Tsunami review
A capable free DAW for personal recording, with experimental Windows and macOS support.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Tsunami is an open-source digital audio workstation for desktop recording and editing. It is designed primarily for personal and home recording, with a focus on individual users and small recording projects. The published feature set includes multitrack mixing, multi-version audio recording, audio effects, MIDI editing, synthesizers, sample support, a plugin system, signal chains, and persistent sessions. It is distributed as source code under the GPL-3.0 license and is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Its feature depth covers key parts of a compact recording workflow. Multitrack mixing and audio recording support provide the foundation for arranging recorded material, while MIDI editing, synthesizers, samples, and plugins extend the production options beyond audio tracks. Signal chains support effect routing, and persistent sessions provide continuity between work periods. This makes Tsunami a focused choice for users who want a free, open-source desktop DAW with recording, MIDI, and sound-shaping tools in one application.
Platform fit is broader than the project's original Linux focus, but support differs by operating system. Linux is the original platform, while Windows and macOS support is described as experimental or still incomplete. The user documentation is marked TODO, which may make onboarding less straightforward for people who need extensive guidance. Choose Tsunami if open-source licensing, desktop recording, multitrack work, and cross-platform availability matter most. Users who need established Windows or macOS support, more developed documentation, or a larger workflow beyond personal and small recording projects should consider another audio editing application.
Tsunami pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license
- Supports multitrack mixing, recording, MIDI, effects, and synths
- Runs across Linux, Windows, and macOS
- Where it doesn't
- Windows and macOS support is experimental or incomplete
- User documentation is marked TODO
- Primarily designed for personal and small recording projects
Tsunami fact sheet, pricing and score →
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