Linux Support for Multi I/O Cards? 29
TibbonZero asks: "I am using Digidesign's Digi001 audio interface with Pro-Tools 5.3.1 (an industry standard recording application), but this requires using Windows XP. I was wondering if there have been any attempts at writing drivers that would add Linux support to the soundcard? The Digi001 is a PCI based soundcard, with a breakout box. It provides 18 channels of I/O; 8 Analogue, 8 ADAT Optical, and 2 SPDIF as well as Midi I/O. There is a large users's group that supports most issues with the interfaces, and software, but few of them have the time or skills to program drivers, there is a wealth if information to be found there however. Are there any Slashdotters who are into audio and are willing to help out this community by programming drivers for it. Even getting a two channel stereo driver would be a great start (there is one available for Windows if reverse engineering it would help)." As an add-on to the question: What multi-I/O cards already have Linux support, and what do you think of them?
Re:Audio Production (Score:1)
Good, cheap, fast... pick any two.
Limited, but in the works (Score:3, Informative)
Actually multi-tracking software is in about the same state as the drivers. The most promising package I've seen is Ardour [sourceforge.net]. Their package seems to be very much modeled after ProTools, at least as far as the interface goes. It supports LADSPA open-source plugins (no VST, RTAS, or DX unfortunately... mostly due to license restrictions). It already supports multi-io and many of your standard features, but lacks some things I consider necesities such as MIDI support (especially the ability to send MIDI clock and operate as a metronome... something I almost always use). None the less, there is a future for Linux and recording. It just, more or less, remains in the future for now.
Re:Limited, but in the works (Score:1)
Microstar labs AD converters... (Score:2)
at 4000$ a piece, that's not even so expensive!
Re:Microstar labs AD converters... (Score:1)
Stick with XP if you aren't just goofing around (Score:1)
Re:Stick with XP if you aren't just goofing around (Score:1)
Will there ever be support for any hardware other than the most low-level components in Linux? USB? Firewire? Various 3D-accelerated video cards?
Will we ever see a free Unix operating system? Even if we get a kernel, you'll need to write tons of userland utilities, etc etc.
Do you think pigs may start flying this season?
(Hint: I'm pointing out all this stuff because hackers have gone out of their way to work together and contribute for everyone by writing software. Useful software. Real software. Free software. If everyone had your attitude, we'd be nowhere.)
Re:Stick with XP if you aren't just goofing around (Score:1)
Re:Stick with XP if you aren't just goofing around (Score:1)
Is this hardware so powerful and awe-inspiring that no self-respecting programmer lay a finger on writing a device driver (or set of, if that's the case)?
Why don't you explain why it's impossible or infeasible for a group of people to get together to write complete Linux support for it? Why don't you explain how powerful or different it is, or whatever sets it apart, that makes it so different and such an undertaking to write support for?
Re:Stick with XP if you aren't just goofing around (Score:1)
And who's going to pay for test kit? These units are $700 a pop.
OS X Support (Score:2)
Although this would be much easier if Digi just released some info to the opensource community and let us write a driver, etc...
Re:OS X Support (Score:1)
Yes, I hear it's going to kick ass too! Just think, Unix on a Mac. What will they think of next?
A driver. heh. thats funny.
You have no idea what this hardware is, do you?
My advice? Ditch digi. (Score:2)
DIGI001 is overpriced, and overrated. You fell for it.
Re:My advice? Ditch digi. (Score:2)
Protools is such a standard today in the audio industry, and I can go into pretty much any studio and have a good feeling for how to get around just knowing protools. I also have a great deal of experience with analogue (I love 8 track 1/2 inch recorders), and other digital solutions, and Protools is one of the best.
To some degree it's like buying Cisco stuff, it doesn't do everything that the competition does, but it's standard, and you will pay for the name, but again, it's standard.
AGNULA (was DEMUDI) (Score:2)
Windows XP (Score:1)
Re:Windows XP (Score:1)
I seem to remember seeing a claim like that on a Linux website a few years ago. Don't know how good his work was, but he probably acquired a pretty good collection of hardware, though.
Proof of Concept (Score:1)
DAE (Score:1)
There is a customer forum on their site and I know their Customer Service people really try hard to answer all the questions. Try posting a polite message.
Just remember, they're business driven. They need to feel like there is a financial reason to do development or that development done by outside people won't hurt their business. Or, you can buy enough shares in Avid and demand changes.
Ask Slashdot Answers (Score:1)
Professional Audio On Linux? [slashdot.org]
Many comments, mostly about software and Macs.
There are some Linux Sound Hardware [slashdot.org] comments.
The "Linux Music and Sound" [slashdot.org] book is recommended.