Hello all,
First off I would like to say that I am happy to find a forum like this. I am very much new to Linux having made the jump only a month ago to create a dual boot system in which I have Windows XP and Ubuntu on my machine right now.
I am not going to go too much into details into regarding why I wanted to switch operating systems from Windows XP, but I will say that there are a few things I been unhappy with lately. The high cost of computer editing software is also another issue. But I think the thing that bothered me most about todays software is the registration of programs. More and more programs you cannot use them without registering them. I see that as a problem. As it is what if I have a program that I am happy with and the company goes out of business or no longer supports the product? Well, then I would be stuck or forced to upgrade...which usually means paying more money. So I am not happy about that and I am going to leave it there.
Enter Linux. Ok, so I decided to give Linux a shot and I examined a few distributions and it became clear that Ubuntu had the largest support base and it was recommended as a good "first" foray into Linux. The good thing about Ubuntu was that it offered a LiveCD in which I could try the program out prior to installation. So I did so.
At first I was amazed that Ubuntu was very much like Windows. Sure there were some differences to get used to such as the way programs are installed and the way certain configurations must be edited through the Terminal. But these were minor differences that I could easily get used to. The big question was if Linux had applications that would be similar to or even could replace my Windows applications. For the most part I would say that is a big yes. The next question was how it could handle games. For the most part it seems like if the games are not to system demanding that too was also a yes. My final requirement was how Linux would handle audio and video editing. Thus far this is where I am finding it is falling flat on it's face. Let me explain:
The reason why Linux fell flat for me in the audio department was because out of everything I had on my system, if I had a problem with something, it took perhaps one or two posts in the Ubuntu forums to correct the problem. However, the huge issue in Ubuntu is sound. I been having SO much trouble getting my sound to fully work that I been over a month on Ubuntu and still my sound issues are not resolved. During this month I have upgraded to Ubuntu Studio and I did see the massive amount of programs that are available for it, however, being a derivative of Ubuntu, I still had my sound problems.
I have found out that the problems with my sound are two fold. The first is the fact that I have an semi-supported sound card, the Sound Blaster X-Fi which is only partially supported in Ubuntu via the older OSS driver system (OSS still supports the card, BTW), however, the latest version of Ubuntu (Studio), Hardy (version 8.04) mostly relies on ALSA and Jack Rack. The ALSA drivers for the Sound Blaster X-Fi are only in Beta stage as of now and it is taking a VERY long time for Creative to provide fully working drivers. Some say that it may never come to pass. Because of this problem coupled with the fact that I found out version 8.04 of Ubuntu is very buggy (especially so with Ubuntu Studio) that NO ONE has managed to get the ALSA drivers for the X-Fi card to work with version 8.04., There are success stories with the previous version of Ubuntu (Studio), version 7.10. But much recompiling work must be done to get the card to work. I am only one month on Ubuntu, so I am not sure if I am ready for a huge task like that.
While digging into my problem, I have heard story after story of other problems not only with sound and video, but also in areas of networking and wireless connections with version 8.04. Some are touting that this is the most unstable version of Ubuntu yet.
So while I do understand that because of the ALSA issue with my sound card that I may have to change my X-Fi sound card because more then likely it will not work with any Linux distribution because of that.
Another thing I noticed is that surprisingly there are not that many Ubuntu Studio users over at the Ubuntu Forums.
Another issue with version 8.04 is with streaming audio on the internet. Many as of now do not have sound on the internet with this version.
I started to put things together and realized that perhaps maybe I am barking up the wrong distribution tree and as of this week I began looking for other alternatives.
So I did my own poking around and came across a website called The Linux Rock Star and they had the top listed distributions recommended for audio recording. Surprisingly Ubuntu Studio wasn't even on the list. But then again the document was two years old already.
Anyway, names that have come up that appealed to me were OpenSuSE's JackLab and Musix. I checked into both and right off the bat I could tell the support for either wasn't going to be near that of Ubuntu Studio...however, OpenSuSE's JackLab's features did appeal to me. For the most part they are touting that if you have a compatible ALSA audio card, all you need to do is load up a video driver for your card and BOOM, you should be up and running.
While I found this too good to be true, of the few people that I seen on the JackLab forum, they are musicians or work with recording equipment. So as of yesterday and today I been spending a lot of time at the JackLab forums.
So that is where I found the link to this site.
So I am so happy to find this site because it will put me in touch with those who have been using Linux for audio recording probably far longer than I have been using Windows! At any rate I am hoping that is true.
Ok, now that the background is done here is my question:
What is a good Linux distribution for a newbie that is just starting to find his way around Linux and is not ready for compiling work but just wants to try out the Linux applications to compare them with those he has for Windows.
In short this is what I am looking for and what I need:
1) Audio recording software that is similar in performance to Ableton's Live. The Linux alternative can be spread out among several programs linked together.
2) I am a gamer and I want Linux to be able to handle games. I am not looking to be a powerhouse gamer as that is what I have Windows XP for, but I do like to run old console emulations (NES, Atari 2600, SNES, Sega Genesis, and DosBox (for old Dos games)). zI also want to try out some Linux based games.
3) I need to do standard housekeeping as well. The means emails, internet browsing (and yes I want my sound to work on line), letter writting, spreadsheets, etc.
Of course the emphasis on my needs are in that order. I still have Windows that I can do most of my housekeeping work on but I would like to avoid Windows to go on line anymore because with Linux there is no need to worry about spyware or viruses. So naturally that does appeal to me.
So am I on the right track with going with OpenSuSE's Jacklab? or is there something else that I don't know about.
So what is everyone favoring here?
Thank you for your input.
Geo
Linux distribution preference for audio/video editing work
Moderators: MattKingUSA, khz
-
studio32
Re: Linux distribution preference for audio/video editing wo
Hi geo, welcome at our forum! We're happy you found usjukingeo wrote:Hello all,
Take also a look at our wiki http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php?id=newbies
Linux is not Windows, it different, so comparing is not always good..the question was if Linux had applications that would be similar to or even could replace my Windows applications.
My first relation with linux was a love/ hate relation... but the more you understand linux and the application the more you love it...
I don't know much of hardware. I think others here do...
I have found out that the problems with my sound are two fold. The first is the fact that I have an semi-supported sound card, the Sound Blaster X-Fi which is only partially supported in Ubuntu via the older OSS driver system (OSS still supports the card, BTW), however, the latest version of Ubuntu (Studio), Hardy (version 8.04) mostly relies on ALSA and Jack Rack. The ALSA drivers for the Sound Blaster X-Fi are only in Beta stage as of now and it is taking a VERY long time for Creative to provide fully working drivers. Some say that it may never come to pass. Because of this problem coupled with the fact that I found out version 8.04 of Ubuntu is very buggy (especially so with Ubuntu Studio) that NO ONE has managed to get the ALSA drivers for the X-Fi card to work with version 8.04., There are success stories with the previous version of Ubuntu (Studio), version 7.10. But much recompiling work must be done to get the card to work. I am only one month on Ubuntu, so I am not sure if I am ready for a huge task like that.
You can also look at the hardware part of our wiki http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php?id=hardware
Another option is to ask it on the lau mailinglist. Pretty much people who knows a lot about it, check wiki: other resources and support.
http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php ... nd_support
I do hear other success stories too...While digging into my problem, I have heard story after story of other problems not only with sound and video, but also in areas of networking and wireless connections with version 8.04. Some are touting that this is the most unstable version of Ubuntu yet.
Maybe you can look here for good documentation?
http://ubuntutip.googlepages.com
Again, linux is not windows, its different...What is a good Linux distribution for a newbie that is just starting to find his way around Linux and is not ready for compiling work but just wants to try out the Linux applications to compare them with those he has for Windows.
I always suggest ubuntu studio to newbies but also name 64studio.com, because I think Ubuntu is easy to configure for newbies, but on the other hand I think 64studio is more stable and more quality..
64studio is Debian based and works pretty much the same as Ubuntu which is also Debian based... Jacklab is a good choice too, but I have no experience with it and the package management is a bit different then ubuntu and debian.
Check our wiki: http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php ... 9b3aa923f8
In short this is what I am looking for and what I need:
1) Audio recording software that is similar in performance to Ableton's Live. The Linux alternative can be spread out among several programs linked together.
I think www.ardour.org or audacity is what you need, or the commercial EnergyXT2.... (?)
Keep having a dualboot with windows if you want to do all the gaming and maybe check: http://www.linuxjournal.com/video/play- ... ames-linux2) I am a gamer and I want Linux to be able to handle games. I am not looking to be a powerhouse gamer as that is what I have Windows XP for, but I do like to run old console emulations (NES, Atari 2600, SNES, Sega Genesis, and DosBox (for old Dos games)). zI also want to try out some Linux based games.
webbrowser: firefox3) I need to do standard housekeeping as well. The means emails, internet browsing (and yes I want my sound to work on line), letter writting, spreadsheets, etc.
Mail: thunderbird
Office: www.openoffice.org
You absolutely don't need windows for housekeeping work. You have many good apps on linux to change to!f course the emphasis on my needs are in that order. I still have Windows that I can do most of my housekeeping work on but I would like to avoid Windows to go on line anymore because with Linux there is no need to worry about spyware or viruses. So naturally that does appeal to me.
I would take a look at the hardware issues first... find information about it in our wiki on this forum or at the LAU mailinglist.So am I on the right track with going with OpenSuSE's Jacklab? or is there something else that I don't know about.
Maybe you can buy a soundcard which is fully supported by linux? I have a m-audio audiophile 2496 second hand... 50 euros...
I would try http://64studio.com/
Re: Linux distribution preference for audio/video editing wo
Thanx, I pulled it up and I will read that later on...looks like quite a bit to digest.studio32 wrote:Hi geo, welcome at our forum! We're happy you found usjukingeo wrote:Hello all,
Take also a look at our wiki http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php?id=newbies
The Sound Blaster X-fi that I have currently installed seems to be only supported in a handful of Linux distributions. From what I read the only Ubuntu version it works on is 7.10, which explains the reason why I had so much trouble with the new version. It does seem to work on 64 studio and also OpenSuSE version 10.3. So the question remains what version of OpenSuSE is the current JackLab based on?I don't know much of hardware. I think others here do...
You can also look at the hardware part of our wiki http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php?id=hardware
Another option is to ask it on the lau mailinglist. Pretty much people who knows a lot about it, check wiki: other resources and support.
http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php ... nd_support
Yeah, I know...I heard THAT line 100 times already, but there are some comparisons that DO fit the bill. For one Evolution is almost like Outlook, Open office is almost like MS Office. So there ARE some comparisons. If there wasn't and Linux was so radically different...I don't think there would be many takers. YES, there are major differences, but there are also major similarities too. At least that is what my observations were. Well, I am a noob right now, perhaps I may change my tune later.Again, linux is not windows, its different...
Perhaps, that may be, but I don't have a 64 bit machine. Unless of course I am reading the title the wrong way (I am taking the "64" to mean 64 bit).I always suggest ubuntu studio to newbies but also name 64studio.com, because I think Ubuntu is easy to configure for newbies, but on the other hand I think 64studio is more stable and more quality..
I looked into about 3 or 4 other Linux distributions this week and in terms of a balance between simplicity and functionality, JackLab did come out ahead. However, in terms of support, Ubuntu has that area cornered.64studio is Debian based and works pretty much the same as Ubuntu which is also Debian based... Jacklab is a good choice too, but I have no experience with it and the package management is a bit different then ubuntu and debian.
I am not 100% sure what OpenSuSE is based on...I think it is Red Hat based. So I know I could be in for some changes going that route.
Actually I found out that I would need several programs to replace the one main program I am using. But for the most part Ardour, a looping program and Rosegarden together with Jack Rack SHOULD be a close replacement for Ableton Live. I use Soundforge for physical audio editing work and I believe Audacity is the replacement for that. But again, I am just looking on the surface, I do have to get in these programs and try them out.I think www.ardour.org or audacity is what you need, or the commercial EnergyXT2.... (?)
Oh, I intend to continue to dual boot for a long time. I know I am going to still need Windows XP for the latest and greatest, but in terms of older games I play alot of old console games and I do use emulators for the Atari 2600, the NES, the SNES, the Sega Genesis, and of course I have a lot of old Dos Games that I can only get to work in Dos Box. Thankfully, Linux has emulators that will work with all of these games. Then there are all the Linux based games as well.Keep having a dualboot with windows if you want to do all the gaming and maybe check: http://www.linuxjournal.com/video/play- ... ames-linux
So yeah, I know if something new comes out, I am probably still going to use Windows XP, but hopefully I can find some really cool Linux games as well.
At least one thing I can say for LInux games...they come pretty cheap
.Agreed, I think this area is already covered and I did try out my basic needs through Open Office already and I am already using Firefox in Windows (tired of getting spyware through IE). Evolution is almost a dead ringer for Outlook, so I believe Linux/Ubuntu did already fulfill those needs there.You absolutely don't need windows for housekeeping work. You have many good apps on linux to change to!
I think it will do well with games too. However, it is audio/video production that still remains the question mark and that is why I am here.
Yeah, I think I kind of know the answer to that question as well, since I have already been digging into the issues with the Soundblaster X-Fi.I would take a look at the hardware issues first... find information about it in our wiki on this forum or at the LAU mailinglist.
Maybe you can buy a soundcard which is fully supported by linux? I have a m-audio audiophile 2496 second hand... 50 euros...
I would try http://64studio.com/
At first I didn't want to switch it out because I was afraid of loosing my sound in Windows. But I DO have my Alesis IO-26 and last night I did a test configuration with it and I can fully have 7.1 surround sound using the IO-26, but the main thing is I will not loose my sound in Windows. So now I am not so reluctant to switch the card out. So naturally I did some research on Linux supported cards and it does seem that M-Audio is favored for the cheaper way to go and RME Hammerfall is the way to go for something more pro.
Anyway, thank you for the information. I have to get busy doing a lot of reading with all the links you sent.
But I am happy I did find this site because I have a funny feeling I am going to find many answers to my questions here and hopefully it will make my transition from Windows to Linux much easier.
Geo
-
studio32
64studio is for 32bit and 64bit... I've runned in on my i686
I think Opensuse is based on Suselinux which is based on slackware, but I'm not sure... Opensuse is 'famous' about the lay-out, its pretty.
But (64studios) Debians package management seems to be more easy to use and there are more packages available for Debian. But I must say I don't have experience with OpenSuse or JAcklab...
You can test both 64studio and jacklab...
Enjoy the reading!
I think Opensuse is based on Suselinux which is based on slackware, but I'm not sure... Opensuse is 'famous' about the lay-out, its pretty.
But (64studios) Debians package management seems to be more easy to use and there are more packages available for Debian. But I must say I don't have experience with OpenSuse or JAcklab...
You can test both 64studio and jacklab...
Enjoy the reading!
Oh! So 64 studio does have a 32 bit variant? I guess that warrants a good look see then. I been doing more research last night and it does seem that 64Studio and JackLab seem to be first picks for audio production. Musix is a close behind and then finally Ubuntu Studio.studio32 wrote:64studio is for 32bit and 64bit... I've runned in on my i686
I think Opensuse is based on Suselinux which is based on slackware, but I'm not sure... Opensuse is 'famous' about the lay-out, its pretty.
But (64studios) Debians package management seems to be more easy to use and there are more packages available for Debian. But I must say I don't have experience with OpenSuse or JAcklab...
You can test both 64studio and jacklab...
Enjoy the reading!
Anyway, I did look at the 64Studio website, and it does look like a "pretty" program as well.
One thing that did concern me about JackLab is that it is a pretty big program. I am assuming that 64 studio is less "puffed up", correct? I guess perhaps one reason why JackLab is so big is that it has pretty good hardware support. But that is IF your hardware is Linux compliant. Then it is pretty much plug and play.
The biggest issue most have with JackLab is that it doesn't install the proper drivers for nVidea cards and that is something you have to do yourself.
So it is a tough call for me right now. But overall whatever distro I choose, it looks like I am going to have to replace my sound card to something more Linux compliant.
Alright then, I guess I will look more into 64Studio. If it is good then perhaps I am better off going that route because of it being Debian based, I would be on familiar grounds.
Thanx for the tip, I was quickly to dismiss 64studio because I thought it was only 64 bit based.
In one aspect, I think going to 64 studio MAY be prudent because my new machine just may be a 64 bit machine...so that would be less of a learning curve.
We will see.
Time for more research. I still have yet to look at all the links you sent yesterday. But thanx for the info, I do appreciate it very much.
Geo
-
studio32
No, it isn't supported. I thought it would be, but I read the requirements again and it isn't. I am looking at the page now in fact:studio32 wrote:Let us know what it's gonna be finally...
Ask at the 64studio forum if your hardware is supported. The community is not so large as the ubuntu is... but the advices they gave are much better... so you need a little bit more patience.. but its worth it!
I am copying this over from the page:
"This beta driver has only been tested on the following 32-bit / 64-bit Linux distributions: Ubuntu® 7.10, openSUSE® 10.3 and Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® 5.1 (64-bit only)."
I am right now talking to some guys over at the Ubuntu forum and they are suggesting that I revert back to version 7.10 because it supposedly works in that version. If JackLab is based on OpenSuSE 10.3 then I would be OK there as well.
Overall it does sound like a lot of guess work for a "Beta" driver
So I don't know 100% what it is that I am going to do. But I am starting to lean more and more to replacing the sound card because more then likely I am going to run into problems with either JackLab or 64Studio with it as it is all three studio bases distros are using Jack and Jack uses ALSA, so I am pretty confident I will have problems in all three distriibutions. The only one I MAY have success with is with Ubuntu version 7.10 because it says so right there and maybe JackLab if it is based on OpenSuSE 10.3 (I don't think it is though...I think it is on 10.2).
So the thing is that if I do change the card...then I can pick whatever distro I want then, so like I said, I think more and more I am going to change the card because I don't think Creative is going to fix the problem any time soon and supposedly if Ubuntu Studio addresses in the next version, that release is in October. So I am not going to wait that long. So I guess it is time to get out the wallet and get another audio card (again).
Geo
Yeah, I just got back from the JackLab forums AND also 64Studio.studio32 wrote:Its better to put some money in some decent hardware then some buggy software....
Jacklab is definitely version 10.2 of OpenSuSE, so it probably will not work there.
Thus it would seem that my card would only work with version 7.10 of Ubuntu Studio.
I think I am going to have to pull the X-Fi. I don't have the cash right now to spring for one of the nice RME cards, but M-Audio does have a few cards that fall in a reasonable price category. Also my Alesis IO-26 works great as a sound device for Windows in the event I have a problem with the installation of a new card.
The only sacrifice I would be making is that the X-Fi has a Soundfont synth and I am going to need one of those to play back my organ sounds. So I am hoping that Linux does have a Soundfont Synth available. But that is the only thing. I just feel at this point the X-Fi is holding me back from truly experiencing Linux....and I don't it like when something holds me back.
As of now I am considering the M-Audio Delta 44 (or the 66). Both units have 4 balanced ins and 4 balanced outs, they can go to 96k. The difference is that the 66 has the SPDIF in/out for digital audio transfer. The only thing I could see using that for is to download music to my Mini disc unit or a DAT machine...both I have not used in years. Everyone burns to a disc now.
Well, thanx for the input, I think I know what I have to do first and that is to change the audio card.
Thanx,
Geo
-
studio32
Yes there are soundfont synths on linux for sure... qsynth for example.
And good organ sounds too. I don't know what kind of organ you talk about, but aeolus makes really amazing sounds....
M-audio delta seems to be a good choice, the 66 has also midi capabilities isn't? I just bought a audiophile 24/96, good enough and I think it will always work on linux...
And good organ sounds too. I don't know what kind of organ you talk about, but aeolus makes really amazing sounds....
M-audio delta seems to be a good choice, the 66 has also midi capabilities isn't? I just bought a audiophile 24/96, good enough and I think it will always work on linux...
Yes, I found out about qsynth later on last night. So that did answer one of my questions.studio32 wrote:Yes there are soundfont synths on linux for sure... qsynth for example.
And good organ sounds too. I don't know what kind of organ you talk about, but aeolus makes really amazing sounds....
M-audio delta seems to be a good choice, the 66 has also midi capabilities isn't? I just bought a audiophile 24/96, good enough and I think it will always work on linux...
As for organs...I like quite a few different kinds. Mostly pipe organs both theatre and church variants, of course the Hammond organ (I am currently using Native Instruments B4 and I would like to use that in Linux as well).
In terms of sound cards, it does seem that M-Audio does have a few good options for a good price. Echo had some cool firewire devices that are supported AND up to 192khz, however, they get very expensive at that level. For the most part I just need something to putz around in Linux with.
In terms of where I am going to go with distributions...as of last night, 64Studio just clicked up a couple notches for me over JackLab.
1) There seems to be a stronger user/support base there (64 Studio) as there is much more activity on their boards.
2) It is Debian based so I would be in familiar territory.
3) When I made some posts over in the JackLab forums, I didn't like some of the responses I got. Seems to be a bit more "attitude' there. No one seems to even want to talk about the X-Fi there.
So I think right now I am going to keep Ubuntu Studio Hardy on my system for a while longer and concentrate on replacing the card and then judge for myself what happens after I get a supported card in place.
-
studio32
http://www.kokkinizita.net/linuxaudio/aeolus/index.htmljukingeo wrote:studio32 wrote:
As for organs...I like quite a few different kinds. Mostly pipe organs both theatre and church variants, of course the Hammond organ (I am currently using Native Instruments B4 and I would like to use that in Linux as well).
aeolus is made for you and the B4 is working on linux with some tweaking.: http://64studio.com/howto_vst
studio32 wrote:jukingeo wrote:studio32 wrote:
Aeolus seem to be OK. But there is better out there. Have you ever played with program called Miditzer?
THIS is a cool organ program. Here is the website:
http://www.virtualorgan.com/
Now this is for a theatre voiced organ. Aeolus is more church voiced...so I could have a use for that.
I checked out the web page on the B4 VST. It seems they are gearing it more for the 2nd version. I have the first version of B4. I sure hope that will be supported as well.
Outside of some of the newer Hammond models that have been released lately, B4 is just about the closest thing to the real McKoy as you can get. Something I sure hate to part with.
...Actually I will not part with it, because I still have Windows, but I would like to get as much as possible Linux replacements for Windows programs.
I tell you, the past few days I saw some of the Linux programs out there and I AM impressed. I just can't wait to use some of this stuff.
I think I am going to sign up over at the 64Studio forums. I been lately hanging out in there more than over at JackLab. I am still leaning in favor of JackLab, but 64Studio looks just as impressive...it is Debian based, so it would be easy for me to switch over. I just may as well try it out before JackLab.
Right now JackLab's user and support base isn't that large. Well, neither is 64Studio if you compare it to Ubuntu. But there still seems to be much more going on over at 64Studio.
So you probably will be seeing me there in the forums soon asking some questions here or there.
Anyway thanx for the tips.
Geo
-
studio32
about the community, you can make it as large as you want
you've got for example http://www.linuxquestions.org/, linuxaudio.org mailinglist, this forum... these sources are not distro specific.
And 64studio is based on Debian etch and they have a large community..
you've got for example http://www.linuxquestions.org/, linuxaudio.org mailinglist, this forum... these sources are not distro specific.
And 64studio is based on Debian etch and they have a large community..
LOL, much easier said than done. How do you propose to do that anyway? I think that would be out of the hands of one single individual.studio32 wrote:about the community, you can make it as large as you want
Well, overall OpenSuSE has a good base, and it seems like there are quite a few that do like JackLab. BUT go over to the JackLab forum and there are not to many people there. Anyway, I am still interested in it, but I think I would rather go towards something more familiar right now. So 64Studio may be a wise choice considering it is Debian based. Down the road when I get more into Linux, I can make more choices. But it does seem that when it comes down to comparing Ubuntu Studio to 64Studio...5 to 1 takes 64 Studio over Ubuntu.you've got for example http://www.linuxquestions.org/, linuxaudio.org mailinglist, this forum... these sources are not distro specific.
And 64studio is based on Debian etch and they have a large community..
Anyway, I was busy last night playing around with Miditzer...I saw someone on YouTube use it with Ubuntu, Jack and Qsynth (this was the program I needed a Soundfont synth with). so I started asking questions.
Anyway, in case you are interested. This is the page for the Miditzer project:
http://www.virtualorgan.com/
This is a Miditzer converted Conn organ in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRoZ9qsMYvU
Old school roller rink anyone?
Pretty cool huh? All that sound is coming from the Miditzer program and the soundfont synth. The organ is just a midified controller. So you don't need a huge organ set up like that to use Miditzer to the fullest. A standard two midi keyboard, pedal board and expression pedal setup will do the same thing.
Hopefully tonight I can get back into 64 Studio and sign up to the forums. This way I can ask some questions I have in there.
Thusfar it looks like a decent distro, worth a try that is for sure.
Thanx for the push in that direction.
Geo