If you really hate Windows so much, the only real alternative to make music would still be OSX. Other than that you are a true pioneer.

ALSA is the Linux equivalent to ASIO for Windows.

There is some open source audio/midi sequencers out there that you might want to try before making the jump. I think it was Audacity that is a cross platform audio sequencer, no midi. Google some more. There is a decent video editor for Linux called Main Actor, so a decent, maybe even commercial, app might exist.

It seems an attractive idea to leave windows and do the Linux shuffle, but so far Linux only looks like a nice alternative for any old office PC when MS stops supporting XP.

Good luck.

Hi,

Well I was planning to use windows just for Cubase so I'm not really worried too much about that but for everything else I plan to use Ubuntu.

But, I have done some more looking around and anyone thinking of changing to Linux for audio work needs to check out 'Ubuntu Studio'. It comes with all sorts of good programs for audio, graphics and video work. For an alternative to Pro-Tools, Cubase, Logic etc... there is now a program called Ardour. This looks VERY promising :D

I found a few people who managed to get their Firepod to work in Ubuntu with a few tweaks. Mainly activating firewire support for audio programs.

Yeah, I stumbled on Ardour too. Perhaps that is what you should try. I tried the Mac version with mLAN, but couldn't get it work.

I read that RME (soundcards) have good linux support.

There is also [="http://www.rosegardenmusic.com/"]Rosegarden[/]="http://www.rosegard…"]Rosegarden[/]. You might want to check this.

Hardware wise I have been pleased with the RME Multiface II which has Linux support.

You are right that the thing that really determines hardware compatibility is whether an ALSA driver exists for the interface concerned and the]ALSA project home page would be a good place to start: http://www.alsa-project.org/, in particular check out: http://www.alsa-project.org/alsa-doc/ which lists which sound cards are supported.

Ardour was mentioned and this is a DAW for "real" sources - it doesn't integrate MIDI so you can't have some MIDI and some "real" tracks in the same session. Ardour uses jack though which means you could set things up so a MIDI sequencer is synchronised to start with ardour and connect the MIDI synth's outputs to ardour for mixing or bouncing etc.

You may also be interested in a mailing list: http://music.columbia.edu/mailman/listinfo/linux-audio-user/

Maudio has some interfaces that have linux drivers.

Thanks. I ordered a Presonus Firebox. From what I read on the Ubuntu forums it (or the FirePOD at least - same thing more channels) can be made to work with just a few tweaks to the audio setup files. I'll post back here if I get it to go!

Using Linux

Hi, I found the info you've posted wonderful so far!
I just invested in a new Sony Vaio and have decided to wipe the computer and start afresh with Linux.
I have NO experience working with Linux (except for Final Scratch about 5 years ago).
I have NO idea how I will be able to use my plugs (and Cubase)...
I don't even think there are drivers for the hardware I have (as it's so new).... do any Linux users out there have any advice for me?
Can you get Cubase or Logic for Linux now?
Considering I use my laptop SOLELY for Cubase and the Net,
am I unreasonable in wanting to shift to Linux?
My audio card is a M-Audio firewire 1814... never really worked all that great in XP Pro, so I dread to see how it does with Vista...
If I switch to a Linux audio sequencer, does this mean that I can't use my plugins??
sorry if I've overloaded on questions. Look forward to any ideas,
Luce
ps - just for anyone who is in the know about these things, the Vaio is a VGNFX140 E/B (maybe you'll be able to tell me about compatability?!) cheers!