LMMS

LMMS is the open-source project most shaped by FL Studio: piano roll, step sequencer, built-in synths (including ports of classics like ZynAddSubFX), sample playback, and automation. For electronic music sketching and beatmaking without spending anything, it’s a legitimate starting point, and it runs light on hardware.

Be clear-eyed: it’s far behind modern FL Studio. No audio recording to speak of, VST support on Linux is finicky (native LV2/VST via Carla helps), and the mixer workflow feels dated. Development moves slowly with long release gaps. Producers who get serious usually graduate to Ardour, Reaper, or Bitwig (paid, native Linux) — LMMS is the free on-ramp, not the destination.