Zrythm v2 has reached public alpha testing, while its cost-free, source-available DAW remains available across macOS, Windows, and Linux. Alexandros Theodotou created the copyleft project, allowing code changes and redistribution under the same license terms.
Free projects cap out at 25 tracks. Snapshot costs $18, Bundle runs $31, and the $50 yearly subscription adds future releases and nightly builds. AU, VST2, VST3, LV2, CLAP, and JSFX plug-ins work inside Zrythm, with Carla adding SFZ, SF2, and sandboxing support.
Editing stays fairly lean, with automation, audio tools, piano roll highlighting, chord assistance, adaptive snapping, detachable panels, multiple lanes, and dedicated mixer and browser areas. The v2 alpha shifts development from C into C++23 and replaces GTK with Qt6/QML.
Mac testing exposed serious lag and frequent crashes on an M4 Mac Mini running Tahoe 26.1. Dragging instruments could crash v1, while v2 often failed during basic use. Several v1 features remain absent from the alpha, making it better suited to testing than production.
Free projects cap out at 25 tracks. Snapshot costs $18, Bundle runs $31, and the $50 yearly subscription adds future releases and nightly builds. AU, VST2, VST3, LV2, CLAP, and JSFX plug-ins work inside Zrythm, with Carla adding SFZ, SF2, and sandboxing support.
Editing stays fairly lean, with automation, audio tools, piano roll highlighting, chord assistance, adaptive snapping, detachable panels, multiple lanes, and dedicated mixer and browser areas. The v2 alpha shifts development from C into C++23 and replaces GTK with Qt6/QML.
Mac testing exposed serious lag and frequent crashes on an M4 Mac Mini running Tahoe 26.1. Dragging instruments could crash v1, while v2 often failed during basic use. Several v1 features remain absent from the alpha, making it better suited to testing than production.
