LMMSLinux
vs
Cool Edit ProWindows
LMMS as a Linux alternative to Cool Edit Pro
Updated
Our verdict
LMMS is a poor replacement for Cool Edit Pro if you need precise audio editing. Cool Edit Pro (now Adobe Audition) is an audio editor focused on waveform manipulation, restoration, and destructive editing of recorded sound. LMMS is a DAW for music production, built around MIDI sequencing, synthesis, and pattern-based arrangement. It lacks the spectral editing, advanced noise reduction, and batch processing tools essential for audio restoration and podcasting. Use LMMS only if your goal is composing electronic music from scratch, not editing existing audio recordings.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.2.2 (July 4, 2020)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports standard audio formats like WAV and MP3 for import and export
- Includes basic noise reduction and effect plugins
- Allows multitrack mixing and routing
- Cross-platform application available on Linux
What is different
- LMMS lacks destructive waveform editing tools like cut, copy, and paste on the audio timeline
- No spectral editing capabilities for visualizing and repairing frequency data
- Missing batch processing features for handling large numbers of files
- Focused on MIDI sequencing and synthesis rather than audio recording and restoration
Opening your Cool Edit Pro files
LMMS does not natively open Cool Edit Pro project files (.ses) or Adobe Audition project files (.ppj). You must export your audio tracks from Cool Edit Pro as standard formats like WAV or AIFF. LMMS can then import these audio files as samples into its project. However, you will lose all original editing history, markers, and non-destructive effects chains. You will need to rebuild your mix from the raw audio files.
Switching from Cool Edit Pro to LMMS, step by step
- Export all audio tracks from Cool Edit Pro as 24-bit or 32-bit WAV files
- Install LMMS via your package manager or Flathub
- Create a new project in LMMS and import the WAV files as samples
- Rebuild your mix by arranging the samples on the beat grid
- Re-apply effects using LMMS's built-in plugins or VSTs
- Export the final mix as a new WAV or MP3 file
Key features of LMMS
- Pattern-based music sequencing
- Built-in synthesizers and soundbanks
- MIDI keyboard support
- Sample import and manipulation
- VST plugin support via bridge
- Automation and effect routing
- Song and pattern arrangement view
- Cross-platform compatibility
How to install LMMS on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.lmms.LMMSsudo apt install lmmssudo apt install lmmssudo dnf install lmmssudo pacman -S lmmssudo zypper install lmmsFrequently asked questions
Can I use LMMS for podcast editing?
No. LMMS is not designed for podcast editing. It lacks the tools for precise waveform editing, noise reduction, and loudness normalization that podcasters need. Use Audacity or Adobe Audition instead.
Does LMMS support VST plugins?
Yes, LMMS supports VST plugins via a bridge. However, many VSTs are Windows-only, so you will need to run them through Wine or find Linux-native alternatives. This adds complexity compared to Cool Edit Pro's native VST support.
Is LMMS free?
Yes, LMMS is free and open-source under the GPL-2.0+ license. It is available on major Linux distributions and Flathub.
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