[LAU] Linux Audio podcast, episode001

[Dave Phillips]

On 07/02/2013 02:55 PM, Louigi Verona wrote:
> ... I believe a different approach would be great - basically, a 
> modular all-in-one system, meaning modules that are designed to speak 
> to each other.
>
> How realistic is that to make? Don't know.

Well, PyDAW seems to fit the bill. Of course, everyone hates the 
developer so there's no enlightened discussion possible here. (It would 
not be amiss to suggest that he made himself less than likeable). AFAIK 
I'm the only one on this list who looked beyond the personality to 
actually use the man's software. And it is exactly what you describe, a 
closed-modular system of audio/MIDI recording and editing tools, with 
effects and instruments prepackaged and immediately available for use. 
(His synths are really nice, btw). Jeff has continued to develop the 
program and I look forward to testing his latest additions.

Yes, he despises JACK and I'm pretty sure he doesn't feel all that 
kindly towards ALSA. So what ? Are these things sacred cows, never to be 
disturbed from their current positions ? And if he's offensive, maybe he 
takes it far more seriously than we think, and maybe just maybe he has 
thought through to a very different Tao of Linux audio. In another 
example, the OSS/Linux guys think differently about it, and they have a 
viable product.

When I asked "What sucks about Linux audio ?" I got a lot of replies 
that support the contention that all is NOT well in the Linux audio 
world. At the same time it occurred to me that that's just how it is 
here, and if you (the impersonal "you", not you specifically, Louigi) 
want to influence the way things go - in the same way that a specific 
group of people determined the current path beginning in the late 1990s 
- then you'd best get up and start moving, because there's talking and 
walking. Talk's cheap. And the required walking skills are not 
inconsiderable.

Developers of Win/Mac music software listen to users because they pay 
them for a product. Can't escape the economics of the thing, it matters 
whether you like it or not. If I want to keep my customer base then I 
attend to their needs, else I don't get paid, and I might as well pass 
the hat at Louigi Verona gigs. So we can keep talking or we can start 
paying. Paul Davis has developed Ardour thanks to contributions. I 
highly doubt it would have reached its current level without the money 
coming in. Rui has a good day gig, and he's taken his own sweet time to 
develop QTractor. (Is it out of alpha yet, Rui ? :) Not to speak for 
them, but I suggest that both of these gentlemen react positively to 
cash injections.

OTOH I think things are likely to be just swell for people like myself. 
My use cases are not so machine-centric, and I don't need the standard 
tools for EDM. Selfishly speaking, things are looking great from my POV. 
But if I have a concern for the continued development of Linux audio 
software then I must consider the needs of my colleagues who do require 
those other tools. Their immediate concerns may not matter to me, but 
their longer-term involvement is critically determined by the 
availability of their needed tools. Too much stasis, and sooner or later 
even Louigi is going back to Windows. And I'd rather not lose colleagues 
with his capabilities.

Rant over. Peace out.

dp