Linux Show Player
Linux Show Player: A capable open-source soundboard for Linux-based theatre and live production cues. Ranked #6 of 26 in Soundboard Software by our editors (8.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux cue and soundboard production.
At a glance
- Editor score8.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux cue and soundboard production
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Desktop appYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source for locally installed show control
- Supports concurrent playback, timing, effects and normalization
- MIDI, OSC, keyboard triggers and cue automation support
Where it doesn't
- Runs on GNU/Linux rather than multiple desktop platforms
- Focused on stage cue playback instead of broader audio production
- Requires production teams to manage a locally installed workflow
Our verdict on Linux Show Player
Linux Show Player is a free, open-source cue player for theatre, musical and other stage productions. It is designed for performers, technicians and production teams that need locally installed sound playback on GNU/Linux. The software offers both a sequential list layout and button-based cart pages, allowing teams to organize cues according to the demands of a show. Multiple cart pages, cue presets, configurable keyboard combinations and automated actions support different operating styles.
Its strongest area is cue control depth. Linux Show Player supports concurrent playback, pre- and post-wait timing, and real-time equalization, pitch shift, speed control and compression. Peak and ReplayGain normalization help manage playback levels, while cue triggers and automated cue actions can coordinate recurring show behavior. MIDI and OSC input/output extend control beyond the application, making the software a practical fit for productions that already use external control hardware or show-control systems.
The main trade-off is platform scope: the published product description identifies GNU/Linux as the supported platform, so teams working across other desktop environments should look elsewhere. Its focus is also deliberately narrow, centered on stage cues, playback and show automation rather than a broader audio-production workflow. Choose Linux Show Player when a production needs a free, open-source Linux soundboard with multiple cue layouts and extensive triggering options. Choose an alternative when cross-platform coverage or a wider production environment matters more than Linux-native cue control.
Your product? Our editors can test Linux Show Player in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Linux Show Player pricing
Linux Show Player fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Browser app | Not verified |
| Hotkey triggering | Yes |
| Streaming integrations | Not verified |
| Voice effects | Not verified |
| Multiple soundboards | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: MIDI, OSC |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | linux-show-player.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Linux Show Player integrations
Linux Show Player lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- MIDI
- OSC
Alternatives to Linux Show Player
- AudioPadA strong free choice for desktop sound triggers, routing, and voice-chat playback.9.4
- ResananceA free, flexible soundboard for hotkeys, voice effects, and streaming audio.9.2
- Sound ShowA flexible cross-platform soundboard for live shows, streaming, and multimedia cues.9.1
See all Linux Show Player alternatives →
Linux Show Player vs the competition
- Linux Show Player vs AudioPad
- Linux Show Player vs Resanance
- Linux Show Player vs Sound Show
- Linux Show Player vs LivePlay
- Linux Show Player vs Stadium Sound
- Linux Show Player vs Soundplant
Compare Linux Show Player with any tool side by side →
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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