Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

All your LV2 and LADSPA goodness and more.

Moderators: MattKingUSA, khz

asbak
Established Member
Posts: 897
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 3:04 pm
Has thanked: 71 times
Been thanked: 64 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by asbak »

Imo (maybe sample sellers have other demands) when you buy a sample set from them or 2nd hand you own that sample set and you can use it as you see fit including running it in Linux Sampler.

The problem then becomes where to source old copies of VSL on the 2nd hand market, but if they can be found then it's as close to "legal" as it will get.

The producers may demand some kind of "transfer fee" if the item is being resold or they may demand that it may not be resold, or because it has been off the market so long they may not even have demands and policies regarding it any more. Who knows? :D

Unfortunately commercial sample producers lost interest in gigasampler format, maybe partially because it didn't (afaik?) support encryption.
Some Focal / 20.04 audio packages and resources https://midistudio.groups.io/g/linuxaudio
mdiemer
Established Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:33 am
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 20 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by mdiemer »

One solution for orchestral libraries (although it does involve wine): The free Kontakt Player works in Reaper For Linux. I had it up and running with Cinematic Strings, a high-end string library. They also have Cinematic Woodwinds and Cinematic Brass. I may spring for those eventually. If you buy both you get a discount. They are reasonably priced, considering the quality, which is very high. also very easy to use.

I don't know of any other way to use comparable libraries in Linux. If other options become available, such as the ability to use whatever you have, I'd be done with Windows pretty quick. I currently use sonar 8.5. I did use the free Cakewalk By Bandlab for awhile, until I realized it was basically a cloud-based app. They tell you you only have to "phone home" once every 6 months, but I'd rather not phone home at all. I'm still on Windows 7, but I keep that computer off line, as in not physically connected. ever. safe.

Since Cinematic Strings works in KP, presumably any library using KP would work as well. It does limit you somewhat, but also opens up many quality libraries.

Hope this helps,

michael
asbak
Established Member
Posts: 897
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 3:04 pm
Has thanked: 71 times
Been thanked: 64 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by asbak »

Another solution (haven't tried it myself) is the DiscoDSP Highlife Sampler which can play Akai .AKP format samples as well as GIG and other formats.
There's no shortage of AKAI format sample CD's in circulation.

Also, plenty of samples here for download
https://www.discodsp.com/soundware/
Some Focal / 20.04 audio packages and resources https://midistudio.groups.io/g/linuxaudio
User avatar
Min
Established Member
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2018 4:03 am
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Contact:

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by Min »

I'm not good at English, so please forgive me if the sentences are poor.

Most of the orchestra and world instruments belong to the Kontakt platform and cannot be used without WINE. But I'm also reluctant to use WINE, so I'd rather collect and use old GIG format samples.

Sample libraries currently available for purchase (including used) include:

[Strings]
* London Solo Strings (https://www.bigfishaudio.com/detail.htm ... trings:845)

=> Solo string sample library.
As it is an old product, it is a disappointing quality to use alone, but it is not bad when used in layering with other products to be presented below.

* Decent samples
- Violin Ensemble (https://www.decentsamples.com/product/violin-ensemble)
- Slinky Violin (https://www.decentsamples.com/product/s ... iolin-free)
- Viola Ensemble (https://www.decentsamples.com/product/v ... nt-sampler)

=> I love the Decent samples products. It's not as well processed as the big companies' products, but thanks to its distinctive 'raw' feel, layering it with other string sample libraries will give you a nice tone.

* gigastudio 3 orchestra (used)
=> There are often listings on eBay.
=> A reduced version of the Vienna Symphonic Library is bundled, but the quality is not bad. Only sections by instrument are included, not solo instruments.
=> When I usually layer strings, I use this sample library as a base, and give textures through the two solo sample libraries above.


[Brass]
In the case of brass, I personally value the French horn the most, so I only bought a few more French horns, and most of the other things are solved with the GS 3 orchestra bundle.

French Horns Modular Series (https://www.bigfishaudio.com/detail.htm ... 0horn:1430)

=> As it is an old product, it is a bit disappointing to use it alone, and I use it layered with other products. (If you can get SAM Horns (gig) on ​​eBay, it will be one of the best options.)


[Woodwind]
I am using the following products with the GS 3 orchestra bundle.

- https://www.bigfishaudio.com/catalogvie ... &Bran=1378

- https://librewave.com/product/sofia-woodwinds


[Choir]
The choir sample has few options.
- Piano book (www.pianobook.co.uk),
- Mihai Sorohan Vowel Choir (http://www.mihaisorohan.net/downloads.shtml)
After downloading all legally available choir samples, I use them layered. (Decent sampler is used)

I also have the sample libraries below in mind, but I haven't purchased them yet.
(I was aiming for a discount event for a year, but there seems to be no discount event for legacy products)

- https://www.ilio.com/symphony-of-voices
- https://www.ilio.com/origins
asbak
Established Member
Posts: 897
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 3:04 pm
Has thanked: 71 times
Been thanked: 64 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by asbak »

Last edited by asbak on Tue Feb 01, 2022 12:35 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Some Focal / 20.04 audio packages and resources https://midistudio.groups.io/g/linuxaudio
folderol
Established Member
Posts: 2072
Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2015 8:06 pm
Location: Here, of course!
Has thanked: 224 times
Been thanked: 400 times
Contact:

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by folderol »

Hmmm. the O/P seems to have disappeared - maybe he was only here to promote his own music :roll:
The Yoshimi guy {apparently now an 'elderly'}
tavasti
Established Member
Posts: 2047
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2016 6:56 am
Location: Kangasala, Finland
Has thanked: 369 times
Been thanked: 208 times
Contact:

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by tavasti »

folderol wrote: Tue Feb 01, 2022 12:17 pm Hmmm. the O/P seems to have disappeared - maybe he was only here to promote his own music :roll:
Your theory does not sound correct, he is not even linking to his music!

Linux veteran & Novice musician

Latest track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycVrgGtrBmM

mdiemer
Established Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:33 am
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 20 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by mdiemer »

Min wrote: Mon Jan 31, 2022 4:51 pm I'm not good at English, so please forgive me if the sentences are poor.

Most of the orchestra and world instruments belong to the Kontakt platform and cannot be used without WINE. But I'm also reluctant to use WINE, so I'd rather collect and use old GIG format samples.

Sample libraries currently available for purchase (including used) include:

[Strings]
* London Solo Strings (https://www.bigfishaudio.com/detail.htm ... trings:845)

=> Solo string sample library.
As it is an old product, it is a disappointing quality to use alone, but it is not bad when used in layering with other products to be presented below.

* Decent samples
- Violin Ensemble (https://www.decentsamples.com/product/violin-ensemble)
- Slinky Violin (https://www.decentsamples.com/product/s ... iolin-free)
- Viola Ensemble (https://www.decentsamples.com/product/v ... nt-sampler)

=> I love the Decent samples products. It's not as well processed as the big companies' products, but thanks to its distinctive 'raw' feel, layering it with other string sample libraries will give you a nice tone.

* gigastudio 3 orchestra (used)
=> There are often listings on eBay.
=> A reduced version of the Vienna Symphonic Library is bundled, but the quality is not bad. Only sections by instrument are included, not solo instruments.
=> When I usually layer strings, I use this sample library as a base, and give textures through the two solo sample libraries above.


[Brass]
In the case of brass, I personally value the French horn the most, so I only bought a few more French horns, and most of the other things are solved with the GS 3 orchestra bundle.

French Horns Modular Series (https://www.bigfishaudio.com/detail.htm ... 0horn:1430)

=> As it is an old product, it is a bit disappointing to use it alone, and I use it layered with other products. (If you can get SAM Horns (gig) on ​​eBay, it will be one of the best options.)


[Woodwind]
I am using the following products with the GS 3 orchestra bundle.

- https://www.bigfishaudio.com/catalogvie ... &Bran=1378

- https://librewave.com/product/sofia-woodwinds


[Choir]
The choir sample has few options.
- Piano book (www.pianobook.co.uk),
- Mihai Sorohan Vowel Choir (http://www.mihaisorohan.net/downloads.shtml)
After downloading all legally available choir samples, I use them layered. (Decent sampler is used)

I also have the sample libraries below in mind, but I haven't purchased them yet.
(I was aiming for a discount event for a year, but there seems to be no discount event for legacy products)

- https://www.ilio.com/symphony-of-voices
- https://www.ilio.com/origins
Thanks very much Min, this is great information! Orchestral samples and libraries for Linux are hard to find, especially Native Linux ones. So this is very helpful.

Pianoteq (spelling?) is another option. Although it is not not free, I believe you get a free Harp and Harpsichord with it, so that makes it more worth considering.

Your English is fine!
mdiemer
Established Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:33 am
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 20 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by mdiemer »

tavasti wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 8:38 pm
HeavyDevy-C wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 8:21 pm But my main problem is the orchestral instruments, the choir, and cultural instruments. For orchestral, I need sections split up, not full string combo. I mean 1st violins 2nd violins etc. And the choir is the one that really frustrates me because synth sounds in choir samples, just sound like an absolute disaster. I need realistic choirs like nucleus, preferably with vowels sounds at least. As close as it can get at least, but not synth sounding.

And of course, I literally know of no world or cultural instruments for Linux. So that is a huge problem as well. I need Celtic instruments, japanese instruments etc. On this, I guess I'm not too picky, because these are more soloed instruments, but I can find nothing.

Can anybody recommend me the best instruments for these? Or sample packs for samplers, anything. Any good vst with a Linux version? But I also need the worst because if the best isn't good enough for me then I have to figure out how to layer them all. Or if someone can point me to a list that's not confusing, that would be great and would really help me down the road to switching to Linux. And no, I don't want to use wine, I want to play things safe and easy. I don't trust windows at all. I'm sick of this. Thanks guys.
tvasti wrote:


I think Garritan products are SFZ, but I don't know if they use some op codes which aren't supported by native linux sfz plugins.

In Reaper For Linux, last Spring, I had Garritan Personal Orchestra running in the Aria Player that comes with it, and also in sforzando. Both Aria and sforzando are made by Plogue. I did need Wine to use them. I was able to authorize Garritan by importing the license, which is a keycard, simply by using the Aria import feature. Just imported the keycard from my desktop and it authorized.
mdiemer
Established Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:33 am
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 20 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by mdiemer »

If anyone is still interested in this: I am now using Ubuntu Studio, and I have Cinematic Strings working in the Kontakt Player. Also Garritan Personal Orchestra 4, which uses sfz files. The Aria Player is working perfectly. No difference from being on Windows in terms of performance or GUI. I used Play On Linux, installed Wine Staging 6.17 (the most recent P.O.L had available), and then installed Native Access. I configured Windows to windows 10 for NA, which is now necessary. Aria/GPO was fine with Windows 7 configuration.

I tried installing Cakewalk Dimension Pro, but that didn't work. however, I can access most if not all of the sounds there from the Aria Player. Which also has a gorgeous built-in reverb, ambience. So I now have a very good base to build on.

The short answer then to the question posed by this thread is, yes, Linux can handle any kind of music. If I were to buy Cinematic Woodwinds and Brass from the guys who make Cinematic Strings, I would have a high-end orchestral library that would work perfectly on Linux. The future looks bright!
folderol
Established Member
Posts: 2072
Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2015 8:06 pm
Location: Here, of course!
Has thanked: 224 times
Been thanked: 400 times
Contact:

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by folderol »

Very pleased you got it sorted :)
The Yoshimi guy {apparently now an 'elderly'}
tavasti
Established Member
Posts: 2047
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2016 6:56 am
Location: Kangasala, Finland
Has thanked: 369 times
Been thanked: 208 times
Contact:

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by tavasti »

mdiemer wrote: Tue Mar 08, 2022 9:43 pm The short answer then to the question posed by this thread is, yes, Linux can handle any kind of music. If I were to buy Cinematic Woodwinds and Brass from the guys who make Cinematic Strings, I would have a high-end orchestral library that would work perfectly on Linux. The future looks bright!
There has been many same kind of answers in this thread, claiming answering, but ignoring crucial part: original poster stated that (s)he is not willing to use wine. Sure ignoring that limitation makes it much easier to give working solution, I am also myself using many plugins with wine.

But yeah, beause Kontakt player works (I have it also), sure all Kontakt instruments work. Just like all IK Multimedia stuff (sampletank & miroslav philharmonik). Personally can't afford Cinematic libraries, too much money :-(

Linux veteran & Novice musician

Latest track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycVrgGtrBmM

mdiemer
Established Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:33 am
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 20 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by mdiemer »

tavasti wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 8:57 am
mdiemer wrote: Tue Mar 08, 2022 9:43 pm The short answer then to the question posed by this thread is, yes, Linux can handle any kind of music. If I were to buy Cinematic Woodwinds and Brass from the guys who make Cinematic Strings, I would have a high-end orchestral library that would work perfectly on Linux. The future looks bright!
There has been many same kind of answers in this thread, claiming answering, but ignoring crucial part: original poster stated that (s)he is not willing to use wine. Sure ignoring that limitation makes it much easier to give working solution, I am also myself using many plugins with wine.

But yeah, beause Kontakt player works (I have it also), sure all Kontakt instruments work. Just like all IK Multimedia stuff (sampletank & miroslav philharmonik). Personally can't afford Cinematic libraries, too much money :-(
OK, fair enough. I'll amend my answer: If you choose not to use wine, the options are more limited. Still, you can use things like Virtual Playing Orchestra. It will be more difficult as you will likely be using something like sfizz to house the samples, which means a separate instance for each instruments. Which means perhaps 20, 30 or more sfizz instances. doable certainly but rather unwieldy. Or you could try to figure out something like Linux Sampler. In the end, the amount of time you will spend not making music, plus the inferiority of the sounds (VPO is not even as good as GPO, which itself is only entry-level), will either convince you to go back to Windows, or bite the bullet and use wine.

Wine is not Windows. It is a program to help you get around the fact that the big developers only make their products work in windows and Mac. It is not the best solution, but it is a good solution for the situation as it now stands. In time, there will be better solutions. Personally, it makes sense to me to use the best solution currently available, and hope for a better one to come along. In my case, being "up there" in terms of years, I don't have the time to wait. I need to do it now! Even if you're young, why wait? Do what you you want to do now. don't be so much of a purist that you deny yourself the very good options now available to make music- any kind of music - on Linux.
ubuntuuser
Established Member
Posts: 315
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 9:46 am
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 5 times

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by ubuntuuser »

Kontakt has been working under Wine ever since I submitted patch info to the Wine devs a few years ago, amongst other Wine patches that I submitted.

Wine is a bit hit and miss and some things get neglected (d2d1 dll for instance) but when it works it works.

Seeing that it is Linux, then a Linux solution would be the ideal but I think Linux might be a bit lacking in the area of pro like orchestra things and orchestral ease of use but I'm not an expert on orchestral things.

I do like LinuxSampler for samples but it's all in the setup which a lot (coming from Windows) won't want to do.
tavasti
Established Member
Posts: 2047
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2016 6:56 am
Location: Kangasala, Finland
Has thanked: 369 times
Been thanked: 208 times
Contact:

Re: Can Linux really handle all genres of music?

Post by tavasti »

bobkernel wrote: Tue Aug 23, 2022 10:36 am
tavasti wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 8:38 pm One possible option is Sonivox Film Score companion, where samples can be decrypted, and it is possible to make sfz from them. And most likely that is possible with most/any sonivox sample base product. In case finding some interesting options from their products, feel free to ask help, I have some sfz and some helper scripts for it.
Hello, can you please share a way to do this. Wanted to make my own instruments in other sampler since their vsts are kinda limited and use ilok.
Thank you!
Wanted to send you private message, but it's not allowed for new users.
Yeah, limitation is something like 3-4 posts I think. Sent you PM, but I think still you can't respond it before you have enough comments.

Linux veteran & Novice musician

Latest track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycVrgGtrBmM

Post Reply