line is a command-line MIDI sequencer and a compact language for creating music interactively. Instead of using a graphical piano roll or timeline, musicians enter notes, phrases and control instructions directly into a terminal.
The application sends MIDI messages to software synthesizers, samplers, digital audio workstations and other compatible receivers. Its text-based approach makes it particularly suitable for live coding, where musical patterns are written and manipulated while a performance is running.
line can work with musical notes or MIDI continuous controller messages. Performers can run several instances simultaneously, assigning different terminals to individual instruments or control parameters. Musical phrases can also be stored and recalled, making it possible to build increasingly complex arrangements from relatively simple instructions.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Create MIDI sequences directly from commands entered in a terminal.
- Specify notes using MIDI numbers or conventional musical note names.
- Construct chords, arpeggios and rhythmic patterns with variable note durations.
- Insert rests and adjust individual note amplitudes.
- Change tempo, MIDI channel and overall amplitude interactively.
- Switch between MIDI note sequencing and continuous controller modes.
- Reverse or scramble phrases to generate rhythmic and melodic variations.
- Manipulate the duration of phrases and concatenate repeated passages.
- Mute and unmute playback without discarding a musical phrase.
- Store phrases in an internal queue for subsequent recall and playback.
- Save and restore phrases and their parameters using .line text files.
- Support for synchronised MIDI control messages.
- Ableton Link-compatible mode for synchronisation with other musical applications.
- Run multiple independent instances for controlling separate instruments or MIDI parameters.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux and macOS.
Website: github.com/pd3v/line
Support:
Developer: pd3v
License: MIT License
line is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| DJ Software | |
|---|---|
| Mixxx | Designed for both professional and amateur DJs with powerful features |
| Giada | Hardcore audio tool for DJs, live performers and electronic musicians |
| xwax | Digital Vinyl System |
| IDJC | Shoutcast/Icecast client with two main media players |
| terminatorX | Realtime audio synthesizer; “scratch” on digitally sampled audio data |
| Luppp | Music creation tool, intended for live use |
| Linux Show Player | Cue player designed for stage productions |
| line | Tiny command-line midi sequencer |
| Vahatraker | Live MIDI sequencer |
| ShoopDaLoop | Advanced live looping application with DAW-like elements |
| Seq24 | Minimal loop based midi sequencer |
| Chipdisco | Dual-deck DJ app for tracker modules |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
 Explore our carefully curated directory of recommended free and open source software, covering every major software category.The directory forms part of our extensive collection of articles for Linux enthusiasts. It includes hundreds of detailed reviews, together with free and open source alternatives to proprietary software from companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. LinuxLinks also covers interesting projects worth exploring, Linux-compatible hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application that we haven’t covered? Tell us about it using our submission form. |
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.