6

I am totally convinced leaving Windows behind definitely for serious audio production! I am looking around which Linux distro & repo's suits best for this task but can't figure it out at all!!!

I run a (bought in 2014)Lenovo Thinkpad Essential e545 Windows 8.1 laptop with:

Amd apu a10-5750m 2.5 Ghz & radeon 8650h graphics 8gb ram 3 x usb 3, 1 x hdmi, gigabit lan, wlan card, bluetooth conexant on-board soundcard.

How can I install and efficient configure Element for mostly audio production and audio editing with lots of plugins, audio samples and an external usb controller keyboard?

Thank you very much!!!!!

Yves Guffens

|improve this question
  • For MAO on linux the essential software you need is qjackctrl who allows you to play with no latency and also to use various audio sources simultaneously. I advise you to read this thread – gabriel chauviere Nov 16 '16 at 15:34
  • I really like Reaper as a DAW, especially for audiowave editing – Dianne Verdonk Jun 12 at 15:38
5

There are several great music apps that work well on Linux:

  • LMMS: Linux's answer to FL studio. Free in the AppCenter. The UI is pretty tiny on my FHD XPS 13, but would be totally fine on lower-DPI screens. A new UI is in the works.
  • Bitwig Studio: Commercial Digital Audio Worstation (DAW) that works on Linux.
  • Ardour: Free DAW that's supposed to be comparable to Pro Tools.
  • Renoise: Old-school tracker meets new-school functionality (plugins, effects, ReWire support, MIDI, etc.). Commercial software, but isn't too expensive. The UI is small on hi-DPI screens, but looks great on other screens.

All of these apps support samples, plugins, and MIDI keyboards.

I personally really like MilkyTracker (free in the AppCenter). It takes a little time to learn, but there are lots of great tutorials available, and it's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. It's great for making chiptune and dance music. No plugins to speak of, but the sampler is super-flexible.

See also Switching from macOS: Creative Work.

|improve this answer
0

I wonder why I can not find either Renoise or Milky Tracker in the Elementary AppCenter. Any ideas?

In my experience recording in both windows and mac It is no secret you need a lot of configuration prior recording anything (either audio or midi) Not to mention having decent hardware and up to date plugins to run them.

Linux however great is no exception. It can be frustrating to configure Jack if you're not into the linux world.

Anyway, the real reason I'm in this forum is because I want to know if there's any 'out-of-the-box' working DAW for music production.

Thanks a lot in advance!

|improve this answer
  • Ardour is excellent, and I'd start there! Bitwig is basically Ableton Live, and pricey but also, an interesting option! – SamMorrowDrums Feb 14 '17 at 12:01
0

Add the KXStudio repository and install Catia for Jack connections. It's 1000x's easier to use than QJackCtrl. Besides, it is pretty much the repository that Ubuntu Studio relies on for its audio software updates. Get familiar with Audacity, Hydrogen drums, or ZynAddSubFX before doing anything complex like with Ardour. Guitarix is also a good choice for guitars and Bristrol for old-school synthesizer emulation. Hydrogen, Bristol, and ZynAddSubFX work with aconnect to get MIDI keyboard working if you don't want the headache of using Jack and just want to play around.

|improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.