Changes

There are many postings on the Internet that After playing keyboards in "strugglegarage bands" with how for over 2 decades, I have learned to performing a live keyboard in the Linux environment.'''The answer is that "Keep it can be doneSimple"''', it just takes some knowledge of commands ... the less you have to launch bring and start Jack audio server, as well as launching keyboard emulators and making setup - the appropriate connections (patches) via the Jack audio serverbetter..and I have tried everything including an ironing board for a keyboard stand!

Over the next few months, I will be posting on this page how to use Linux Ubuntu Studio for live performances. Contrary to other Internet postings, you don't have recently kept my performance set-up 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)'''. Therefore, you can switch to different voices by switching to different transmitting <u>MIDI channelsminimum:</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).

I have used MS Windows OS with * '''Midi Keyboard''' / '''usb cable'''* '''Netbook Computer''' (running ''Ubuntu Studio''Native Instruments Hammond B4), and other Native Instruments applications'''power-chord''','''Audio Adaptor''' cable<br />(from netbook to Amplifier).so * '''Folding chairs''' (one chair to seat myself while the keyboard sits on my lap, and another chair to hold my netbook computer)''<u>That's it</u>!'' This method has worked for me for years (except I am now using a net-book computer, and will be bypassing the ''Tascam US122 USB/MIDI'' device since I now have some experience when comparing open-source software against proprietary software (ia USB musical keyboard).e. pros vs cons).

... '''Here is a picture of myself (and keyboard setup)''' along with our band called ''"The Lucky Bleeders"'' performing at the ''Cameron House'' in Toronto, ON, Canada a few years back... I have viewed many Internet posts indicating the "struggles" or "frustration" of finding a way to perform live in the Linux environment.'''The answer is that it can be done''', it just takes some knowledge of some Linux commands to launch and start Jack audio server, as well as launching some keyboard emulators, and finally making the appropriate connections (patches) to the keyboard and amplifier via the Jack audio server.<br /><br /><br />[[Image:bristol.png|thumb|right|350px|A <u>Wide</u> and <u>Free</u> Selection of <b>Bristol</b> Keyboard Emulators]]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)'''.<br /><br />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. 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?!?<br /><br />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 /> = Setting up the My Netbook =

=== 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)]]

'''Hardware (Acer Aspireone AspireOne netbook) and Peripherals:'''

:* '''Tascam US122 USB''' interface '''(Optional, and can be replaced with 1/8 " stereo jack to 1/4 " mono jack into the AUX input of Amplifier)'''

'''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 ===

:* Ran '''Synaptic Package Manager''' (from Admin), and installed '''Ubuntu Studio Desktop''' (I pretty well selected ALL packages associated with Ubuntu Studio).

* 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 />*'''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 also solved the '''hibernation problem''', <u>and</u> also the problem of '''not displaying Python applets on my Avant Window Navigator docking tray...!''' <br /><br />* Now that you have Ubuntu Studio on your machine. Here , here are some guides that I have written to help you get started <br /> (even performing some basic recording sessions). This is assuming that you are using the ''Tascam US122 usb interface'', although that is NOT necessary if you have a ''USB keyboard''):

[[Image:* netbook2.png|thumb|right|400px|<b>Ubuntu Studio Desktop</b> with Applications (<b>Jack Audio Server</b>, <b>Bristol Hammond B3 Emulator</b>, and <b>Qsynth</b>) Automatically Launched and Connected or "patched" via a <b>Bash Shell script</b>]]The organ emulator called '''Bristol Organ''' can simply be run via the '''startBristol''' command ''(using after the correct optionsJack audio server has been started)''. To simply 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...''  === "Putting it All Together" with a Bash Shell Script === 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 '''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 my Bash Shell script:''' [ [http://matrix.senecac.on.ca/~murray.saul/netbook.bash.txt txt] ] For additional reference, '''here is a link that explains how above shell script works:''' [ coming soon ]  === YouTube Tutorials === Here are some links to good YouTube videos demonstrating Jack audio server, and various synths: 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 />Jack audio server &amp; Synth I: [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVPr6iUuO3g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVPr6iUuO3g] ]<br />Jack audio Server &amp; Synth II: [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHR9hQVrRIQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHR9hQVrRIQ] ]<br />Qsynth Synth &amp; Sound Fonts: [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdtWYsUSK8s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdtWYsUSK8s] ]<br />LMMS Synth: [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boRmY9jH7fs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boRmY9jH7fs] ]  === 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 &amp; 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!...

FYI... 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!''Maudio Fasttrack Pro''' is Therefore, you have to do a good usb interface little planning head, and "works out of the box" (after a couple of Jack server settings)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>. There is also Notice a cheaper version for approx $87 CDNmaximum of 16 midi channels, but lacks also the ability to store into separate presets for later use. '''Notice the both MIDI connection channels 3 and 4 reserved for by Bristol B3 organ''' (which may not be a problem since newer MIDI musical keyboards are USB anywaysboth keyboard registers), '''Midi channel 10 is usually reserved for percussion'''...)]]==== Tweaking Qsynth to Play Different MIDI Channels / Sound-fonts ====

To be completed.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. In order to assign MIDI channels in Qsynth, when you click the '''Channels''' button, you will see the '''Channels dialog box''' appear. Notice that this dialog box allows for a total of 16 midi channels (this is more than I require for a typical practice or performance). If you require more, you can save different midi instrument assignments to various profiles (perhaps to be loaded between your sets). Steps to Assignment Instruments:[[Image:midi2.png|thumb|right|300px|'''Assigning Instrument''' (program) to a '''Bank''' (i.e. "Putting it All Together''SFID"'' or ''"Offset"'').]]# '''When adding sound-fonts into Qsynth, write-down the SFID number''' (i.e. Sound-font Identification number) - Do NOT close this dialog box quite yet!# Now, here's the trick: For each sound font, '''make certain that the "Offset" number corresponds to the same number as the SFID!'''# Now, '''click OK to save and exit''' the sound-font dialog box.# If you are running Jack, then you need to '''restart the Jack engine'''. This will require that you manually connect the instruments in the "Jack Connections" dialog box. If this is " with a pain", you could always quit all applications, and re-run your Bash Shell Script ===shell script to launch your music session...# Go to the '''Channels dialog box, and double-click on a midi channel'''.<br />I am selecting the next available '''channel - 13'''.# The '''Channel 13 Midi Channel Dialog box''' appears.# '''Select the Bank number''' (which corresponds to the Offset or SFID that you have written-down).# Then '''click on the program number to select an instrument''' (depending on the sound-font, there may be only one to select, or a wide variety if the sound-font is a bank of sounds).# '''!! NOTE: in order for the changes to take effect, you need to click the Save button; otherwise, all your changes will be lost!'''# You may need to restart the Jack engine and re-establish your connections. '''That's it! Start performing!!''' '''My M-AUDIO keyboard allows me to easily change between midi channels by pressing the Advanced Functions button, and then pressing a note on the keyboard that corresponds to the midi channel'''. Easy-Breezy, and efficient! :) Here is a link to documentation of my M-AUDIO midi keyboard for reference:

To be completed[ [http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/manuals/050505-KSSeries_UG_EN01. Coming soon to a WIKI near you! ;)pdf http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/manuals/050505-KSSeries_UG_EN01.pdf] ]

'''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.

= Results / Discoveries =

To ==== Jack &amp; High CPU Usage (and 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 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... Here is a link to the Rakarrack web-page: [http://rakarrack.sourceforge.net/ http://rakarrack.sourceforge.net/]

Here is a link to e-mail correspondence to '''Nick Copeland''', developer of the '''Bristol Organ emulator''' (open source equivalent of to ''Native Instruments B4'', ''Electrik Piano'', ''etc''...)

I can't cannot begin to estimate imagine the amount of money that I have saved from as a result of using Linux Ubuntu Studio. I have rolled back the money that I saved to help build my basement recording studio (and will never worry about software costs in the future!). ''No doubt, I should start donating to these developers to acknowledge their great products!''

At the same time, I realise realize that I have an unique advantage from having used and taught Unix and Linux courses over many years2 decades, although Linux is becoming easier to use, and the on-line support networks are becoming better. I have tried to convert people to "spread the word" about using Linux and open-source applications over the many years. I have had some great success and some failures in this campaign. After many years, I consider that it comes down to an issue of empowerment:

<blockquote>''Either take the time to <u>learn </u> how to use it to be empoweredopen source applications, or simply become <u>dependent</u> and <u>accept what </u> the cost of letting others have to offerdo the thinking for you...''</blockquote>

Here is one of my previous blog posts that pretty much explains my positionon open-source software: [ [http://murraysaul.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/hacking-can-be-a-good-thing/ http://murraysaul.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/hacking-can-be-a-good-thing/] ]