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MusE review

Free#76 of 128 in Audio Editing Software

A capable free Linux workstation for multitrack audio and MIDI production.

3.0/10Editor score
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

MusE is an open-source digital audio workstation for Linux that combines MIDI sequencing with multitrack audio recording, playback, editing, automation, and plugin hosting. It suits Linux musicians, composers, and producers who want one locally installed desktop application for MIDI production and audio work without a commercial pricing structure. Its MIDI feature set includes recording and playback, file import and export, plus piano-roll, drum, list, and score editors. Audio projects can include input, output, wave, group, synth, and auxiliary tracks.

The strongest reason to choose MusE is the way it brings MIDI and audio into the same project. Users can edit automation, chain effects in an audio rack, and connect external hardware or software synthesizers. Support for VST, LV2, DSSI, and LADSPA plugins gives Linux users several established plugin formats to work with. Routing through JACK and ALSA, along with integrations such as JACK-MIDI, LASH, RtAudio, ALSA-MIDI, and FLAM, also makes MusE relevant to Linux setups built around connected audio and MIDI tools.

MusE is a focused choice rather than a cross-platform workstation. Linux-only availability limits its fit for teams or musicians who need Windows or macOS support, and its stated capabilities place more emphasis on sequencing, recording, routing, and plugin hosting than on restoration or video production. Choose it if free, open-source Linux software and deep MIDI editing are central requirements. Consider another audio editor if you need broader platform coverage or a workflow centered on restoration or video capabilities.

MusE pros and cons

  • Where it wins
    • Free, open-source software with no paid tiers
    • Combines multitrack audio recording with MIDI sequencing
    • Supports VST, LV2, DSSI, and LADSPA plugins
  • Where it doesn't
    • Available only for Linux
    • Its scope is narrower for restoration and video work
    • Audio routing depends on Linux ecosystems such as JACK and ALSA

MusE fact sheet, pricing and score →

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