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+++ title = "Starting JACK" description = "What is JACK audio server and how to start it" chapter = false weight = 1 #pre = "1. " +++
Originally, JACK audio server was designed to provide a low-latency audio workflow on Linux with complex routing and transport between audio and MIDI applications as well as physical audio interface ports. JACK is available on both Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Today, the use of JACK audio server is discouraged by Ardour developers except for particular use cases like sophisticated signal routing. For simple multichannel recording your user experience will be vastly better when relying on native audio engine available in your operating system, like ALSA on Linux and Core Audio on macOS. If you do not need a sophisticated solution, feel free to skip this part of the tutorial.
If you do need using JACK with Ardour, you have two options: starting it separately using either Qjackctl or Cadence, or launching it from within Ardour. All user interfaces for JACK operate on the same terminology, you can refer to the JACK configuration page for details.
Using Cadence (Linux)
Launch Cadence. If JACK is already running, you will see a window like this:
More info on Cadence: Cadence introduction
Using Qjackctl (Linux, Windows, macOS)
If using Qjackctl instead, this is how it should look like:
If not yet running, use the Setup button to configure JACK, and hit Start to start JACK.
Continuing
Next: STARTING ARDOUR