While I am still evaluating a replacement for my existing DAW software (Cubase 1.0) and am no farther than I was (in fact, I am now swinging back over to upgrading Cubase), I have to admit that I didn't include trying out any of the Linux-based tools. I did this purposefully because the last time I tried making music in Linux (outside of a tracker anyway, and even that wasn't very fun) it was pretty much a disaster.

Though some of the gripes I have still exist it seems, one potential avenue I have yet to explore is Ubuntu Studio. I want to be positive but am admittedly skeptical. Part of the problem is lack of interest it seems. Steinberg probably has no plans to port Cubase to Linux, for instance. ALSA, while it is much better than it used to be, may still not be ideally suited for handling low latency audio. The kernel has to be tuned to function in a more realtime manner, most VST instruments do not run in Linux, the list goes on and one.

The problem is that I need fewer distractions, not more. All the DAWs I have used on my Mac under OS X for instance are wonderful. The OS gets out of may way and it's just me and my DAW. In Windows, I'm constantly reminded about needing to clean up my desktop or apply another goddamn Malicious Software Removal Tool update. It breaks my concentration. I fear that in Linux it will be even worse.

To be fair, though, it has been a number of years since I have attempted using the Linux music tools and I should probably give it another go. Who knows, I might like what I see and, if I do, I'll likely be using open source tools to do it, which is pretty neat! Note, though that, if Steinberg or any of the other big players did port their DAW over to Linux, I would seriously consider purchasing it if it worked well. It's not about getting something for free - it's about getting the tool that suits be best. Free would be awesome but debates about commercial versus open source software mean nothing when I have my music hat on. When I'm wanting to make music, it's about the music and that's it. Whatever platform or tools let's me do that the best is the one I will most likely pick.

That could very well be Ubuntu Studio, but I guess I'll have to try it and see. Even if it isn't a good fit for me, it would be nice to see an improvement since the last time I used some of these tools. Even if it doesn't work out for me today, maybe they will be a good option tomorrow...

Tags: linux, Ubuntu, DAW, MIDI