When comparing MuTools MuLab vs LMMS, the Slant community recommends LMMS for most people. In the question“What are the best DAWs? ” LMMS is ranked 13th while MuTools MuLab is ranked 22nd. The most important reason people chose LMMS is:
LMMS is available for free with source code licensed under GPL and available on [GitHub](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms) allowing anyone to edit and extend the software as they see fit.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Allows creating own synths and effects patches
MuLab includes MUX Modular, a modular synth and effect engine, that can be used to create and edito own synths and effects patches.
Pro Free version and affordable full version
MuLab is available in a free version and the full version is highly affordable at only 69 euro all in.
Pro Portable
Can be installed and run on a portable device such as a USB stick.
Pro Comes with high-quality synths, samplers and effects
Having a variety of integrated synths, samplers and effects removes the need for new user to search for and buy extra VST plug-ins in order to make sound.
Pro No-clutter interface
MuLab has a clean, minimalistic interface that uses highly distinct icons sparingly making it easy to overview. Much of the functionality can be found in right-click menus.
Pro Low system requirements
In addition to having generally low resource consumption, MuLab is capable of taking advantage of multi-core CPUs and relieving the strain on machines even further that way.
Pro Integrated multi-functional browser
Pro REX file support
Pro Multi-screen support
Pro Cross-platform
Works on OSX and Windows.
Pro Capable oscillators
MuLab includes oscillators with 300 selected waveforms and support for user waveforms.
Pro Free and open source
LMMS is available for free with source code licensed under GPL and available on GitHub allowing anyone to edit and extend the software as they see fit.
Pro Cross-platform
LMMS works on Linux, Windows and OSX.
Pro Is a great open-source alternative to FL Studio
- Interface look like FL Studio interface.
- Has many of the same windows such as step-sequencer, piano roll, playlist, mixer, etc.
Pro Portable
LMMS is lightweight enough to be run off of a flash drive.
Pro VST Support
Uses VeSTige as the VST plugin. It has some bugs but most VSTs work with it.
Pro LADSPA plugins support
Pro VST plugins support
Pro Sandbox layout
All windows in the DAW can be moved around freely and are not attached to a grid.
Pro MIDI controllers support
Just plug in and play. Plug in the MIDI keyboard before opening LMMS and it'll automatically pick up that you've connected the keyboard.
Pro JACK Audio Connection Kit support
Pro Multiple languages support
Pro Works with many VSTs and effects
Pro Preloaded with basic VST instrument plugins and modifiers
LMMS comes with a triple oscillator, Gameboy sound emu, NES sound emu added into the software, which makes it easier to create sounds without the inclusion of external plugins. It is very accessible for beginners.
Pro Computer Keyboard to MIDI
You can use your computer keyboard as a MIDI controller.
Pro Easy to use
LMMS is ideal for beginners, as it is easy to use and comes with tons of ready to use instruments and samples.
Pro No Scanning VST instruments/FX in LMMS
You can load a VST Instrument plugin directly from your desktop if you want to and it supports most of the ddl plugins, both 32-bit 64-bit. FX plugins need to be placed into your directed plugin folder e.g C :/Program files/LMMS/Plugins.
Cons
Con Proprietary software
Con No merging or splicing options
There is no feature that allows you to merge or splice tracks in LMMS.
Con Cannot listen other tracks while recording
Can't listen to other track while record or playing other track .
Con Limited mixer rack
You can only add Virtual Instrument tracks into the mixing console/rack.
Con Program crashes a lot
This happens more frequently when loading VST files.
Con Limited effect plugin support
A lot of 3rd-party effect plugins don't work.
Con Pitch bending could be more native
Sometimes you can pitch bend with the Piano Roll Editor but with many instruments you cannot and are limited to the pitch knob in the main plugin interface.