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I will discuss in this WIKI how to use Linux Ubuntu Studio for live performances. Contrary to other Internet postings, you don't have to use an application such as '''Reaper''' ''(although that approach would make it more user-friendly for non-Linux users or "Newbies")''. Instead, a well-written Bash shell script can be used to launch Jack and necessary keyboard applications such as '''Qsynth''' '''(Piano, and other sound-font voices)''', as well as '''Bristol Organ Emulator''' '''(Hammond B3, Vox, Rhodes Piano, Phophet5, Juno, Moog, etc)'''.
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Therefore, you can switch to different voices by switching to different transmitting <u>MIDI channels</u>,which may be more convenient than pointing and clicking on an instrument icon via the '''Reaper ''' or '''Cubase ''' applications (which are not free applications). Also, applications such as '''Bristol Organ allows a user to sync midi controller buttons or sliders (on the keyboard) to change control settings on the emulated organ''' by middle-clicking the mouse on the emulated keyboard's control knob and moving or activating the midi controller on the keyboard.Also, why pay for applications like Reaper or Cubase when you can accomplish the same task for free?!?
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I have used MS Windows OS with '''Native Instruments Hammond B4, and other Native Instruments applications''', so I have some experience when comparing open-source software against proprietary software (i.e. pros vs cons).<br /><br />
Here is a step-by-step guide to installing and configuring my netbook computer to run Ubuntu Studio:
=== Hardware / Software Setup Information ===
[[Image:netbook.jpg|thumb|right|550px|My Current Keyboard Setup Using <b>My Aspireone h715 Netbook Computer</b><br />(Ubuntu Netbook Remix with Ubuntu Studio Installed)]]
I'm "pulling-out all the stops". I have decided to test the power of the '''Acer Aspireone netbook for live performances'''.
Here is my Hardware/Software Information:
'''Hardware (Acer Aspireone AspireOne netbook) and Peripherals:'''
:* '''Model 715h Wireless''' (ZA3)
:* '''11.6 inch screen'''
:* '''Swamy''' Sound Font Editor
FYI, the '''Maudio Fasttrack Pro''' is a greatd usb interface and "works out of the box" (after a couple of Jack server settings)... There is also a cheaper version for approx $87 CDN, but lacks MIDI connection (which may not be a problem since newer MIDI musical keyboards are USB anyways...)
Since I want to keep things simple, I have decided <u>'''not to use any USB peripherals'''</u> (other than the USB midi musical keyboard) for my band practices and live performances by connecting the netbook audio output directly to the amplifier. This allows me one less thing to carry around, and I can leave my Tascam US122 USB device at home in my basement studio. This "direct plugin method" can be achieved with an inexpensive '''1/8 " stereo (male) to RCA "Y-adapter (female)"''' and an '''RCA (male) to 1/4 " (male) mono Jack cable''' (again, this is relatively inexpensive)! '''Here are links for reference:'''* '''1/8 " stereo (male) to RCA "Y-adapter (female) - plugs into netbook headphone output:''' [ [http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/adapters/rca-to-1-8-3-5mm-adapters/35-586g/prod35586G.html y-adaptor] ]* '''RCA (male) to 1/4 " (male) mono Jack cable - connects to Y-adapter and amplifier input:''' [ [http://www.zzounds.com/item--HOSCPR20 RCA to 1/4 inch Jack Cable] ] ... And by the way... as long as you keep net-book volume to acceptable output level, you shouldn't damage the amplifier. I posed this connection question to a veteran "sound-guy" that has setup audio equipment for '''Moe Koffman''' and '''The Good Brothers''' back in his "younger days". He states, '''''"this shouldn't be a problem what-so-ever, just keep volume down in net-book end and adjust volume via the amplifier"'''''... === Setup Setting up / Installing / Configuration Configuring Network, Ubuntu Studio, and Jack System ===
I obtained the Ubuntu Netbook version for Ubuntu: [ [http://www.ubuntu.com/netbook/get-ubuntu/download http://www.ubuntu.com/netbook/get-ubuntu/download] ]<br />I didn't worry about Ubuntu Studio or loading updates - I would recommend to follow "MY SEQUENCE" (listed below):
:* Ran '''Synaptic Package Manager''' (from Admin), and installed '''Ubuntu Studio Desktop''' (I selected ALL packages associated with Ubuntu Studio).
:* Followed '''instructions to make my Tascam US122 device work''' with my netbook: [ [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/TASCAM_US-122 https://help.ubuntu.com/community/TASCAM_US-122] ]<br /><br />
* I "Tweaked" the appearance of my Gnome Desktop like running the '''Avant Window Navigator (docking panel appearance like Mac OSX)''', and '''removed the "old-style" gnome-panels'''. Here is a resource that I created to help: [ [[Replacing Panels with Docking Station (awn)]] ][[Image:awn-pic.png|thumb|right|550px|<b>Avant Window Navigator</b> gives a Mac OSX '''docking station''' appearance<br />(A welcome change from traditional panels). ] ]<br /><br /> * Now that you '''NOTE:''' I had trouble when displaying my net-book on the data display in class. '''Every time I pressed a key, the screen would go blue and return display to my net-book.''' I thought it was attributed to Ubuntu, but all I needed to do was update (flash) my '''BIOS from v3010 to v3012'''. Refer to the section below labelled:<br />'''Steps to Enhance CPU performance (Acer AspireOne a751h)''' for a full set of procedures to solve this problem. It seems to have Ubuntu Studio also solved the '''hibernation problem''', <u>and</u> also the problem of '''not displaying Python applets on your machinemy Avant Window Navigator docking tray...!''' <br /><br /> Here * Now that you have Ubuntu Studio on your machine, here are some guides that I have written to help you get started<br /> (even provides some basic recording session information): This is assuming that you are using the ''Tascam US122 usb interface'', although that is NOT necessary if you have a ''USB keyboard''):
:* [ [[Quick & Simple - Setting up Jack Server and Q-synth]] ]
:* [ [[Quick & Simple - Recording With Audacity]] ]
The organ emulator called '''Bristol Organ''' can simply be run via the '''startBristol''' command ''(after the Jack audio server has been started)''. To simplify the process of starting jack audio server, launching and making input/output connections for both '''Qsynth''' and several '''Bristol Organ''' emulations, it is easier to place commands into a '''Bash shell script''' and run shell script as a program! ''Please see next section for an example of how I did this...''
One *perceived* problem that a typical "end-user" would face is having to '''manually connect''' (patch) various Devices (like a keyboard), with various keyboard emulators (like '''Qsynth'''and 'Here ''Bristol''' organ). But it is important to realise that these "graphical applications" are just convenient "front-ends" or user-friendly graphical representations of Linux commands. Since they are Linux commands, these command, to launch and make patches (connections), and simply be added to a file (called a ''shell script''), and run like program (either as an desktop icon), or a start-up program from boot-up. '''For reference, here is a link to the Y-adapter for referencemy Bash Shell script:''' [ [http://wwwmatrix.radioshacksenecac.comon.ca/product~murray.saul/indexnetbook.bash.jsp?productId=2103237&CAWELAID=107596679# y-adaptortxt txt] ] For additional reference, '''here is a link that explains how above shell script works:''' [ coming soon ]
=== YouTube Tutorials ===
About Jack audio server: [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMz6fDGBnA4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMz6fDGBnA4] ]<br />
CPU Scaling - Part I [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn6g_YCxq2o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn6g_YCxq2o] ] (Refer to section '''Steps to Enhance CPU performance''' below)<br />
CPU Scaling - Part II [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAq4ihIhivg&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAq4ihIhivg&NR=1] ](Refer to section '''Steps to Enhance CPU performance''' below)<br /><br /br .>
Jack audio server & Synth I: [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVPr6iUuO3g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVPr6iUuO3g] ]<br />
Jack audio Server & Synth II: [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHR9hQVrRIQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHR9hQVrRIQ] ]<br />
=== Using Ubuntu Studio for Live Performances === I will be making some assumptions here: first, I am using my '''M-AUDIO Keystation 61es Midi Controller keyboard''', and second, I am going to plug in directly from Net-book's headphone jack into the amplifier. ==== First, the Initial Setup ==== # '''Boot Net-book into Ubuntu Studio, and turn down the system volume''' to a lower level.# '''Plug M-Audio keyboard''' (via USB connector) into Net-book.# '''Plug Y-Adaptor into net-book's head-phone port''', '''and connect up RCA portion of cable to Y-Adaptor, and 1/4 inch end of cable to the input connector of amplifier''' (see to bottom of "Hardware/Software Information" for reference).# Refer to '''"Putting it All Together" with a Bash Shell Script "''' to learn how to automatically launch for performance session with the keyboard applications such as Qsynth and Bristol Organ. '''When you have created that Bash Shell script, launch your performance session, and wait until all of the applications are running, and that all of the connections have been made.''' ====A Few Words of Warning About MIDI Channels & Bristol Organ ==== I have always wondered how Bristol Organ managed multiple keyboards. For example, the Bristol (Hammond) B3 organ has two sets of keyboards (upper and lower), and I was curious how to access the lower keyboard. The answer is easier that you think! '''When you issue the command to run the Bristol B3 organ with a midi channel, then the next higher midi channel will be reserved for the lower keyboard''' - totally awesome!... ... But '''if you didn't know that, and launched the Qsynth application using that extra midi channel, then don't be surprised if your Bristol B3 organ abruptly aborts... no wonder!''' Therefore, you have to do a little planning head, and reserve extra midi channels for any Bristol Organs that have multiple keyboards prior to assigning various midi channels...[[Image:midi1.png|thumb|right|220px|<b>Qsynth MIDI Channel Dialog Box</b>. Notice a maximum of 16 midi channels, but also the ability to store into separate presets for later use. '''Notice the both MIDI channels 3 and 4 reserved for by Bristol B3 organ''' (both keyboard registers), '''Midi channel 10 is usually reserved for percussion'''...]]==== Tweaking Qsynth to Play Different MIDI Channels / Sound-fonts ==== Before proceeding with this section, please familiarise yourself with how to use Qsynth and sound-fonts by reading another one of my WIKIs:<br />[ [[Quick & Simple - Setting up Jack Server and Q-synth]] ]. I will assume that you have a basic knowledge of using Qysynth, obtaining sound-fonts, and adding sound-fonts in Qsynth for the remainder of this section. I have see some misinformation regarding the use of sound-fonts with Qsynth. You can add in a lot of sound-fonts with Qsynth, and then assign them (either using a particular sound, or incorporating "sound banks") to midi channels. I am currently have assigned instruments to 10 midi channels (2 have been reserved for my B3 Organ. In addition, you can save these midi assigns as different "preset names" to be saved and loaded as needed during performance or practice.
'''For reference, here is a link to my Bash Shell script:That's it! Start performing!!''' [ [http://matrix.senecac.on.ca/~murray.saul/netbook.bash.txt txt] ]
= Sound Font Editing in Linux =
'''Note:''' The ''Swamy sound-font editor'' allows me to build or modify sound fonts. s I must admit that I'm not an expert on sound-fonts.
In the future, I will discuss how to use a sound-font editor to create your own sound-fonts (instruments) to play with the keyboard.
My net-book system works well (to my surprise). I will be taking my hardware set-up to band practice next week to make certain it works for the entire practice. I will keep taking it to practices and monitor my netbook's performance until I am confident to use for live "gigs". So far, so good...
I have taken my system to band practice, and didn't have to use my Tascam US122 USB device - this is a re<u>sound</u>ing success! I will now be using my Linux system for live performances for now, and into the future! I'm a happy camper :)
=== Tips, Pros & Cons ===
==== Jack & High CPU Usage (and Potential Recommended Solution) ====
I am content to use the Bristol Hammond B3 keyboard emulator, and Q-synth (with sound-fonts) for piano, electric piano and other types of instruments. I will only notice some distortion if I simultaneously strike many keys on the keyboard (which I seldom do)...
I have also noticed when running other Bristol keyboard emulators, the CPU usage is very high in the Jack audio server - this can cause sound distortion. This is no doubt attributed to the limited power of the arm processor - adding RAM will not have a considerable impact on the quality of multiple Bristol emulators.
There is a method to change your Acer Aspireone AspireOne into "performance mode" in order to keep CPU Usage within acceptable levels.
By default, Ubuntu has set the default CPU frequency (i.e. performance) of newly installed computers to "On Demand". This is for a number of reasons including not constantly requiring fan to draw down the battery (although I would be plugged in for practice and performance anyways). The Acer Aspireone a751h CPU has the '''"speedstep"''' feature, and will now show the step to change it to "performance".
'''Steps to Enhance CPU performance(Acer AspireOne a751h):''' <ol><li>'''ATTENTION:''' Take time to read these instructions. Flashing BIOS can come with risks and I take no responsibility for any disasters encountered, but this procedure <u>did</u> work for me...</li><li>'''Check BIOS version.''' I had version 3010, which didn't support Speedstep feature, but version 3012 does support that feature (which means you need to download version, and flash your BIOS).</li><li>I have dual boot, so decided to perform the BIOS flash in my '''MS WIndows XP''' portion of notebook:<ol type="a"><li> '''Boot netbook into MS Windows''' (not Ubuntu Linux)</li><li> Go to following page to download most recent BIOS version from ACER webpage: [<font>[http://support.acer.com/us/en/product/default.aspx?tab=5&modelId=1112 http://support.acer.com/us/en/product/default.aspx?tab=5&modelId=1112]</font>]</li><li> '''Unzip''' the file folder in '''c:\windows\system32'''</li><li> Make certain you are logged into MS Windows as ''administrator'' (if you have not created password for account, you should do so, or procedure may not work!)</li><li> Use '''Windows Explorer''' to navigate to the '''BIOS_Acer_3212 subdirectory''' you unzipped, and proceed in the subdirectory called '''Windows'''.<li> Right-click on the '''WinPhlash''' file and then select '''Run'''.</li><li> You will be prompted for ''authorization''. Select for account, then '''enter your administrator account name and password'''.</li><li> Carefully read all instructions before proceeding with flashing your BIOS. '''Your machine should be plugged in. It would be a bad, bad thing if your machine is powered off in the middle of flashing your BIOS!''' The decision to flash you BIOS is yours, not mine.</li><li> Proceed with the flashing of your BIOS. '''When completed, the system will reboot'''.</li></ol></li><li>When your system reboots, select '''Ubuntu Linux''' at the Grub boot-loader menu.</li><li>There is an applet for the Gnome panel called '''CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor'''. Add this applet to your gnome panel by right-clicking on your panel and then selecting "Add to Panel" and select that applet. Note: If you are running another panel system like '''Avant Window Navigator''' (like me), you can open a terminal and run the command '''gnome-panel''', and add the ''CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor'' applet. Don't worry, when you reboot your machine the settings you make to the CPU Frequency and Scaling Monitor will remain, although the gnome-panel will not be present.</li><li>Click the icon for ''CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor'' and select '''Performance'''.</li><li>Launch your Jack audio system and keyboards, and you should notice a noticeable improvement in the performance and CPU usage.</li></ol> I also noticed '''when I updated my net-book's BIOS to version 3012, that it solved other performance issues''' like switching back to net-book screen instead of data-projector screen whenever I pressed a key... ==== High CPU Usage When Using Rakarrack ==== The Rakarrack Application is an Effects processor. For example, you can get a grittier B3 sound by running the output through an "overdrive" filter or program. Unfortunately, this application seems to tie up a lot of the CPU. I Will later investigate if there is some type of option to help reduce the load on the CPU when using this application...
=== What I Love About Open-Source Applications ===