The rise of Linux desktop is inevitable — it’s time music software developers got on board

[audiojunkie]

No, that's alright; you've expended enough energy already. Thanks.

Screenshot 2026-03-16 at 10-11-08 GPTZero Dashboard.png

Be careful, it's AI

In fact i have used ChatGPT to check my wording. Which i nowadays always do to prevent too offending answers and for grammar and spell check. I had as usual too much F words in my original text. Just ask Audiojunkie, he knows my old discussion style. And he was everything but happy about it. I can continue that way if you want

The facts remains the facts though. Even when some F***ers always prefers to spread fake news and plain lies. Friends, i can just repeat what i say since twenty years. You blind fanatics do more harm to our Linux than i as a honest Linux user could ever do. For me facts matters. And i will never lie to people.

I too have been trying to be more kind in my messages. I did not care for the arguing we had of the past, and I'm liking that we are being more cordial to each other.

[audiojunkie]

Linux has full WineASIO support

Talking about fake news ... that's Jack and ALSA under the hood.

OK. Look over everything I wrote very carefully. Look up each word if you must. There is no fake news. Linux DOES have full WineASIO support, and when installed, it runs Windows apps at low latency. It connects to JACK, which connects to ALSA. There is no fake news going on.

Again, look very carefully before you accuse me of making "fake news". Every word of what I said above is truth.

Better yet, ask your AI the following question:

Does Linux use WineASIO?

See what it says..... Don't take my word for it.........

Edit:

Here, I even saved you the work of asking:

Yes, Linux users running Windows audio software (DAWs) through Wine often use WineASIO to achieve low-latency audio. It works by bridging Windows ASIO audio drivers to the Linux JACK Audio Connection Kit (or PipeWire-JACK), allowing Windows applications like FL Studio or Reaper to interact with Linux audio hardware with minimal latency.

Key Aspects of WineASIO on Linux:

Purpose: It enables near-native, low-latency audio performance for Windows audio software running under WineHQ.

Common Use Case: Used frequently by producers running FL Studio on Linux via Wine to communicate with audio hardware via JACK/PipeWire.

Installation: It is often installed via repositories (e.g., KXStudio) or built from source.

Registration: Once installed, it must be registered with Wine, typically using the regsvr32 wineasio.dll command.

Necessity: It is not required for native Linux applications, only for Windows apps running through Wine that require ASIO support.

While it provides better performance, some users note it can still have higher CPU usage compared to Windows, depending on the setup.

Edit 2:

Here's the link to WineASIO:

https://github.com/wineasio/wineasio

[camsr]

So WineASIO isn't just a compatibility layer, but an actual low-latency service? Or it's just wrapping ASIO around whatever low-latency service the host is providing?

[VitaminD]

Wake me when Linux gets full ASIO or CoreAudio support. I don't want to use Linux alternatives, I require use of all the tools I'm used to using in Windows (or MacOS for that matter, which supports my same audio tools).

The only 'big' gains in Linux adoption are in teen and 20-something gamers and/or lower income groups, where money for luxuries such as digital entertainment and art is less. I've read Linux is big in India, for example.

If Linux ever becomes a large scale platform for music work, it's first going to have to be much more adopted by gamers and general users. Basic end use needs to grow first. Otherwise large audio devs aren't likely to waste precious resources supporting another platform.

People go with what they know. They don't know Linux and I doubt many are going to reinvest in a new work environment (OS, audio software, audio setup) when that new work environment doesn't really offer many (any?) large functional advantages to the old.

* Linux has full WineASIO support. It will never have CoreAudio support however.

* The gamers have indeed done wonders for Linux adoption. We owe Valve a debt of gratitude.

* Those with perfectly good hardware that won't run Windows 11 may find it useful.

Linux isn't for everyone. It's OK. Stick with what you know and use. Those who use Linux know why they use it.

WineASIO is a multi step process to build and install it though? Who, non-geeky, is going to do that?

Gamers have only scratched the surface of Linux support and adoption. It's still rather convoluted for most.

Linux will never become mainstreamed if it doesn't install and run like Windows or MacOS. If you can't run a USB installer to load the OS and have full support for Windows or Mac software, audio drivers, and the rest of the computing experience in simple doubleclick installers it is not going to be widely adopted.

The only people saying that is going to happen are geeks that are comfortable with terminal consoles and hacking configurations. 'Normies' aren't that. So that's what Linux geeks need to understand, if they want more market gains. You have to dumb it down.

What Steam/Valve is doing IS approaching Linux in that manner. Making it more user friendly. Because believe or not but most people loathe the idea of installations and configurations on computers. They just want to use it like its a TV or a Toaster.

I hope you understand that Linux is too involved for the basic end user to install and configure. Then to install new software, if it isn't already in something like a flatpack from the repository. But I think many Linux developers purposely enjoy the technical nature of the OS. The two mindsets are opposed.

[audiojunkie]

So WineASIO isn't just a compatibility layer, but an actual low-latency service? Or it's just wrapping ASIO around whatever low-latency service the host is providing?

You are thinking of WINE itself, which is the compatibility layer. WineASIO is a low latency bridge that connects Windows apps that support ASIO to JACK.

[audiojunkie]

Wake me when Linux gets full ASIO or CoreAudio support. I don't want to use Linux alternatives, I require use of all the tools I'm used to using in Windows (or MacOS for that matter, which supports my same audio tools).

The only 'big' gains in Linux adoption are in teen and 20-something gamers and/or lower income groups, where money for luxuries such as digital entertainment and art is less. I've read Linux is big in India, for example.

If Linux ever becomes a large scale platform for music work, it's first going to have to be much more adopted by gamers and general users. Basic end use needs to grow first. Otherwise large audio devs aren't likely to waste precious resources supporting another platform.

People go with what they know. They don't know Linux and I doubt many are going to reinvest in a new work environment (OS, audio software, audio setup) when that new work environment doesn't really offer many (any?) large functional advantages to the old.

* Linux has full WineASIO support. It will never have CoreAudio support however.

* The gamers have indeed done wonders for Linux adoption. We owe Valve a debt of gratitude.

* Those with perfectly good hardware that won't run Windows 11 may find it useful.

Linux isn't for everyone. It's OK. Stick with what you know and use. Those who use Linux know why they use it.

WineASIO is a multi step process to build and install it though? Who, non-geeky, is going to do that?

Gamers have only scratched the surface of Linux support and adoption. It's still rather convoluted for most.

Linux will never become mainstreamed if it doesn't install and run like Windows or MacOS. If you can't run a USB installer to load the OS and have full support for Windows or Mac software, audio drivers, and the rest of the computing experience in simple doubleclick installers it is not going to be widely adopted.

The only people saying that is going to happen are geeks that are comfortable with terminal consoles and hacking configurations. 'Normies' aren't that. So that's what Linux geeks need to understand, if they want more market gains. You have to dumb it down.

What Steam/Valve is doing IS approaching Linux in that manner. Making it more user friendly. Because believe or not but most people loathe the idea of installations and configurations on computers. They just want to use it like its a TV or a Toaster.

I hope you understand that Linux is too involved for the basic end user to install and configure. Then to install new software, if it isn't already in something like a flatpack from the repository. But I think many Linux developers purposely enjoy the technical nature of the OS. The two mindsets are opposed.

You will find that I only posted the article for people to read. I have said nothing about Linux taking over. If fact, I’ve said many times in the past that Linux isn’t for everyone. But for those of us who want the benefits of Linux, it’s great.

Year after year, Linux gets better, and easier. There are even turnkey audio distros available with everything already configured. You install it and go—no configuration needed. For example:

AV Linux
Ubuntu Studio
LibraZiK

[lunardigs]

So yeah ...
AI bots have been deployed to musicians' forums to disparage Linux.
Amazing
Should we wonder about that or be concerned at all?

[thievedletter]

No, that's alright; you've expended enough energy already. Thanks.

Screenshot 2026-03-16 at 10-11-08 GPTZero Dashboard.png

Wow... What a world. They can keep the future as far as I'm concerned.

On a side note, I guess they didn't program the idea of brevity into the algorithm.

[camsr]

So WineASIO isn't just a compatibility layer, but an actual low-latency service? Or it's just wrapping ASIO around whatever low-latency service the host is providing?

You are thinking of WINE itself, which is the compatibility layer. WineASIO is a low latency bridge that connects Windows apps that support ASIO to JACK.

I'm unclear what actual subsystem is doing the interrupt. I have used FFADO in the past to support a FireWire interface, but I think it has been replaced, possibly by ALSA or PipeWire? I can plug in my old FW interface and it just instantly works (however a few features don't, like a Mono button, might be due to class compliance or something?)

[VitaminD]

Wake me when Linux gets full ASIO or CoreAudio support. I don't want to use Linux alternatives, I require use of all the tools I'm used to using in Windows (or MacOS for that matter, which supports my same audio tools).

The only 'big' gains in Linux adoption are in teen and 20-something gamers and/or lower income groups, where money for luxuries such as digital entertainment and art is less. I've read Linux is big in India, for example.

If Linux ever becomes a large scale platform for music work, it's first going to have to be much more adopted by gamers and general users. Basic end use needs to grow first. Otherwise large audio devs aren't likely to waste precious resources supporting another platform.

People go with what they know. They don't know Linux and I doubt many are going to reinvest in a new work environment (OS, audio software, audio setup) when that new work environment doesn't really offer many (any?) large functional advantages to the old.

* Linux has full WineASIO support. It will never have CoreAudio support however.

* The gamers have indeed done wonders for Linux adoption. We owe Valve a debt of gratitude.

* Those with perfectly good hardware that won't run Windows 11 may find it useful.

Linux isn't for everyone. It's OK. Stick with what you know and use. Those who use Linux know why they use it.

WineASIO is a multi step process to build and install it though? Who, non-geeky, is going to do that?

Gamers have only scratched the surface of Linux support and adoption. It's still rather convoluted for most.

Linux will never become mainstreamed if it doesn't install and run like Windows or MacOS. If you can't run a USB installer to load the OS and have full support for Windows or Mac software, audio drivers, and the rest of the computing experience in simple doubleclick installers it is not going to be widely adopted.

The only people saying that is going to happen are geeks that are comfortable with terminal consoles and hacking configurations. 'Normies' aren't that. So that's what Linux geeks need to understand, if they want more market gains. You have to dumb it down.

What Steam/Valve is doing IS approaching Linux in that manner. Making it more user friendly. Because believe or not but most people loathe the idea of installations and configurations on computers. They just want to use it like its a TV or a Toaster.

I hope you understand that Linux is too involved for the basic end user to install and configure. Then to install new software, if it isn't already in something like a flatpack from the repository. But I think many Linux developers purposely enjoy the technical nature of the OS. The two mindsets are opposed.

You will find that I only posted the article for people to read. I have said nothing about Linux taking over. If fact, I’ve said many times in the past that Linux isn’t for everyone. But for those of us who want the benefits of Linux, it’s great.

Year after year, Linux gets better, and easier. There are even turnkey audio distros available with everything already configured. You install it and go—no configuration needed. For example:

AV Linux
Ubuntu Studio
LibraZiK

Yes but the guy, who claims all dissension is the result of AI Bots, seems to be making that deluded claim. And there is a thought in the air, lingering in this thread, that somehow Linux is improving by leaps and bounds. I'd say the improvements are real but not fast or extensive.

And all three of those distros listed would still require configuration for using your Windows based audio apps on it, through WINE. That is IF those apps even function (I tried Cubase in Debian recently, via WINE, totally broken). And most would want to do that, because the alternatives on Linux are mostly mediocre to terrible still imo.

[audiojunkie]

So WineASIO isn't just a compatibility layer, but an actual low-latency service? Or it's just wrapping ASIO around whatever low-latency service the host is providing?

You are thinking of WINE itself, which is the compatibility layer. WineASIO is a low latency bridge that connects Windows apps that support ASIO to JACK.

I'm unclear what actual subsystem is doing the interrupt. I have used FFADO in the past to support a FireWire interface, but I think it has been replaced, possibly by ALSA or PipeWire? I can plug in my old FW interface and it just instantly works (however a few features don't, like a Mono button, might be due to class compliance or something?)

I have never used FFADO, unfortunately. I understand that it is an ALSA replacement for Firewire hardware, but I know little about it other than that. So, my guess, would be that FFADO would be the server in place of ALSA, with Pipewire on top of that. WINE is the compatibility layer for Windows applications. WineASIO is a bridge between Windows applications with ASIO support, and and Jack. It directly bridges the Windows app with ASIO to Pipewire-Jack at ASIO latencies, which runs on top of FFADO in your case--provided FFADO is replacing ALSA like I'm thinking it is.

[audiojunkie]

Wake me when Linux gets full ASIO or CoreAudio support. I don't want to use Linux alternatives, I require use of all the tools I'm used to using in Windows (or MacOS for that matter, which supports my same audio tools).

The only 'big' gains in Linux adoption are in teen and 20-something gamers and/or lower income groups, where money for luxuries such as digital entertainment and art is less. I've read Linux is big in India, for example.

If Linux ever becomes a large scale platform for music work, it's first going to have to be much more adopted by gamers and general users. Basic end use needs to grow first. Otherwise large audio devs aren't likely to waste precious resources supporting another platform.

People go with what they know. They don't know Linux and I doubt many are going to reinvest in a new work environment (OS, audio software, audio setup) when that new work environment doesn't really offer many (any?) large functional advantages to the old.

* Linux has full WineASIO support. It will never have CoreAudio support however.

* The gamers have indeed done wonders for Linux adoption. We owe Valve a debt of gratitude.

* Those with perfectly good hardware that won't run Windows 11 may find it useful.

Linux isn't for everyone. It's OK. Stick with what you know and use. Those who use Linux know why they use it.

WineASIO is a multi step process to build and install it though? Who, non-geeky, is going to do that?

Gamers have only scratched the surface of Linux support and adoption. It's still rather convoluted for most.

Linux will never become mainstreamed if it doesn't install and run like Windows or MacOS. If you can't run a USB installer to load the OS and have full support for Windows or Mac software, audio drivers, and the rest of the computing experience in simple doubleclick installers it is not going to be widely adopted.

The only people saying that is going to happen are geeks that are comfortable with terminal consoles and hacking configurations. 'Normies' aren't that. So that's what Linux geeks need to understand, if they want more market gains. You have to dumb it down.

What Steam/Valve is doing IS approaching Linux in that manner. Making it more user friendly. Because believe or not but most people loathe the idea of installations and configurations on computers. They just want to use it like its a TV or a Toaster.

I hope you understand that Linux is too involved for the basic end user to install and configure. Then to install new software, if it isn't already in something like a flatpack from the repository. But I think many Linux developers purposely enjoy the technical nature of the OS. The two mindsets are opposed.

You will find that I only posted the article for people to read. I have said nothing about Linux taking over. If fact, I’ve said many times in the past that Linux isn’t for everyone. But for those of us who want the benefits of Linux, it’s great.

Year after year, Linux gets better, and easier. There are even turnkey audio distros available with everything already configured. You install it and go—no configuration needed. For example:

AV Linux
Ubuntu Studio
LibraZiK

Yes but the guy, who claims all dissension is the result of AI Bots, seems to be making that deluded claim. And there is a thought in the air, lingering in this thread, that somehow Linux is improving by leaps and bounds. I'd say the improvements are real but not fast or extensive.

And all three of those distros listed would still require configuration for using your Windows based audio apps on it, through WINE. That is IF those apps even function (I tried Cubase in Debian recently, via WINE, totally broken). And most would want to do that, because the alternatives on Linux are mostly mediocre to terrible still imo.

Yeah, but that's not me! Everyone speaks for themselves. My opinions are my own and only my own.

I do things the hard way, and prefer to know how to configure my own system. It provides me that little bit extra independence. There was a time several years ago that pro audio distros were being abandoned by their developers. It was a bad time for Linux pro audio, and I didn't want to have to be dependent upon those turnkey distros that did everything for me. So I learned the hard way on purpose.

Speaking of turnkey pro audio distros, as I understand it, at least AV Linux has WINE and all of the WINE stuff set up and ready to run. So there shouldn't be too much configuration compared to what I do. Again though, with that said, you are correct that getting Windows apps to run depends heavily upon what was compiled into the plugin. Some work flawlessly, so partially, and some not at all. It's really a crap shoot. That's why I try to work with native linux apps as much as possible. I just bought Zebra 3 today, so I have a new powerful toy to play with.

For you, I'd recommend staying on what you use for now. Someday, when you have a system that no longer works properly with Windows, you can install a turnkey Linux on it and play with it and learn a bit about how it works. It's not as scary as it seems. But you are correct, some people don't want to mess with any of it, and Linux may never be for them.

Oh, by the way, to hear why I feel like things are improving by leaps and bounds, is because how how seriously bad things were for Linux just a few short years ago. I mean it was REALLY bad. Now, things are pretty much on equal ground nowadays. So to me, there really HAVE been huge advances in Linux--not that anyone would notice or care unless they had to try to do pro audio on Linux the old way. That was for the birds!

[VitaminD]

I don't think Linux will ever be for many. It's a pipe dream for anyone to think this OS will be near 1:1 close to supporting most Windows applications. I've seen that excitement off and on for the past 20+ years, this year will be THE year of Linux. Only to see that year come and go.

My old thinkpad with Debian and KDE Plasma on it looks great and is, out of the box, functional for web browsing. But it required some geek tweaking to get youtube to load with the onboard gpu. Stuff like that is what breaks Linux for normies. But I do think many linux folks, who develop the distros, mostly love the fact that is too difficult for most to use. They cannot bring themselves to open the floodgate to normies. It's a form of gatekeeping, even if they claim they are making it more user-friendly on the surface. And that's the real reason for the slowness in user adoption. They don't really want to do to the OS what it would take to make the OS become adopted more broadly.

If my PC becomes too slow, I just get a new PC. Then the old PC becomes the bedroom PC and the Bedroom PC becomes the Living room PC and/or backup parts. Eventually they end up in a bin of outdated parts in the closet. Maybe one day I'll donate them to a museum or someone can toss them in the trash when I'm gone.

[audiojunkie]

I don't think Linux will ever be for many. It's a pipe dream for anyone to think this OS will be near 1:1 close to supporting most Windows applications. I've seen that excitement off and on for the past 20+ years, this year will be THE year of Linux. Only to see that year come and go.

My old thinkpad with Debian and KDE Plasma on it looks great and is, out of the box, functional for web browsing. But it required some geek tweaking to get youtube to load with the onboard gpu. Stuff like that is what breaks Linux for normies. But I do think many linux folks, who develop the distros, mostly love the fact that is too difficult for most to use. They cannot bring themselves to open the floodgate to normies. It's a form of gatekeeping, even if they claim they are making it more user-friendly on the surface. And that's the real reason for the slowness in user adoption. They don't really want to do to the OS what it would take to make the OS become adopted more broadly.

If my PC becomes too slow, I just get a new PC. Then the old PC becomes the bedroom PC and the Bedroom PC becomes the Living room PC and/or backup parts. Eventually they end up in a bin of outdated parts in the closet. Maybe one day I'll donate them to a museum or someone can toss them in the trash when I'm gone.

Who knows? I've seen more Linux Adoption in the last couple of years that I've ever seen previously. I'm not prepared to say that Linux will overtake any other OS. I think all three major OSes cater to their own particular audience. There are benefits and drawbacks to each.

I've got my Commodore Vic-20 and data cassette, game cartridges, books, and magazines from when I was 10 years old. I have a serious intention of donating it to a museum before I die. That's the sole reason I keep it.

[lunardigs]

Linux is the only off-ramp right now.
Otherwise it's the big tech OS duopoly.