Why Linux is Becoming Impossible for Audio Developers to Ignore

[audiojunkie]

What about that other "bete-noir" of Linux, that of WINE not being able to access low level USB operations. The ones required by software editors (pretty much 99% are Windows/Mac only) to edit hardware conencted by USB.

So you need WINE to run the Windows editing app, but WINE cannot access the USB at the level required, so, "snookered"

I use native Linux apps and tools almost exclusively. That said, I do have a small handful of Windows apps that I use with Linux—none of which require USB for any reason. What hardware I have and use has been carefully chosen because it either has access to all of its features in such a way that it does not need any extra software, is class compliant and therefore supported natively by Linux, or is controlled completely by and through MIDI. There is plenty of hardware that meets these requirements.

I am in no way “snookered”.

[audiojunkie]

And to add to the above, no solid "stage-worthy" hosting app Like Gig-Performer, Camelot Pro, Cantabile et al are even in development! So that also takes Linux out of the live gig scenario, well, not without serious "work-arounds" which almost always end up in reliability issues. Which are not really an issue in the home studio

This area is not perfect. There is not currently any specialized “live gig” host to the degree of packages like Gig Performer that directly supports Linux. There are several less capable tools though. That said many are indeed using Linux as their centerpiece in live gig situations without problems, using the software that is available. As for me, I no longer have an interest in live gigging, and much prefer the solitude of my home studio. I am perfectly satisfied with my situation, with the exception of the few pieces of Windows software that I happily replace with native software, one by one as it becomes available.

[audiojunkie]

TBH, to me, the rather MORE important issue is no live plugin hosting app! Carla is sorta kinda, but still a bit flaky "under the lights" - None of the devs (at least for GP, Camelot and Cantabile) have the faintest interest in porting to Linux.

There are also "flaky" work arounds with DAWs live, but it's a "dogs breakfast" really.

Linux just isn’t isn’t for you at this time. Perhaps in a year or two or three…

The project I find most interesting in this area is this:

OMNi DAW (very early alpha)

This is probably the newest project that’s getting attention.

It’s a Rust-based DAW with native Linux support, currently in an early alpha (v0.1). What’s interesting isn’t just the language choice—it’s that the developers are designing it around a modern audio engine with:

* CLAP support
* VST3 hosting
* modular sequencing
* integrated MIDI FX
* an emphasis on performance rather than emulating legacy DAW designs.


The ultra-stable, ultra-low-latency audio engine is what I find interesting. It’s got a long way to go though, and currently doesn’t support outboard gear yet.

[TechHaus]

Those were good examples of workflows that are pretty much a no-go on Linux, though.

If I had my mind set on a hardware synth that needed a special editor (or audio interface that needs specific mixing software), Linux would be a problem, for sure.

It's cool that some of that gigging software is available on iPad, though. Might add an iPad to the production lineup someday. However, I have more pressing needs to spend my money on, at the moment. I do imagine recording with my Neve 88m powered off an iPad, but obviously a Macbook Air battery is bigger!

[Grizzellda]

I avoid any vendor-dependent copy protection (ie challenge response and the like) for two major reasons:

1. Future proofing -- my measurement of good copy protection is any copy protection that allows me to back up my applications and plugins to an archive, along with the authorization, and at some future date, even after the company is no more or support has been dropped, install the software and authorize it on a new machine.

2. I'm against any copy protection that hassles the honest more than the pirates. In my mind, it not only prevents future proofing, but it also is a form of disrespect to the honest customers that buy the developer's software. Why hassle us who paid for the software, more than the pirates that will likely never pay for anything anyway? It's wrong.

Now, to be clear: I am NOT against copy protection. I am perfectly fine with copy protection that respects me as a paying customer. And it has been prove over and over that this type of copy protection can be successfully provided and the business can be successful. U-he uses an acceptable form of copy protection. So does Plogue. Audio Damage doesn't even use copy protection. There are many developers and companies that do respect the honest, so why should I purchase software from the companies that don't?

I maintain a community supported list of such developers. I've had several developers even contact me directly because they would like to be added to the list, and they see it as an advantage.

For the curious, the thread is here:

viewtopic.php?t=612966

I asked Jo at MuTools if he would go with Ilok, and he said "no" basically.

MuLab is so affordable for what you get, just buy it man!!!

[audiojunkie]

TBH, to me, the rather MORE important issue is no live plugin hosting app! Carla is sorta kinda, but still a bit flaky "under the lights" - None of the devs (at least for GP, Camelot and Cantabile) have the faintest interest in porting to Linux.

There are also "flaky" work arounds with DAWs live, but it's a "dogs breakfast" really.

What are the specific features that are most important to you in a tool like Gig Performer, Camelot, or Cantabile? Please list them for me.

How many screens (monitors) would you be using?

[keys_au1]

......... As for me, I no longer have an interest in live gigging, and much prefer the solitude of my home studio. I am perfectly satisfied with my situation, with the exception of the few pieces of Windows software that I happily replace with native software, one by one as it becomes available.

Well to be blunt (no offence meant though) you really should be making no comments here either negative or positive. If you are not gigging then mebbe you should stick to "home studio" issues?

You are a very good contributor and have provided quite a large number of tips and tricks, but on this one, mebbe not. As it would seem,going on your responses to these questions I posed, you simply do not "get it"

[keys_au1]

I asked Jo at MuTools if he would go with Ilok, and he said "no" basically.

MuLab is so affordable for what you get, just buy it man!!!

Mulab needs WINE - no wine on this system

[audiojunkie]

......... As for me, I no longer have an interest in live gigging, and much prefer the solitude of my home studio. I am perfectly satisfied with my situation, with the exception of the few pieces of Windows software that I happily replace with native software, one by one as it becomes available.

Well to be blunt (no offence meant though) you really should be making no comments here either negative or positive. If you are not gigging then mebbe you should stick to "home studio" issues?

You are a very good contributor and have provided quite a large number of tips and tricks, but on this one, mebbe not. As it would seem,going on your responses to these questions I posed, you simply do not "get it"

What is it that you think that I don't get? The fact that I no longer gig means that I used to gig, which means that I have experience gigging. In fact, I have plenty of years of experience gigging. I know what I personally would want in a gigging setup, but that doesn't meant that you want the same things. Obviously reliability, ultra low latency, setup load speed. fast, live patch changing without cutting notes that are currently playing. extensive midi control, set list, multitrack audio, looping capabilities, etc., etc... But what else are you wanting? Do you plan to use only a laptop, or use an additional monitor or two as well? These are the things that I'm curious about. I'm curious, because I am interested in seeing what I can do with Linux's modular audio environment, which lets me tie multiple applications together in such a way that I could practically build a custom modular gigging setup.

I appreciate your kindness and patience. Explain your questions you posed--maybe I didn't understand what you were saying.

EDIT: I just went back and read through everything, and I don't see that you even posed a question. You mentioned that you seek a live gigging tool such as Gig Performer, Camelot, or Cantible, and you don't see anything like that available on Linux. I don't see any questions though.

EDIT2: OK, I found this:

What about that other "bete-noir" of Linux, that of WINE not being able to access low level USB operations. The ones required by software editors (pretty much 99% are Windows/Mac only) to edit hardware conencted by USB.

There wasn't a question mark, but the question started with "What", so it can be assumed to be a question. I felt that I answered that question.