Developers, take note: Why people keep flocking to Linux in 2025 (and it's not just to escape Windows)

[dexrow]

I think there are alot of use cases behind removable operating systems including making sure that people do not update the music software and change the way you sound so I see where linux could be a popular part of a windows or apple-controlled computer.

[Andreya_Autumn]

I don't know... Lemme start by saying that the ideas behind Linux is all stuff I can fully get behind. I think it's a super important and impressive project. Etc etc.

But I also can't really believe that article you linked has much bearing, if any at all, on music production specifically. At least pro music production. I'm doing this (and other music and sound things) for a living since a good while now, and as tends to happen I find myself surrounded by quite a few folks who do the same. There are zero Linux users. Some dabble with it in their free time but our work machines are about evenly split between MacOS and Windows. When it comes time to get work done we just don't have time. "It just works" is really really valuable when your income starts to depend it. And while Linux certainly has gotten more approachable it's still not remotely close to the others. As a Mac user even Windows seems like it has too many hoops to jump through to me (though I do also have my gripes with some of Apple's strategies)!

As an example. I got a commission at one point that required me to purchase, install and use a piece of software that I hadn't used before. Getting up and running took less than 10 minutes. As far as I could tell if my work machine had been linux I woulda just had to turn the job down.

For a non-professional the situation is of course different. I have a few friends on the Surge team who use Linux for Audio extensively and get it to work well. They're all non-pro or maybe semi-pro musicians who are way more interested in computers than your average musician is, but hey the group of people who fit that description probably is growing. So I see some potential there I guess. But I wouldn't bet on a 33/33/33 split in the near future I'm afraid.

[audiojunkie]

It’s ok. Linux is not for everyone. There is indeed a learning curve. But once the software is installed, it runs just like any other software that would run on a Mac or Windows machine. It’s as easy to “use” as any of them. Setting things up and understanding how it all works can be a bit different at first though. Once past that initial learning curve though, it’s smooth sailing.

But to each his/her/their own.

[Tone2 Synthesizers]

I use Zorin Linux on one of my old computers. Zorin has a Windows-like interface and installs the Windows-translation layer Wine per default. Back in the days I experienced some minor GUI glitches with Windows software and performance wasn't good. Since around 2 years the issues are fixed and meanwhile the translation layer works nearly flawless. All Tone2 plugins work with it.
https://zorin.com/os/

[GaryG]

No. There are still some hardcore users that ONLY use FOSS, but there are a lot more that don’t have a problem with buying well supported software tools and plugins.

Although I'm still very much treating my linux install as a playground, seeing how far I can get with native only stuff etc, I am conscious before buying anything whether there's a native linux version available.

I did buy a couple of dirt cheap windows plugs over BF but also aware of not spending big bucks on anything I may later not be able to use easily (yabridge is generally great but i'd still rather not spend time messing with different wine prefixes to get the gui of one devs plugs working etc). So, actually bought from audio thing, with stuff from uhe, audio damage etc on the list, actually decided against a klevgrand purchase as found their plugs can be iffy with yabridge.

So... yeah, get to the point; happy to pay for linux plugs

... At least pro music production. I'm doing this (and other music and sound things) for a living since a good while now ... When it comes time to get work done we just don't have time.

This 100%. I'm hardly even a hobbyist at times but totally respect this. Glokraw has done sterling work getting NI and other tricky window installs working on linux but, IMOSHO, think you'd be a bit mad to base your living on stuff like this. I'm not sure what is seen as professional in terms of libraries etc (Kontakt? Spitfire Audio?) but would hate to have issues with a paying client waiting for results and have no support to call on. I work in ICT and the idea of hacking something that we rely on with no official support is kind of crazy.

[Andreya_Autumn]

Oh yeah lots of pros use Kontakt.

Another increasingly popular choice for orchestral work is SWAM. If you search for a way to make that run on Linux, they provide a PDF written by a user (I think) detailing an intricate 8-step process with all sorts of nonsense in it. Concluding with the 8th step: "you're gonna get crackles sometimes, when that happens go to this menu and toggle this option off and on again". That was written in 2017, and it probably it's gotten easier since. But yeah stuff like this is normal.

And I don't wanna be pessimistic. Again, I think Linux is important and am always happy to see it grow. And things are getting better! But yeah for pro work it's not all that close yet.

Of course, this is not a business you enter to get rich. The hobbyists who do something else for a living oftentimes have more money to spend than the pros do (witness eurorack, also somewhat rare among music pros in my perception). And there are definitely more hobbyists than professionals. So the economic incentive to improve Linux support may in theory be stronger than people think.

[xos]

The MIDI implementation in Linux sucks! Incompatible with sending data between programs. MIDI don't support 2.0 and professional hardware even from the 80's. It supports routing, but not of anything more that like if MIDI was a DOS game. And then I have been using everyday over 10 years. Linux went from like 2.9% of user to now more like 6%. But audio users, cut that in 10. There is big reasons Linux sucks for professional audio. But is you don't like professional and just free there is a lot. But no mainstream Linux supports it without a total nerd rebuild of your Linux distro. So almost a 100% no on this one! Linux totally destroyed MIDI on Linux by routing a incompatible version of MIDI that was fine if it was routing MIDI from DOS games. It's a 90's creation that sucks balls, and will haunt Linux forever until it's replaced, that wont happen any time soon. And Linux with JACK is probably a market with a lot less than 0.1% of the user market.

[audiojunkie]

The MIDI implementation in Linux sucks! Incompatible with sending data between programs. MIDI don't support 2.0 and professional hardware even from the 80's. It supports routing, but not of anything more that like if MIDI was a DOS game. And then I have been using everyday over 10 years. Linux went from like 2.9% of user to now more like 6%. But audio users, cut that in 10. There is big reasons Linux sucks for professional audio. But is you don't like professional and just free there is a lot. But no mainstream Linux supports it without a total nerd rebuild of your Linux distro. So almost a 100% no on this one! Linux totally destroyed MIDI on Linux by routing a incompatible version of MIDI that was fine if it was routing MIDI from DOS games. It's a 90's creation that sucks balls, and will haunt Linux forever until it's replaced, that wont happen any time soon. And Linux with JACK is probably a market with a lot less than 0.1% of the user market.

What are you talking about?! Linux MIDI works great!! I've never had a problem with it. Judging from your comments in your message, I gather that you don't fully know what you are doing, and you are blaming Linux for your problems. This is one of the most frustrating things about new Linux users. There is a learning curve. It is going to take time to learn how things work. Linux has robust MIDI 2.0 support. Windows hasn't even released their up and coming MIDI 2.0 package, so you can't even fairly compare it with anything. What you need, is a turnkey pro audio distro like AVLinux or Ubuntu Studio. If you aren't comfortable with configuring linux yourself (and it certainly sounds like it), you ought to use a pro audio distro before trying to do everything yourself from the beginning. Ease yourself into it.

You say that Linux Pro Audio usage has less adoption ( "...cut that in 10"), but I do a yearly Linux usage survey here, and although it isn't scientific, it demonstrates quite the opposite of what you state. Where is your evidence that Linux for pro audio is "cut in 10"? My guess, is that English isn't your primary language, and I am reading too much into your message. If so, I sincerely apologize. Although English is my primary language, I only know conversation level Korean and Spanish, so I know how bad I must sound to others when speaking in my secondary or tertiary languages--probably as bad as a caveman or Tarzan. Your English is quite good, but there's always possibilities for misunderstanding.

Here's the most recent survey:

viewtopic.php?t=617324&start=105

But no mainstream Linux supports it without a total nerd rebuild of your Linux distro.

There is no need to "rebuild" a distro. Out of the box, most mainstream distros only need a small bit of configuration to be able to achieve low latency audio. That said, the configurations still need to be done to achieve this--because most distros out of box are tuned for performance, rather than low latency. As I mentioned before, look into a distro that comes tuned for pro audio. You don't need to be a rocket scientist, or even a nerd to learn how to do this. Most of the instructions for tuning a distro for low latency are available and you just need to follow the instructions. But a distro that has been already tuned for you means you don't have to mess around with any of this. As mentioned, look into the following:

* AV Linux
* Ubuntu Studio
* LibreZik

I frequent all known Linux Audio forums. I've never seen you post any requests for help. Most of us would be willing to help. But we do need information when you need help. Here's the information that we need when you are requesting help:

* What audio interface are you trying to use?
* What is your computer's hardware? CPU? RAM? HDD type? etc.
* What distro are you using? What version?
* What Desktop environment are you using?
* What DAW are you using? What version?
* What plugin are you trying to use? Is it Native or using WINE? Are you using a plugin bridge?
* What error do you get when trying to run the DAW from the terminal?

We would be happy to help you, but you have to at least put in the effort to ask.

Linux totally destroyed MIDI on Linux by routing a incompatible version of MIDI that was fine if it was routing MIDI from DOS games. It's a 90's creation that sucks balls, and will haunt Linux forever until it's replaced, that wont happen any time soon.

I don't understand what you are saying here. To my knowledge, there is nothing wrong with MIDI. Everything has always worked fine for me. You will need to be more specific. There is nothing that needs to be replace as far as MIDI goes.

Midi 2.0 support in Linux is great! Here is everything that is supported:

Linux has robust, built-in MIDI 2.0 support starting with the Kernel 6.5, offering Universal MIDI Packet (UMP) handling via ALSA for USB MIDI 2.0 devices, including transparent conversion, advanced profiles, and UMP message transport, making it largely compatible with modern MIDI 2.0 hardware and software across various distributions.

Key Linux MIDI 2.0 Features:

* Kernel Integration: Core UMP support landed in Linux kernel 6.5, enabling native handling of MIDI 2.0 messages.
* ALSA/Sequencer: The Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) and its sequencer API are UMP-capable, handling MIDI 1.0 and 2.0 data seamlessly.
* USB & Gadget Drivers: Includes support for USB MIDI 2.0 devices and gadget mode (allowing Linux to act as a MIDI device).
* Backwards Compatibility: Automatically translates MIDI 1.0 data for MIDI 2.0 devices and vice versa, ensuring older apps/devices work.
* User-Space: Commands-line tools and applications can now utilize UMP packets and MIDI 2.0 features, with distributions like Ubuntu offering pre-built kernels.

How it Works:

* Universal MIDI Packet (UMP): This is the new container for all MIDI data (1.0 & 2.0), allowing for 16 Groups of 16 Channels and detailed control.
* MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry): Handled in user-space (via SysEx), this allows devices to discover profiles (like MPE, Organ) and exchange data.

In essence, Linux is well-positioned for MIDI 2.0, providing developers and users deep kernel-level support for this modern standard, bridging the gap between legacy MIDI 1.0 and advanced MIDI 2.0 features.

In short, I suspect that the problem is not with Linux, the problem is with your level of understanding Linux. We are willing to help you. You just have to ask.

[KBSoundSmith]

Currently I'm starting to learn Linux on an old laptop I repaired. Not a knowledgeable user at all at this point. That said, I do like the idea of switching to Linux -- what holds me up from doing so entirely is that I'm pretty invested into audio/graphics apps and plugins which don't support Linux (some do, some key ones don't). So for me, Linux is primarily about general usage, and the windows machine for an art studio (ideally disconnected from the Internet, once I feel more secure using Linux for other things). I just don't see the reason to limit myself to one computer and one operating system. I think most of the problems people worry about with Windows are solved by not being connected to the Internet.

That said, if some of those key apps were to support Linux, then yes I'd switch outright, since windows is a bloated monster consuming system resources.

[quikquak]

An article stating ‘people keep flocking to Linux’ sounds a lot like wishful evangelism to me. In the 25 year I’ve been self employed, I’ve never had any problems with Windows, or any of the Apple OSs.
And seeing as all OSs are free now, no one cares, and just buy a computer from a shop with Windows/macOS installed already.
Hopefully, the latest ‘Steam Machine’ will boost Linux’s profile a bit more.

[audiojunkie]

An article stating ‘people keep flocking to Linux’ sounds a lot like wishful evangelism to me. In the 25 year I’ve been self employed, I’ve never had any problems with Windows, or any of the Apple OSs.
And seeing as all OSs are free now, no one cares, and just buy a computer from a shop with Windows/macOS installed already.
Hopefully, the latest ‘Steam Machine’ will boost Linux’s profile a bit more.

Linux isn't for everyone. If you're happy with Microsoft's direction, and the rise of agentic operating systems, by all means, stick to what you like. However, if you are looking for something a bit different and with unique features of its own, give linux a try. There's a bit of a learning curve, but many people find that it isn't as bad as it's made out to be, and things are getting better very rapidly.

[BertKoor]

Step 1 of the learning curve: which distro shall we try?

And the AudioJunkie dares to ask: why don't we give it a try?

Screenshot_20251210_234817_Opera.jpg

But if you are a Mastodon member, you're in a very different world:

Screenshot_20251210_234538_Mastodon.jpg

[audiojunkie]

Step 1 of the learning curve: which distro shall we try?

And the AudioJunkie dares to ask: why don't we give it a try?

You're funny!! You're not wrong either--there are a lot of linux distros available. However, while there are a lot of projects available, most people use one of the following:

• AV Linux -- a turn key distro already tuned for pro audio
• Ubuntu Studio -- a turn key distro already tuned for pro audio
• LibraZik -- a turn key distro already tuned for pro audio
• Debian (or a Debian derivative) -- Debian is an upstream parent distro and a good choice
• Ubuntu (or an Ubuntu derivative) -- Ubuntu is a well known Debian derivative that is well known and utilized enough to have many derivatives of its own
• Fedora -- Fedora is the upstream distro for CentOS Stream and Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• Arch (or an Arch derivative) -- Arch is the Legoland of distros. You get a stripped basic OS and you add only what you want to it.
• OpenSUSE--OpenSUSE is well known, and has an OpenBuild repository of pro audio apps available

Stick to the mainstream, and you'll be fine.




Most people with any sense will be able to narrow things down a bit from the many available distros. It's not that hard to figure out what is popular and what is silly.

[camsr]

I think the base distro matters a lot to any software developed. You could move your favorite linux only software from one distro to another if they stopped supporting something.

[audiojunkie]

I think the base distro matters a lot to any software developed. You could move your favorite linux only software from one distro to another if they stopped supporting something.

Agreed. Pick a popular one, and you'll probably be fine.