Carla
Overview
Carla is a fully-featured audio plugin host and modular patch bay for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Developed by falkTX as part of the KXStudio project, Carla supports virtually all audio plugin formats including LV2, LADSPA, VST2, VST3, and AU. It can run as a standalone application or as a JACK/ALSA client, making it an essential tool for any Linux audio production workflow.
Key Features
- Multi-Format Plugin Host: Supports LV2, LADSPA, DSSI, VST2, VST3, and AudioUnit plugin formats
- Modular Patch Bay: Create complex signal routing chains with drag-and-drop plugin connections
- JACK Transport Integration: Full synchronisation with JACK Audio Connection Kit for professional workflows
- Preset Management: Save and recall plugin presets across sessions
- Built-in Plugin Browser: Browse installed plugins by format, category, and manufacturer
- Standalone Mode: Run as a self-contained plugin rack without needing a DAW
- KXStudio Integration: Seamless integration with KXStudio repositories and tools
Why Use It
Carla fills a critical gap in the Linux audio ecosystem by providing a unified interface for running any plugin format. Whether you’re a live performer needing a plugin host for stage use or a producer wanting to test plugins outside your DAW, Carla’s flexibility and broad format support make it indispensable.
Use Cases
- Live performance plugin hosting
- Testing audio plugins without a full DAW
- Complex multi-plugin signal chains
- Studio patch bay management
- Bridging between different plugin formats
Platforms
Linux, macOS, Windows
Licence
GNU General Public License v2