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Tom's Definitive Linux Software Roundup: Audio Apps

Tom's Definitive Linux Software Roundup: Audio Apps
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Today we are looking at consumer audio applications. This includes apps for organizing and listening to music, CDs, podcasts, Internet radio streams, and other audio sources. Also, apps for burning CDs, tagging, fixing, and converting digital audio files, as well as a few light recording and editing packages. This article is the fifth in Tom's Hardware Definitive Linux Software Roundup, and the seventh installment of our continuing guide to getting started with Linux for Microsoft Windows users. Below are the links to our previous articles:

Part 1: Ubuntu Linux Installation Guide
Part 2: Run Windows XP In Ubuntu Setup Guide
Part 3: Internet Application Roundup
Part 4: Communications Application Roundup
Part 5: Office Application Roundup
Part 6: Image Application Roundup


Originally, we intended to create a single article on Linux-based audio applications. However, it soon became apparent that the sheer number of audio production apps would not permit this. So that we don't bore casual users with audio production jabber, this article is split in two: content consumption and content creation. Most end-users will be more interested in this article, while musicians and audio professionals should look to the next one for their Linux audio needs.

Content consumption apps like media managers and audio players are listed here. These include replacements for iTunes, WinAmp, FreeRIP, Audio Grabber, MP3 Cutter, Windows Sound Recorder, and others. Our next installment is dedicated to the content creation side. Audio production applications will be rounded up, starting complete Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and audio editors, then moving on to more focused applications like sequencers, synthesizers, effects pedals, and other tools which aid in the creation of audio

So without further delay, let's check out some of the top audio consumption applications available for Linux!

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  • 0 Hide
    Anonymous , 17 February 2011 20:23
    Disappointing to find out the one linux based itunes clone I liked, songbird, has dropped official linux support. Back a few years ago it was as good as winamp in windows and only half finished...
  • 0 Hide
    mi1ez , 21 February 2011 01:31
    No Audacity?
  • 0 Hide
    Anonymous , 22 February 2011 23:17
    Note: Juk doesn't play wav, m4a and wma files, so it may not be for everybody (it doesn't cut it for me). Too bad since it has a nice, clean and fast interface but is unusable as it is.
    It is also possible to rip audio cds using the KDE file manager directly which is very cool. I don't know if it would count as a audio-cd ripping program though.
  • 0 Hide
    silver565 , 23 February 2011 02:52
    Good to see "In Flames" In the first picture.

    Nice to know that Toms listen to good music
  • 0 Hide
    rickvdb , 26 February 2011 18:22
    What I miss in a audio player whether it is in Linux or windows is the possibility of personalising every individual track .
    Every track is different, too much bass, too little bass, too loud ,too little treble,...some stereo enhancer,...
    Some can normalise the volume , but what really would be great is that WITHOUT changing the track , you could change the way it is individually played in the media or audio player.
    The same goes for portable media players.
    And the parameters you put in for a track should go with it when you transfer it to your mp3 player , where it will play it the way I want it.
  • 0 Hide
    mi1ez , 26 February 2011 22:47
    That would involve additional metadata and the industry to adopt it.