Ableton Live and plugins don’t work on Linux, and I’d rather run it on my own build, so I have to use Windows. That’s also the machine I game on. Everything else is Debian.
You could try Bitwig. I have a friend that prefers it over Ableton even on Windows. And Windows-only VSTs work with Yabridge
Thanks for the Bitwig suggestion, I’ll look into it.
I’ve tried to set up multitrack recording a few times on Linux and regularly run into configuration issues. It is clearly not at parity with Windows. And even when one flavor of software does work, that’s not the same as someone’s chosen software working.
Some people have a workflow where they need to share stems and settings with collaborators or for mixing, which requires a specific program. And there’s still a fair amount of personal investment in learning the power features of a given DAW.
I’m using Linux as a daily driver and would like to see wider adoption. Unfortunately this is an area where I can’t recommend it.