KXStudio FAQ

[falkTX]

As I already have Ubuntu Studio 12.04 installed, will I "lose" anything by upgrading to KXStudio? Or is it just new things are are integrated into it?

Also, I think Ubuntu Studio is Gnome DE by default. Is it recommended to move to XFCE or KDE during the upgrade?

Thanks.

brian

UbuntuStudio uses XFCE by default, and you won't lose anything at all (just gain new stuff ).
Since you already have XFCE from it, leave it and enjoy it.

After all the updates you'll see the KXStudio-Welcome wizard. Some people don't seem to like the KXStudio theme very much, so have a look at first before you select to update the theme:
http://kxstudio-team.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d49y63r

[briandc]

I installed KXStudio. Looks good!

However, I can't find Hexter in the menu anymore. Does it have to be run in another way?

Also, when doing the upgrade, since I was coming over from Ubuntu Studio, which has a low-latency/realtime kernel, I wasn't sure whether to install one of the KXStudio kernels. --In the end, I installed the realtime kernel (32-bit). Actually, I don't know the difference between a low-latency kernel and a realtime kernel, but I chose the realtime one. (And it seems to be working pretty well so far..!)

But Hexter doesn't show up, even though it's installed..

Thanks.
brian

[briandc]

Solved! I learned to open Hexter in Carla.


Brian

[falkTX]

I decided to remove all plugin desktop files from the menu in KXStudio (those that use jack-dssi-host).
jack-dssi-host doesn't really do anything else than testing the plugins (no save/load support), and since those plugins can be easily loaded in Carla I see no reason for them to be in the menu (which is too big already).

[briandc]

I decided to remove all plugin desktop files from the menu in KXStudio (those that use jack-dssi-host).
jack-dssi-host doesn't really do anything else than testing the plugins (no save/load support), and since those plugins can be easily loaded in Carla I see no reason for them to be in the menu (which is too big already).

So is Carla able to load VSTi's that are made for Windows (using Wine)?
I see so much stuff made for Windows, I had forgotten that so many people (still) use it! lol
Either through Wine or something else, Linux-based systems will really need to accomodate as many Windows-type software as possible, to make it easier for people to switch, as well as for us Linux users to be able to use what's being made in that arena.

I just spoke with the editor of Virtual Instruments magazine; he told me that they never really cover Linux-based stuff because almost everything is Windows/Mac-oriented. It's a shame, and it needs to change, imo. KXStudios is really nice, I'm glad I upgraded to it. It seems to run better than Ubuntu Studio--at least in my case.

brian

[falkTX]

Carla will have the possibility to load Windows VSTs (and LADSPAs, DSSIs and LV2s), but it's something I won't fully support.
Users and companies can't rely on Wine, they should use native linux software.

I've already ported a few good plugins into the DISTRHO project, and more will come with time.
Linux has a great set of audio features and a stable API, so developers don't have a real excuse to not port their software to Linux.

[briandc]

Carla will have the possibility to load Windows VSTs (and LADSPAs, DSSIs and LV2s), but it's something I won't fully support.
Users and companies can't rely on Wine, they should use native linux software.

I've already ported a few good plugins into the DISTRHO project, and more will come with time.
Linux has a great set of audio features and a stable API, so developers don't have a real excuse to not port their software to Linux.

I completely agree. I was browsing another forum: http://www.futureproducers.com/forums/
and I was amazed how little Linux is discussed here. They should make a sub-forum for Linux users, and for KXStudio, too!

brian

PS. If I purchased a Win VST that I really liked, and it says "standalone," does that mean that I can use it in Linux anyway? Will it require anything other than Wine?

[falkTX]

PS. If I purchased a Win VST that I really liked, and it says "standalone," does that mean that I can use it in Linux anyway? Will it require anything other than Wine?

Standalone usually go with ASIO for sound and Windows-MIDI, which means in wine you have direct JACK audio via using WineASIO and MIDI via ALSA. So yes, it could work in Standalone mode in Wine.
Copy-protections will most likely *not* work though (such as iLok or anything that uses special USB devices).

[briandc]

PS. If I purchased a Win VST that I really liked, and it says "standalone," does that mean that I can use it in Linux anyway? Will it require anything other than Wine?

Standalone usually go with ASIO for sound and Windows-MIDI, which means in wine you have direct JACK audio via using WineASIO and MIDI via ALSA. So yes, it could work in Standalone mode in Wine.
Copy-protections will most likely *not* work though (such as iLok or anything that uses special USB devices).

Cool! So for example, the VSTs here: http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/VS ... zers10.htm

can be used in KXStudio using Wine/WineASIO/ALSA?

brian

[falkTX]

see? that is the exact support I won't give - I have no idea whatever that will work or not, as with 99% other plugins.
some synths in there seem "vintage", have you tried Bristol?

[Capoeira]

PS. If I purchased a Win VST that I really liked, and it says "standalone," does that mean that I can use it in Linux anyway? Will it require anything other than Wine?

Standalone usually go with ASIO for sound and Windows-MIDI, which means in wine you have direct JACK audio via using WineASIO and MIDI via ALSA. So yes, it could work in Standalone mode in Wine.
Copy-protections will most likely *not* work though (such as iLok or anything that uses special USB devices).

Cool! So for example, the VSTs here: http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/VS ... zers10.htm

can be used in KXStudio using Wine/WineASIO/ALSA?

brian

you don't expect him to try out all 30.000 VSTs there are, don't you?

[briandc]

see? that is the exact support I won't give - I have no idea whatever that will work or not, as with 99% other plugins.
some synths in there seem "vintage", have you tried Bristol?

Well, I totally agree that Linux should be able to stand on its own, without needing to use VSTs made for Windows. (I think that's what you are saying..)

At the same time, all synths have their own character and feel, and Linux has a few, yes. But there need to be more made.
For example, I'd like to see some synths that use Phase Modulation, like the old Casio CZ1000 line. There are some out there that do come quite close. But Linux-based versions are few.

Just my 2c-- I could be wrong..

brian

[briandc]

Just for the record.. I downloaded the VST called PQN Mopar on the link I posted earlier... it works BRILLIANTLY!! You are a genius, falkTX! You have made one sweet platform!

brian

[briandc]

see? that is the exact support I won't give - I have no idea whatever that will work or not, as with 99% other plugins.
some synths in there seem "vintage", have you tried Bristol?

Speaking of Bristol: do I have to open it at the command line? I don't see it in Carla..

brian

[falkTX]

see? that is the exact support I won't give - I have no idea whatever that will work or not, as with 99% other plugins.
some synths in there seem "vintage", have you tried Bristol?

Speaking of Bristol: do I have to open it at the command line? I don't see it in Carla..

brian

Bristol are special types of synths.
If you're running the latest KXStudio updates, start 'klaudia' (or the new 'claudia-launcher') and take a look at the bristol tab.

The official page has very useful information about the various modules:
http://bristol.sourceforge.net/