Elk is a Linux-based Audio OS developed from the ground up specifically for real-time audio, making it the most performant audio system around, capable of performances of just 1 ms internal roundtrip. This speed alone opens up a number of new possibilities for anyone serious about audio.
With Elk Audio OS, you and your product are no longer locked to one single type of CPU or dedicated chip. Instead, you can select between a wide range of ARM & Intel CPUs getting the best tradeoff in terms of latency, performance, or scalability.
Developing for hardware has never been simpler. Unlike with dedicated DSP systems, with Elk, you can simply recompile existing titles and get them running within a day. Elk also comes with full support for VST's, including those written in JUCE, making it easier than ever to get started creating new hardware instruments and audio applications.
The power of Elk not only makes your life easier, but also opens up the door for a new generation of connected instruments and audio applications. With Elk, your products get instant connectivity giving you the option to explore new ventures like audio over LAN or audio over the internet with Elk LIVE.
Ready for lightning speed and ease of use? Elk Audio OS is available under a dual license, covering all your testing, prototyping and evaluation. Get started right away.
The power of Elk not only makes your life easier, but also opens up the door for a new generation of connected instruments and audio applications. With Elk, your products get instant connectivity giving you the option to explore new ventures like audio over LAN or audio over the internet with Elk LIVE.
NINA is an Elk Powered 12 Voice Analog Polysynth with Motorised Controls by Melbourne Instruments.
"With Elk Audio OS we were able to jump straight into developing our synthesizer on a stable, fast operating system."
- Ian Overliese, CEO Melbourne Instruments
Elk Bridge is what gives the revolutionary new service Elk LIVE much of its strength, both in terms of performance and usability. Elk Bridge is a 2-channel audio/network interface that makes it possible for musicians to connect over the internet and play music together like they're in the same room.
“This tech should not exist – don’t know what voodoo magic they do over at Elk – we are jamming together tonight even more than 450 miles apart. Just incredible!”
- Eric Ventimiglia, Guitarist and Singer for 5606
The Atlante pedal is a sustainer / freeze pedal conceived, developed, and built by Stefano D’Angelo using the Elk Pi Hat. The project was documented in detail in a build thread on our forum.
An Elk Powered custom build for British band MUSE. The standard Manson electric has been favoured by MUSE guitarist and frontman Matt Bellamy for years. This special upgrade runs VST instruments inside the actual guitar, providing a new level of freedom while performing. For the Simulation Theory World Tour Matt Bellamy uses the guitar to run the Arturia Prophet V synth.
"The guitar is rock solid! Matt and I couldn’t be happier. It does everything I hoped it would and it’s on stage every night”
- Chris Whitemyer, MUSE guitar tech
A proof of concept developed under the official partnership with Steinberg. It runs the full Retrologue 2 VST desktop version, successfully emulating the warmth of classic analog synthesizers.
“We immediately saw the potential of Elk Audio OS, and that’s why we added it to the official VST SDK. The development of the ‘Powered by Elk’ Retrologue 2 hardware prototype has further strengthened our belief that, with the help of Elk Audio OS, VST can become a standard for not only software, as it is today, but also for hardware.”
- Florian Haack, Senior Marketing Manager at Steinberg
