Linux production options? VST / Host program preferred w/ sequencer?

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-- Linux production options? VST / Host program preferred w/ sequencer?

Posted by TonyZ on Feb-06-2007 02:56:

Linux production options? VST / Host program preferred w/ sequencer?

Hello all;

I had to switch to Linux re: pirated software on Windows

I've found decent alternatives for most programs that I had on Windows, like Photoshop and such.

Now, I'm looking for sound design and production. For the past 4 years I've been almost exclusively using Reason but I can't anymore due to operating system constraints/it was also illegally obtained

I'd like to see what you guys are using, as I think I am prepared to start up a VST/Host studio.

Any ideas?

Kyle z

Posted by jacheatamobits on Feb-06-2007 06:29:

i tried the Jack plugin, with ardour under X11 with OSX, and didnt get very far at all

be aware, though, that there is specific Linux distro's for music production!

im thinking of deleting my windows partition, and using ubuntu to get used to it.

i know how it is to learn a new interface for sequencing...

i am srsly thinking of pro-tools, and legally at that. problem is, i dont want to pay for upgrades!

but heres my suggestion: try before you buy, but buy.

open source only goes so far, IMO

Posted by wrzonance on Feb-06-2007 06:52:

quote:
Originally posted by jacheatamobits
open source only goes so far, IMO

Yea, open source is kinda like Star Trek. We dream of these utopian societies where everyone is driven to create and make for their own sakes. But it just doesn't happen.

Open source can totally kick ass, because there can be some creative people behind a free project. But sometimes it may be two or three guys, and more often, just one dude compiling some code.

When it's commercial you have a whole TEAM of programmers and developers. And you have MONEY behind them to motivate them to keep adding features and fixing bugs.

The problem is... you have to pay them. Shame huh?

Anyway, I've probably blabbed enough about this, but I have legally obtained both Pro Tools and Cubase 4, and have extensive knowledge with all other kinds of DAWs (including Reason ).

And I have to say, Pro Tools is spot on for recording, editing and MIXING music, but it is lacking in workflow "friendliness" when it comes to MIDI. Cubase is fantastic for MIDI based production.

To each his own really. But the combo I'm enjoying right now, legally, is Reason rewired into Cubase to write the music, and Pro Tools to mix my music.

It's good times.

---Adam

Posted by TheChuckster on Feb-07-2007 02:25:

LMMS is beginning to shape up as a Fruity Loops clone. It's still unstable though and doesn't have many features (no effects, etc.).

Posted by TonyZ on Feb-07-2007 02:47:

So far I've had very little luck with Linux software - I don't think the community is ready for "on the side" programs like music creation.

The problem I think starts with the sound drivers; namely, you can get a 386 to run Linux with "OSS" sound system, and you can get a sound card on your on-board working with "ALSA", but once you get any more advanced like COAX or Digital output then there's just no support.

Windows and Mac are obviously the way to go for sound, so I guess I'll be buying XP and getting the sound stuff back up and running.

Until then, I'm going to fool around with this brick of a computer that I've got running and download some softsynths or something :P

Kyle Z

Posted by Diginerd on Feb-07-2007 03:07:

Ardour is a really good DAW, though some hurdles if you want VST support, Rosegarden is a reasonable cubase clone. That's cubase from a while ago, not SX4!

Posted by TheChuckster on Feb-07-2007 03:12:

Right. Linux is very lacking in certain areas. You can't blame the developers either because they aren't getting paid. I've done some open source development myself, and I've gotten floods of e-mails from people asking for feature X. I just don't have time.

But back on subject, without corporate support, the audio drivers will continue to be lacking. Often, a coder is satisfied if they hear sound coming out from the speakers. They just aren't motivated to add support for every little thing such as the rarely used the front panel MIDI auxiliary input adapter. Plus, while coding can be fun, who likes to debug? There's plenty of unstable Linux software that people use, simply because that's all there is.

Without the companies backing open source development, that means someone has to write a driver in their bedroom on their own time without any documentation or support. That means adding simple features means lots of extra reverse engineering.

Posted by HaZZa on Feb-07-2007 20:45:

keep this in your mind for a while... you'd be stunned

http://ubuntustudio.org/

Posted by wayfinder on Feb-10-2007 07:46:

http://aldrin.sf.net <- there you go.

Posted by thecYrus on Feb-10-2007 07:58:

energy xt is the future: http://www.energy-xt.com/

Posted by HaZZa on Feb-15-2007 18:07:

well.. there are plenty of music production app's for Linux.. You will have to find those app's and figure out how to install them. the big issue for me is the switch. As a lover for Cubase , I have to find alternatives. Rosegarden should be interesting too!

I think the power from Linux will be the use of multiple music app's, controlled by JACK. right now i am running Ubuntu for a wile now. And trying to get to know Ardour2 as an cubase alternative.

- If you like reading, you should give a Linux distribution a try.
- If you just want to press the .exe program, and play the game, I'll think Linux has to wait

comments are welcome

Links:
http://ardour.org/
http://www.rosegardenmusic.com/