Beyond DAW: Why Choose Linux for Audio Production?

Recently, I have spent a lot of time exploring music production software on Linux, especially those native Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). However, just introducing these software feels a bit dry, so today I want to discuss something more interesting: Why I Make Music on Linux? We will touch on DAWs briefly, but the focus is not on them; instead, let’s talk about workflows, the unique advantages of Linux, and what new ideas it can bring you.

Audio Software on Linux: More Than Just DAWs

First of all, there are indeed a plethora of audio software on Linux, but not every one of them qualifies as a DAW. For example:

• • Audacity: A very user-friendly open-source audio editor with powerful features, but it does not support real-time effects, MIDI synthesis, or sampled instruments, making it more suitable for audio editing rather than complete music production.
• • LMMS: Often mentioned, but it has never officially supported recording, and the compatibility of Linux plugins is also lacking, feeling like a DAW that hasn’t fully developed its features.
• • SunVox: This cool software runs smoothly on various devices and can create great sounds using a modular and tracker-style sequencer. However, it is not a traditional DAW and does not support plugins.

Mainstream Native DAWs on Linux

But don’t worry, there are still several mature and powerful DAWs available on Linux:

1. 1. Ardour: One of the oldest and most popular open-source DAWs, with a solid foundation for music production and audio processing. Its “brother” Harrison Mixbus is even more impressive, with outstanding sound quality and analog-style channel strips.
2. 2. Reaper: My favorite! It has a feature-rich demo version, is affordable, and highly customizable. The interface sometimes reminds me of the old Sony Acid (am I revealing my age?).
3. 3. Waveform Free: Free and user-friendly, it comes with unique sampling features, an interesting workflow, and a decent set of instruments and effects, making it easy for beginners to get started.
4. 4. Bitwig Studio: If you’re used to Ableton Live, Bitwig might be the best choice on Linux. It excels in MIDI MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) and has powerful modulation and fine-tuning capabilities.

There are also some new tools like Zrythm (still in beta), but ultimately, choosing a DAW is just like on Windows or macOS—pick the one that suits you best!

The True Charm of Linux Audio: Mindset and Flexibility

This is the key point I want to make! I initially installed Linux on an old laptop to extend its lifespan, and I discovered that the audio software ecosystem on Linux is incredibly rich. I spent a year learning low-level tools like Pure Data, Csound, and SuperCollider to create sound.

This process sparked my interest in the fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and audio production. More importantly, I began to embrace the philosophy of Linux: using a collection of small, precise tools to solve big problems.

This completely changed my perspective on music creation. I no longer focused on a few “universal” plugins; instead, I broke each problem down into smaller parts and sought the most suitable tools to address them. This spirit of exploration led me to discover many new sounds!

Is Linux Audio Right for You?

Would I recommend everyone to make music on Linux?Definitely not! Because it requires you to:

• • Be willing to explore: It is not as “plug-and-play” as commercial software.
• • Embrace new thinking: Accept the ideas of open-source and modularity.
• • Not be swayed by advertisements: Don’t keep your eyes glued to the “latest and greatest” promoted by influencers.

If you can’t live without showcasing flashy new plugins, then hold off on the experimentation. But if you feel uninspired in your creation and want to find a freer new way, Linux can definitely surprise you!

The “Swiss Army Knife” of Linux Audio: Jack

When it comes to Linux audio, Jack must be mentioned. A few years ago, when I first encountered it, it became my “magic tool.”

Previously, using FL Studio for recording was impossible; I had to run Acid, use FL Studio as a plugin, and then bounce it back, which was too cumbersome! I never understood why connecting programs was so difficult.

Jack perfectly solved this problem, and its advantages include:

1. 1. Ultra-low latency: Signal processing is incredibly fast, making it especially suitable for live performances and real-time recording. Many hardware devices actually use Linux and Jack under the hood.
2. 2. Highly flexible routing: You can connect programs and hardware freely, even transmitting audio between multiple DAWs, a level of freedom rarely found in other systems.
3. 3. Open-source and free: Use and modify it freely without worrying about costs or vendor restrictions.
4. 4. Network audio: Can transmit audio over a local network and synchronize device clocks, making remote collaboration or multi-room recording super convenient.
5. 5. Sync playback: All programs can start and stop together, and their positions are synchronized. When mixing audio for video, I can edit in Blender while running several audio software, and everything works perfectly together.
6. 6. Session management: Using tools like Carla, you can save complex connection configurations and load them with a single click for different projects, which is incredibly convenient.

Next-Generation Audio Engine: PipeWire

Previously, Jack and desktop audio (PulseAudio) had some compatibility issues, making it frustrating for beginners. Although there were solutions, they were quite complex.

Enter PipeWire, aiming to unify audio processing on Linux! Its advantages include:

1. 1. Seamless integration: It can handle both professional audio and everyday audio (like browsers and players) without manual switching.
2. 2. Easy to use: Many Linux systems now come with PipeWire pre-installed, making it easy for beginners.
3. 3. Strong compatibility: Supports older programs that use Jack and PulseAudio, ensuring a smooth transition.
4. 4. Flexible adjustments: Different programs can use different sample rates and can be dynamically processed.

PipeWire vs Jack: PipeWire simplifies the entry process, but in ultra-low latency professional scenarios, Jack still excels. So sometimes I use PipeWire as the “frontend” and let Jack handle the professional tasks, which is both convenient and efficient.

Conclusion: The True Value of Linux Audio

So, the DAWs on Linux are similar to those on other platforms, but their strengths lie in:

• • Exceptional routing freedom: Connect across applications, devices, and even networks freely.
• • System-level synchronization: Jack Transport and session management simplify complex processes.
• • Open ecosystem: A plethora of open-source tools for you to explore without restrictions.
• • New mindset: Break down big problems into smaller parts to spark creativity.
• • Now super easy to start: PipeWire allows beginners to get up and running quickly.

No matter whether you end up trying Linux audio, I hope my sharing can inspire you to look at your tools and creative processes from a different perspective.

If you have an old computer lying around and enjoy trying new things, go ahead and install a Linux system to play with! You won’t lose anything except some time spent exploring.

Thank you for reading! Keep creating and keep learning!

Please open in the WeChat client