Ardour, the widely acclaimed open-source digital audio workstation, has released version 8.8 for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Although version 8.7 was introduced just a couple of weeks ago, users reported major issues affecting the software’s stability and functionality.
Recognizing the urgency, the Ardour development team worked to address these concerns. Version 8.8 effectively fixes these critical problems, ensuring users can continue their projects without disruption.
Ardour 8.8 Highlights
Despite being primarily a hot-fix, Ardour 8.8 introduces several new features that enhance the software’s workflow and usability. One such is mouse-based dragging, so users can now intuitively rearrange selected tracks and buses by simply dragging them up or down.
While VCAs cannot be reordered in this manner, this feature offers some users an alternative that may feel more natural.
Moreover, to reduce complexity and potential confusion, Ardour has consolidated the number of rulers displayed in the timeline. The markers are now categorized into three primary types, thus allowing users to focus on essential markers without the distraction of unnecessary ruler types:
- Locations: Representing single points in time.
- Ranges: Denoting a start and end point.
- Arrangement (Sections): Defining specific sections of the project.
Previously developed features, such as recording MIDI program and bank changes for timeline replay, are now more accessible. Users can record these messages during a session by connecting an external MIDI device to the Scene In port.
The recorded MIDI scenes are displayed in the Location ruler, providing a visual reference for scene changes. While the GUI does not yet offer the ability to create or edit these MIDI scenes directly, this functionality is particularly useful for those utilizing external hardware to trigger global scene changes.
Continuing with the novelties, Ardour 8.8 introduces parallelized disk input/output operations, laying the groundwork for upcoming features in version 9.0.
This enhancement leverages multiple CPU cores to read and write audio and MIDI data, maximizing bandwidth from modern high-speed storage devices like NVMe solid-state drives. Importantly, this improvement does not interfere with DSP processing, as DSP threads operate with higher priority in a different scheduling class.
On the bug fixes side, Ardour 8.8 includes a variety of improvements that enhance stability and performance.
One significant enhancement is the option to name new MIDI tracks from Standard MIDI Files using just the SMF track name, simplifying the organization of MIDI tracks. The update also addresses compatibility issues with certain LV2 plugins, such as ZynSubAddFX, ensuring proper GUI functionality.
In addition, timing accuracy has been improved with a fix for MIDI Clock output, correcting the method used to retrieve tempo at specific positions. Recording overdubs in non-layered mode has been rectified to prevent regions from being assigned to incorrect groups, enhancing the reliability of recording sessions.
Stability has been enhanced by fixing crashes related to the instrument selector and file browser when the auditioner is missing. Automation and editing workflows have been improved by resolving issues with automation value edits and automatically enabling region-gain envelopes.
Significant fixes have also been made to MIDI handling, including corrections for dragging MIDI events and ensuring proper note-off message functionality. Problems with MIDI controller values have also been addressed, providing a smoother experience for users of MIDI hardware and software instruments.
Lastly, Ardour 8.8 brings several other refinements to improve the user experience. Arrangement drag-and-drop actions now default to moving sections instead of copying them, making rearrangements more intuitive. Introducing a new “Captain Light” theme offers users a fresh visual option for the interface.
It is worth noting also that the software now supports querying disk space on drives larger than 16TB, accommodating the needs of users with extensive storage capacities.
Ardour 8.8 Digital Audio Workstation should be available as a Flatpak package on Flathub in the coming days. The announcement provides detailed information about all changes.
Image credits: Ardour
