ArdourLinux
vs
Steinberg CubaseWindows
Ardour as a Linux alternative to Steinberg Cubase
Updated
Our verdict
Ardour can replace Cubase for many users, especially those who need a free, open‑source DAW with solid audio and MIDI workflow. It handles multi‑track recording, non‑destructive editing, VST2/LV2 plugin hosting, and a full mixing console. It is best suited for musicians, home studios, and audio engineers who are comfortable with a more hands‑on interface and can work around the lack of native VST3 support and some advanced MIDI features found in Cubase.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 9.8.0 (August 19, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Multi‑track audio and MIDI recording
- VST plugin hosting (VST2, LV2, ReaPlugs via bridge)
- Integrated piano roll and MIDI editor
- Comprehensive mixing console with per‑channel plugins
- Export to common audio formats (WAV, FLAC, MP3)
What is different
- No native VST3 support, requiring a bridge for newer plugins
- Limited built‑in virtual instruments compared to Cubase’s extensive suite
- MIDI mapping and control surfaces integration is less mature
- No native project file import/export for Cubase (.cpr)
- No bundled mastering suite or advanced audio effects that come with Cubase
Opening your Steinberg Cubase files
Ardour does not natively open Cubase project files (.cpr). Users can export individual audio and MIDI tracks from Cubase as WAV/AIFF and MIDI files, then import those into Ardour. Full project migration would require manual recreation of routing and plugin settings.
Switching from Steinberg Cubase to Ardour, step by step
- Export all audio tracks from Cubase to WAV or AIFF.
- Export all MIDI tracks to standard MIDI files (SMF).
- Create a new project in Ardour and import the exported audio and MIDI files into separate tracks.
- Re‑route tracks and insert desired plugins in Ardour’s mixer.
- Re‑apply any automation or MIDI mapping manually.
- Save the Ardour project and continue editing.
Key features of Ardour
- Multi-track audio and MIDI recording
- Non-destructive editing with regions and playlists
- Flexible routing and bussing with up to 192 tracks
- Support for VST2, LV2, and ReaPlugs via bridge
- Comprehensive mixing console with per-channel plugins
- Time-stretching and pitch correction tools
- Integrated piano roll and MIDI editor
- Export to multiple formats including WAV, FLAC, and MP3
How to install Ardour on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.ardour.Ardoursudo apt install ardoursudo apt install ardoursudo dnf install ardour9sudo pacman -S ardoursudo zypper install ardourFrequently asked questions
Does Ardour support VST3 plugins?
Ardour only supports VST2 natively. VST3 plugins can be used via a VST3‑to‑VST2 bridge such as Carla or LV2‑to‑VST2 wrappers, but this adds extra steps and may not be as stable.
Can I use Ardour on a Windows machine?
Ardour is a native Linux application. It runs on Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and openSUSE. There is no official Windows build; attempting to run it on Windows would require a compatibility layer and is not supported.
Is Ardour suitable for mastering?
Yes, Ardour includes a full mixing console with per‑channel plugins and supports time‑stretching, pitch correction, and mastering tools. However, it lacks some of the specialized mastering suites bundled with Cubase, so advanced mastering workflows may need additional plugins.
