and FLP (Fruityloops® Project) files
LowFiend May 09 2024
(4 / 5)
May 09 2024
People who say this DAW is bad are probably just really unfamiliar with it. LMMS has pretty much everything you would need to make music, except for an audio recording function. Which, yes, does suck. However, it's extremely customizable, completely open source, comes with a pretty decent rack of preinstalled plugins (although you already know you're gonna download external VSTs) and, best of all, it's free. Now that Cakewalk is being phased out, LMMS is probably the best truly free DAW. Take a little time and get familiar with it. Customize it. Eventually you'll get into the workflow and realize how solid it is.
unnamed user Nov 15 2023
(3 / 5)
Nov 15 2023
It's pretty bad, but not as bad as people make it out to be. If you dont need any crazy fancy stuff, or are a beginner, this is a great choice.
John H. Nov 02 2023
(4 / 5)
Nov 02 2023
One of the best free DAWs. It does have a bit of a steep learning curve, and still doesn't work with VST3s, but there is a work around.
DrizzyB Sep 16 2023
(5 / 5)
Sep 16 2023
SUCH A SLAY, LOVE YOU LMMS!!!!
sergey Apr 15 2023
(1 / 5)
Apr 15 2023
It's a big joke, don't have record knob
DrizzyB Sep 16 2023
Sep 16 2023
Yeah thats where a lil something called Audacity comes in
Art Hoper Feb 13 2023
(5 / 5)
Feb 13 2023
Installed. I downloaded an additional .sf2 library of files for standard midi (128). Imported a multi-track standard midi project. Manually reassigned the sound to the instruments (there is no sound by default). In the mixer, I set up transparent surround sound on the common channel. And generated a beautiful juicy wav sound, which is better than in the LMS examples and better than in FL12. Conclusion - the effects are great, the samples are good, the synthesizers are the most (I didn't use them). How to make a glissando slide? The design is mourning, small. Thank you for a good program - the sound is very high quality.
sergey Nov 14 2022
(1 / 5)
Nov 14 2022
I tried the stable version imposible to make record this is not daw just pencil is it
DrizzyB Sep 16 2023
Sep 16 2023
Get the nightly, much better
Daniel Oct 16 2021
(5 / 5)
Oct 16 2021
The best free and open-source DAW that works for me and my workflow. 5 stars from me all deserved!
exe Apr 28 2021
(5 / 5)
Apr 28 2021
Completo y en pleno desarrollo, no se le puede pedir mas
MusicalMadMan Dec 22 2020
(5 / 5)
Dec 22 2020
For something completely free, this is a good as it can get when searching around the web. Of course, it would be better to end up transferring to a paid DAW once you're ready, but LMMS gets the job done in the meantime. It consists of enough instruments and effects to make something out of the box but can also import VSTs to really make a tune spectacular.
absolutefunnyman Oct 01 2020
(4 / 5)
Oct 01 2020
This is one of the most titanium-solid DAWs you can get for free and you absolutely cannot go wrong with it, that said there is some issues I'm not a fan of. One of which is the lack of the ability to freeze your tracks, the lack of bouncing/freezing really bottlenecks me sometimes when I'm composing music. Another issue is that it lacks any powerful sample editing capabilities, and you can't even assign sample tracks to a mix fader (But you can in the master branch). Aside from those cons though, the built in synths are unique (Though you'll mostly be using ZynAddSubFX heck yeah), and the VST support has gotten more solid over the years. The workflow is very fast and intuitive (But not perfect) and it has a lot of unique effects like ReverbSC and the calf plugins.
max Jun 24 2020
Jun 24 2020
obsoleto incluso para su epoca
bad boy May 28 2020
(4 / 5)
May 28 2020
is good
invain Mar 01 2020
(5 / 5)
Mar 01 2020
The best free DAW, period. Easy install, plug and play, no need for any tweaking, working out of the box. Supports vst2 plugins, good manual and interface. Includes plenty interesting instruments and samples!
kris Jul 22 2019
(4 / 5)
Jul 22 2019
LMMS 1.2.0 has one of my most-favorite piano-rolls of all DAWs I've tried, but it still doesn't support VST3 on any platform and doesn't handle midi-redirection well (can't use Instachord or Instascale or anything like that).
msea Feb 03 2021
Feb 03 2021
Maybe use Carla in KXStudio for VST3 and Ubuntu... works for Surge, anyhow...
Samhooey Jul 01 2019
(5 / 5)
Jul 01 2019
Latest version works nice and it is very easy to use. Great for begginners.
Alireza Jun 13 2019
(5 / 5)
Jun 13 2019
Latest version I use is 1.2.0, many things upgraded, just can say excellent
pax May 24 2019
(3 / 5)
May 24 2019
It's very mediocre on win.
pax May 29 2019
May 29 2019
Make sure to download the beta
sergey May 05 2019
May 05 2019
+10 for the linux version, the win version not work properly
ArsenPutch Mar 11 2019
(4 / 5)
Mar 11 2019
The program itself is a great alternative to paid FL Studio or Cubase software. But there are three minuses for me. (1) You can't cut MIDI and Audio clips by hit. (2) Audio recording and audio editing. (3) Otsudstviya svabodnye bypasses in automation as a dense program.
Brentini May 10 2018
(1 / 5)
May 10 2018
This software can make beats. The problem is that it eventually, inevitably crashes every time I use it, even without loading any vst plugins. This has been the case with multiple computers on Windows and Linux. It's fun to play with but far too unstable for anything to do with serious production. If you're strapped for cash you're better off using Reaper, which is actually as good of a DAW for production as FL or Ableton Live. I say this owning legal licenses for all three. The main difference is the lack of vstis. But, if you know what you're doing, you can use all freeware plugins with Reaper and still produce studio quality music and/or samples. LMMS? Meh...there's better freeware available.
Eliovani Mar 05 2018
Mar 05 2018
Los vst no carga todos los externos, pero si aprendes sintesis substrativa con lo que tiene es suficiente para hacer buenos temas musicales
TurnThePageTurnTheStone Dec 10 2017
(5 / 5)
Dec 10 2017
+++ Positive +++ : Very complete D.A.W. : Pre-installed plug-ins. Very useful song editor, beat editor, virtual keyboard, automation editor, and FX channels manager. VSTs/SF2/MIDI imporation compatible. Also works with your MIDI keyboard. --- Negative --- : Some visual glitches. Often crash. Sharing problems (with VSTs plugins or Sf2 tracks).
Andrei Nov 16 2017
(2 / 5)
Nov 16 2017
Poor VST instruments compatibility - about 50% of synths have some kind of graphical glitches or don't play at all. Very weak built-in instruments - many of them are completely useless unless you plan to do chiptune music. Non-intuitive FX mixer.
jphturtle Nov 15 2016
(4 / 5)
Nov 15 2016
I use this, or Reaper, depending on what I need done. It consumes a lot of CPU power, and does occasionally crash. The main thing I use it for, is to render MIDI. It's flexible and powerful. It does need to be babied a bit, and requires a bit more patience than expected. Also a steep learning curve, but LMMS does have a few forums and instruction videos on youtube.
WMLV May 17 2016
May 17 2016
VST is consuming more power CPU, when open 5 VST on FL and Ableton, not lagging, why LMMS lightweight DAW is lagging use VST Plugin ? thanks please fix VST kernel for windows, I have good spec.
Ilya May 15 2016
May 15 2016
Please, make it more compatible with Windows! As for now, vst parameters aren't saved. ASIO isn't properly included (but there's a workaround). Sound is heavily glitched and nothing solves the problem. Add sound recording and a running line during playback in piano-roll, like in FL and other daws. Best wishes!
John Apr 02 2016
(4 / 5)
Apr 02 2016
It has a bit of a steep learning curve, but it's excellent with it's flexibility. As to VST's, there are many out there, that are free to play around with. I use it to upload MIDI files, and go to town!
maverick Mar 06 2016
(5 / 5)
Mar 06 2016
I am a beginner and lmms make everything easy for me. And yeah say no to trap music.
MAK Jan 28 2016
(3 / 5)
Jan 28 2016
Probably, in free DAW, I think that it is the best. However, PICH BEND in a PIANO ROLL can't be used, it needs. And it is fatal that there is no Undo.
Andy Feb 18 2016
Feb 18 2016
Make use Ctrl+Z as Undo. It works for me in Win7. Redo is Ctrl+Y.
Tom 34 Sept 19 2015
(1 / 5)
Sept 19 2015
Leider nicht wirklich VSTi Kompatibel. Vestige stürzt zu oft ab oder steuert die Plugins nicht korrekt (kein sound oder Knacken oder sp�terer Absturz) an. Si ist es leeider keine wirkliche Alternative zu Fl-Studio. Vieleicht mal in 10 Jahren oder so wenn endlich mal der VSTi Support korrekt l�uft oder ein alternatives Plugin dafür verfügbar ist. so ist es leider nett gmeint aber kaum zu gebrauchen.
Stagnation in Fehlern Aug 14 2015
(1 / 5)
Aug 14 2015
Das ehemalige Projekt v. T. Doerffel ist zum Gelegenheitsbastelobjekt geworden. Halbherzige Entwicklung, die den vielen Fehlern nur selten beikommt. Dann soll auch hin und wieder neues entwickelt werden, andererseits aber unbedingt alles Freeware bleiben... Viele Fantasien, wenig Realit�t und so gut wie keinen schlüssigen Master-Plan. Hinkt anderen DAW's um L�ngen nach und verliert immer mehr den Anschluss... sollte endlich aufgegeben werden - ist ein sinnloses Unterfangen - sorry!
Keith Jul 08 2015
(5 / 5)
Jul 08 2015
Better than FL Studio
DeRobyJ Dec 21 2014
Dec 21 2014
Please download the last version of LMMS at lmms.io. Automation has been improved, and there are a lot of new instrument plugins and presets. Also, general performance is improved, and most crashes avoided.
Second Flight May 08 2014
(5 / 5)
May 08 2014
http://picosong.com/Cjtx/ . The first two songs in there were made in LMMS. The second two were made in FL, and the last two are remixes of the first two, and were made in LMMS. You judge for yourself :3
Tres Finocchiaro Feb 13 2014
Feb 13 2014
For those encountering issues with 0.4.15 and VST, can you help test the beta? http://sourceforge.net/projects/lmms/files/lmms/0.9.90/ . Active bugs and development efforts can be found here: https://github.com/LMMS/lmms -Tres (on behalf of the lmms-dev team)
YungDaVinci Jan 17 2014
(3 / 5)
Jan 17 2014
It's a decent program. Automation isn't really good, and on Linux you have to download a ppa just to get access to vst. But hey, it's free, and when it works it's pretty nice. Good for beginners.
Andrew k Dec 29 2013
Dec 29 2013
It's my FL STUDIO. And it's great for electronic music composing. If you know about effects you can make professionnal type music like fl studio, with free vst's and lmms sample banks. Its great, no need to buy any daw.
RayB Oct 01 2013
(4 / 5)
Oct 01 2013
This is the best and easiest to use free DAW I've tried so far. When you go to the LMMS website, find and download LMMS-0.4.8 which works great. The latest version (0.4.15) crashes because of a problem with the Vestige VST loader.
Phoonck Aug 26 2013
(2 / 5)
Aug 26 2013
Sort of FL "reloaded, free and a bit buggy". A great tool to start with for beginners and Linux friends for sure... I just think LMMS could have a big print on it, saying: "This is just a tribute - to FLStudio, our gods:)!"
kaliff c Jul 21 2013
(5 / 5)
Jul 21 2013
Awesome software, find it useful and good to create Muzik without.... Banger!!!
George Starbuilder Jul 13 2013
(5 / 5)
Jul 13 2013
Good One! Realy good for Home DJ-s! +5
AvdL Feb 15 2013
(4 / 5)
Feb 15 2013
It's a great program, especially when you consider it is free if you don't want to/can't donate a small sum. My main problem is also with VST plugins (Windows version). They crash very often, and quickly after having been loaded, especially when you are making new patches or tweaking existing ones with soft synth plugins. LMMS It comes with one really good synth ZynAddSubFX and some smaller ones and lots of other goodies you can make pretty decent tracks with, straight out of the box. Recently a new version has been released for testing, not yet as a stable issue, and this is supposed to have fixed some of the problems with the VST plugin handler.
Yaman Dec 23 2012
(3 / 5)
Dec 23 2012
I like it because I think it's a wayyy less daunting intro to computer music production than FL. My main gripe, and this is what knocked it down to 3/5 rather than 5/5, is that many if not all external VSTs you load into it freeze constantly on you. Which really stinks majorly considering I can't utilize many of my favorite samplers/synths off this website.
rahul Oct 31 2012
(5 / 5)
Oct 31 2012
super software i made music track's great with this software.
The Realist Mar 30 2012
Mar 30 2012
this is the worst DAW program i have ever used, nothing but a rip off of fruityloops. if you want a fully functioning DAW, use Reaper instead, it's a 100 times better than this POS
Youno May 05 2012
May 05 2012
haha the first comment "you want a real DAW get Reaper". Not bad for a freebie.
Anomynous Oct 08 2014
Oct 08 2014
I have to agree, I'll swear by Reaper any day of the week, truly the greatest DAW in my opinion, whether you pay for it or not.
Frequency B Oct 18 2011
Oct 18 2011
I used this before and it's great, plus I loaded fl studio project into it and it works fine.
remistpete Oct 02 2011
(4 / 5)
Oct 02 2011
People sell this on ebay for �5.99!
Personal SOund Apr 13 2011
Apr 13 2011
Hey Looks like Fruityloops nice one (3 osc)
ravi khairaliya Dec 28 2010
(5 / 5)
Dec 28 2010
i been using this software and it makes great music specially electronic music
Terazounds Dec 01 2010
Dec 01 2010
*sigh* I wish this software came with more synths. apart from that, its very good. Highly recomend it. especialy love the game boy synth (freeboy) and the commodore 64 synth
ravenking5 Oct 12 2010
Oct 12 2010
LMMS is wonderful software. You can make a variety of songs because it comes with a lot of presets and yes I have loaded VSTi plug ins with success. Many happy hours spent composing music with this software. :)
DJ Tailz Sept 27 2010
Sept 27 2010
Klasse Sache! Ich produziere seit knapp 10 Jahren mit Fruity Loops bzw FL Studio (war echt teuer) aber diese Software ist echt eine klasse, kostenlose Alternative!
nba54 Jul 21 2009
(5 / 5)
Jul 21 2009
This is a nice alternative to professional programs like cubase or fl studio. It can load vst, soundfonts, and you can use your midi keyboard also. But the only problem is it freezes sometimes. You should try this software out if you are interested in producing music.