linux based audio - raapie? anyone else got info?

Alex Reynolds · Post by **Alex Reynolds** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:59 pm

"Linux on Mac: a POWER programmer's primer"

-- http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/l ... -pmac.html

noisetonepause · Post by **noisetonepause** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:36 pm

Thanks Alex.

I've given up on Debian but am still not running Linux

D/Ling Yellow Dog...

-Paws

raapie · Post by **raapie** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:51 pm

I tried to run Knoppix 3.3 Everything is working except for my RME. same situation on dekstop as well as my Sony Vaio Z1. I gave up.

noisetonepause · Post by **noisetonepause** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:21 pm

Is the problem with Linux or the problem with the users?

-Paws

raapie · Post by **raapie** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:32 pm

some people on the Knoppix board were really helpful.. but nothing helped: no sound.

noisetonepause · Post by **noisetonepause** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 9:48 pm

I've done pretty much everything that all Mac Debian users told me to... but no graphics (not the only one with this problem tho)... so it seems the problem is only with some Linux users

Let's get back to the music, shall we?

-Paws

Martyn · Post by **Martyn** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 10:17 pm

I might give the "Red Hat" based music distro a spin at some point. It sounds like it might be easier to get off the ground. Knoppix is not really built for music. And with Debian, you to need to be a special kind of nerd. I think it will be a while before it get's user friendly enough for the likes of me though. Trouble is, if people don't start to support the idea, it might not happen at all. I'm not writing it off just yet, I just love the thought of getting my hands on software that the "whole world an his sister" isn't using.

raapie · Post by **raapie** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 10:51 pm

for RME you need to changes some files.. so I guess using Knoppix is not possible to use from CD-rom boot. I think I need to install a full version when I have the time.

found a great article about RME and Linux:
http://www.linuxjournal.com//article.php?sid=7024

Alex Reynolds · Post by **Alex Reynolds** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:03 pm

Martyn wrote:And with Debian, you to need to be a special kind of nerd.

Insert joke here.

Martyn · Post by **Martyn** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:22 am

He He, no offence to anyone that does understand Debian, I have so little time as it is, I'm not sure I have enough life left for me to learn all that stuff.

al3x · Post by **al3x** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:11 am

There seems to be periodic swells of interest in Linux on this and many other music software forums. I understand why: after dealing with the unreliability of Windows and expensive proprietary software, the Linux promise of "free and stable" sounds pretty darn good.

But it's just not there yet.

I've used Linux and other Unix-like operating systems a lot. I mean a *lot*. Most likely more than you, or even your really geeky programmer friend. I mean a ton. I've done more Linux installs than I'd care to admit on more disparate and bizarre hardware than you'd believe.

And I really want to say that it's a great platform for everything, including music making, but I can't in good conscience. Linux is still playing catch-up to Windows and Mac OS for simple desktop functions and manageable, sane installation and system maintenance. Yes, I know it's gotten easier, but Linux is not a polished desktop operating system. It's barely a functional desktop operating system.

When it comes down to it, you need desktop functionality for most musicians to be able to work. Combine that with a dirth of truly evolved music applications and it becomes quite puzzling as to why you'd waste your time trying to make music on Linux, unless you're a die-hard Open Source/Free Software advocate (which is a fine and noble goal).

Linux is great, however, for experimental audio stuff. If you want to write your own music software or want to explore a Max-like package such as Puredata or J-Max then Linux is ideal. But expect to have to learn a lot about your computer, about operating systems, and surf through endless tutorials, help forums, IRC channels, and other resources for muddling through the complexities of Linux.

Linux can do lots of things, but at its core its still a server-oriented operating system. It's best as a server, and to get it to do anything else takes a lot of work. Make sure it's worth your time before you go down the Linux road.

And, as it's been said, Mac OS X is built on very similar Unix technology. OS X can do everything Linux can do while being a real stable desktop operating system that doesn't take any work to install and use. It's pretty nuts *not* to use Mac OS X if you want to make music on a Unix platform - that the hardware isn't dirt cheap would be the only setback I can see. You get what you pay for, however: you can either spend a couple hundred extra to get a Mac, or spend that amount in time trying to figure out Linux.

I can tell you from experience that it's easier and ultimately more productive to get a Mac and use OS X. But some folks have to find out for themselves

raapie · Post by **raapie** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:33 am

I thinm I will agree. for me WindowsXP works perfectly for music, but OSX is fine too.

sixela · Post by **sixela** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 9:37 am

al3x wrote: I can tell you from experience that it's easier and ultimately more productive to get a Mac and use OS X. But some folks have to find out for themselves

what's this? could it be The final clincher for the mac vs PC debate?

personally i think it'll never be over until the billgatesoid and stevejoboid just battled it out in the ring with light sabres. Last geek standing.

noisetonepause · Post by **noisetonepause** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:35 am

LOL @ Sixela -- 'last geek standing'...

Anyways, interesting read, al3x. If I were to ask you, does Linux/the Open Source movement/free software have a future as a genuine alternative to Windows and MacOSX? Windows naturally isn't dying out any time soon, but given enough stupid false moves over the next ten years, and it isn't unfeasable that Apple won't be around any more in its present shape & form - touch wood!

Waddaya reckon? Is it worth my time getting into it now?

-Paws

Martyn · Post by **Martyn** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:28 pm

I dont think anyone wants to "replace" their chosen OS, or at least I don't. It's just healthy to be able to explore new turf occasionally. The music world gets very set in its ways, and recently I've found that the most innovative and exciting software is coming from most unexpected and sometimes free sources. I used Cubase on the Atari around ten years ago, and still we have essentially the same format in almost every app on the market. Sure, it's more refined now and can do almost anything you want it to but sometimes it seems like everybody has been taught to think that it's the ONLY way. You go out and get your "music kit" your logic or cubase or whatever else the magazines tell you you have to use. I think that the next truly different wave of music that grabs the whole world by the balls, will be from as unexpected a place as acid house did when it first appeared "wow you can do that with one of those little cheap TB303 things?!" Meanwhile the mass populace says "Damn! Why didn't I think of that?" And then sees everything they've been using as uncool, and jumps on the bandwagon. Two minutes too late!
I like to look for new stuff occasionally. You never know what you might stumble over.

linux based audio - raapie? anyone else got info?

my RME

well

just found out

Not the Linux question again...

thanks al3x

Re: Not the Linux question again...