i've been around for a few years, but don't often post. i had to say
something because there wasn't much mention of linux. since this is a "Vs"
thread, i was compelled to post something :)
i thought i'd share abit of information, since it has grown to become my
favorite platform.
linux is good. it runs on powerpc(mac hardware) and pc hardware. i can't
really recommend linux for audio to non programmers (unless ofcourse you
wish to become one). i guess im really writing to people who have an
interest in audio development and experimentation under linux, and are
looking for a place to start.
i recommend to start with a standard distribution (slackware/debian) and do
some customization.
http://www.slackware.org/
http://www.debian.org/
i personally like to have multiple kernels bootable--for audio work try
linux 2.4.25 kernel with the low latency patch (i dont beleive the latency
patch is available for 2.4.26 at the moment).
http://kernel.org/
http://www.djcj.org/LAU/guide/Low_latency-Mini-HOWTO.php3
http://www.gardena.net/benno/linux/audio/
as far as a sound system, get alsa. this is the standard for linux audio
these days, but there are still some kernels floating around that support
the older oss. alsa has oss compatibility so don't worry about old programs
written for oss not working.
http://www.alsa-project.org/
apparently "jack" is neat as well, which provides a framework for
interconnection all audio applications that implement it--but i can't say
much since i have yet to play with it. jack is an audio server, which runs
on top of alsa. you program using the jack api rather then the alsa api,
and gain the benefits of jack.
http://jackit.sourceforge.net/
http://www.djcj.org/LAU/jack/
for a desktop windowing system, i prefer kde with the sound server turned
off and the gtk libraries install to support gtk applications.
http://www.kde.org
http://www.gtk.org
qt, kde's native windows library is free to use and develop for under
linux, but not free for commercial applications; therefor i can not
recommend kde for any development, as i beleive if you work hard on
something, you should be entitled to compensation for your work if you
desire it. qt is cross platform, but it is only free to use under linux and
bsd.
gtk, the gnome desktop native libraries are not as elegant as qt, and are
abit rough imho. it is under the gpl license, which is a definite benefit
however; some people swear by gtk.
for any interface development you undertake under linux, i recommend
wxwindows/wxwidget.
http://www.wxwindows.org/
this framework is also designed to be cross platform, which means if you
plan your application right, and abstract the audio functions, you can
simply write your program, and implement a custom audio layer for linux,
mac, and windows, to have your application run on all operating systems.
wxwindows also is fast, unlike java, so you can do serious cross platform
audio work with it. its also under the gpl license.
as far as audio software goes, your first stop is:
http://www.linux-sound.org/
you'll find alot that you'll need as far as software here. i recommend xmms
as an audio player (its like winamp).
most of the programs here distributed as source code. i recommend audicity,
which is linux audio standard issue for editing. grab a copy of csound as
well for synthesis. this'll get you going for playing around with sound.
you just need to find a program to assemble and/or sequence your audio
things. i'm currently assembling in a tracker, then exporting each channel
for external audio processing and mixing.
i bet someone can recommend some more interesting programs :)
but there you have it.
learn the alsa api, the c standard library, abit of c++, and the wxwindows
api, and you have a powerful platform for experimenting with and developing
sound applications.
oh wait, if your doing on this fun stuff with linux, you might as well
setup your computer to broadcast internet radio streams eh? :)
check out icecast!
http://icecast.linuxpower.org <http://www.icecast.org/>
http://quasi.ksl.com/icecast/book1.html
Well if you check this out, you should be setup for some powerful audio
work under linux for a total cost of hardware and simply your time to learn
all this software.
And Linux does support decent hardware, the only things you need to watch
is your videocard (I recommend nvidia cards, as they provide linux
drivers). Alsa has support for alot of soundcards, including usb soundcards
and midi controllers!
i have been working over the past few weeks putting together some software
utilizing a evolution/m-audio x-session (usb midi controller with 16 knobs,
a cross fader, and 10 buttons.). m-audio/evolution usb controllers work
under linux no problem. I don't know about the usb soundcards tho, check
the alsa page for more information on what cards are supported.
just thought id share some information, because i don't think i could go
back to windows based pc, or even mac o/s 10.
im trying to get a linux laptop based setup for live use in 2005.
nathand
Linux is a good operating system.
Developers are working on a distribution devoted to audio applications and
multimedia development.
The project is called AGNULA, acronym for «A GNU/Linux Audio
distribution».
Completely based on Free Software.
Website: http://www.agnula.org/
Bye,
Dario.
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