[LAU] [LAD] Kontakt sampler format (and others like EXS24)

[Len Ovens]

On Mon, September 3, 2012 9:22 am, Thomas Vecchione wrote:

> This isn't comparing Guitarix or Rakkarak to specific pieces of software,
> this is comparing the choices of software for a usage and variety of tools
> on Linux to those on Windows or Mac.  Guitarix or Rakarrak are just
> examples of what exists on Linux, and while I don't use them, just because
> they can't do everything that hundreds of pieces of software on Mac or
> Windows do, doesn't mean they are incomplete.  This is ESPECIALLY true
> given your own view of the product goals which you stated...
>
> I like to let you know that we never have the goal to make a competition
> to
>> windows or other OS's. We just like to provide a OpenSource Tube
>> Amplifier
>> emulation.
>>
>
> Your software only provides one specific piece to the selection of guitar
> FX software.

This is a perfect example of why Linux is different, at least for audio,
than other OSs. In another OS you would have one huge application for
doing audio. Into this one big application you  might drop plugins like
VST to provide an effect or instrument. The idea of having a jackbay like
jack is foreign to to these companies. That is something they feel should
be part of the OS... as it is not they are doing whatever they have to so
their product will work be cheap to support and make money. Can you
imagine supporting "hey your product doesn't see audio from product xyz,
whats wrong?". By making the whole thing in one application, they only
have to support one thing. So, IMO, Linux offers something Win/OSX can't
or won't ever. Linux allows having many small apps all work together to
fill out a whole studio.  However, this is a big shift in workflow from
other OSs and can make it hard for someone to switch to Linux. (shrugs)
such is life.  If someone wants the flexibility Linux audio offers... they
have to learn the tools. It is the difference between the old porta-studio
(I am dating myself I am sure), with built in mixer and tape for
multi-track recording and having a full studio of equipment. There is a
learning curve.

Audio is unique in this because it is real time stuff... that is the sound
source, effect, mixing, post-mix effect and recording can all be different
apps (in Linux) but all run at the same time. Other OSs don't really have
this (or want the hassle of support). Things like Ardour or Rosegarden,
(not an exhaustive list BTW) are a great starter for a new Linux user just
because they do so much in one program. The learning curve is therefore
limited to get started to just a few things :) (Len chuckles at this
understatement... but it is not any more of a learning curve than
switching from one win/OSx audio app to another) once anyone gets that
far, the learning curve to add just one more program outside the big app
is not that much... and once someone gets that far, I think they will
prefer Linux as a platform... even if they feel they have to use something
else for "real" work, they will be watching Linux to see when it "gets
there".

So those big "entry" apps are probably the most important tool we have as
Linux users/promoters to introduce new users to Linux. At the point there
are enough people using Linux (home or professional use doesn't really
matter) HW/SW companies will start worrying about Linux as a platform they
"have" to (think kicking and screaming) support "too" (they would already
prefer to support OSX or Win but not both).

It does happen. ethernet cards used to only come with windows drivers...
then all of a sudden they started to come with Linux drivers... when is
the last time you found a NIC without Linux support?

-- 
Len Ovens
www.OvenWerks.net