the_information_nexus/docs/linux_music_production.md

Creating a powerful Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) setup on Linux, specifically for beat making, remixing, and vocal extraction, involves leveraging a suite of tools each chosen for their strengths in different aspects of music production. Here's a comprehensive reference guide to building out your DAW with the capabilities of each tool identified:

Core DAW for Recording, Editing, and Mixing

Ardour

• Capabilities:
  • Multitrack recording and editing of audio and MIDI.
  • Comprehensive mixing console with automation and plugin support.
  • Support for a wide range of audio plugins: LV2, VST, LADSPA, and AU.
  • MIDI sequencing and editing, including support for virtual instruments.
• Usage: Ardour serves as the central hub for your DAW, handling recording, complex editing, arrangement, and mixing tasks. It's your go-to for integrating various elements of your projects, from instrumental tracks to vocals.

Beat Making and Electronic Music Composition

LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio)

• Capabilities:
  • Beat making with built-in drum machines and samplers.
  • Synthesis with various synthesizers for creating electronic sounds.
  • Piano Roll for MIDI editing and composition.
  • VST and LADSPA plugin support for additional instruments and effects.
  • Built-in samples and presets.
• Usage: LMMS is particularly useful for creating beats, synthesizing new sounds, and arranging electronic music compositions. It’s ideal for the initial stages of music production, especially for electronic genres.

Vocal and Stem Separation

Spleeter by Deezer

• Capabilities:
  • Uses machine learning to separate tracks into stems: vocals, drums, bass, and others.
  • Can separate audio files into two, four, or five stems.
  • Operates from the command line for efficient batch processing.
• Usage: Use Spleeter for extracting vocals from tracks for remixing or sampling purposes. It’s also valuable for creating acapellas and instrumentals for DJ sets or live performances.

Effects and Mastering

Calf Studio Gear

• Capabilities:
  • A comprehensive collection of audio effects and mastering tools.
  • Includes EQs, compressors, reverbs, delays, modulation effects, and more.
  • GUI for easy control and manipulation of effects.
• Usage: Integrate Calf Studio Gear with Ardour for applying professional-grade effects during mixing. The tools can also be used for mastering tasks to polish the final mix.

MIDI and Virtual Instrumentation

Qsynth / FluidSynth

• Capabilities:
  • SoundFont synthesizer for playing back MIDI files or live MIDI input.
  • GUI (Qsynth) for easy management of SoundFonts and settings.
  • Can be used standalone or integrated with DAWs like Ardour.
• Usage: Enhance your projects with virtual instruments using Qsynth/FluidSynth, especially useful for genres requiring orchestral or synthesized sounds not readily available from live recording.

Integration and Workflow

• Ardour as the Hub: Use Ardour for bringing together elements from LMMS and vocal tracks processed by Spleeter, applying effects via Calf Studio Gear, and incorporating virtual instruments through Qsynth/FluidSynth.
• Spleeter for Preprocessing: Before mixing and mastering in Ardour, preprocess tracks with Spleeter to isolate vocals or other desired stems.
• LMMS for Creation: Start your projects in LMMS to lay down beats and synth lines, then export stems or individual tracks for further processing and integration in Ardour.
• Effects and Mastering with Calf: Utilize Calf Studio Gear within Ardour to apply effects and perform basic mastering, ensuring your project is sonically cohesive and polished.

Additional Tools and Resources

• JACK Audio Connection Kit: Essential for routing audio and MIDI between applications in real-time, enhancing the flexibility of your DAW setup.
• Community Support and Tutorials: Both Ardour and LMMS have active communities with forums, tutorials, and video content available to help you get started and solve any issues you encounter.

Conclusion

This setup provides a robust foundation for a wide range of music production tasks on Linux, from beat making and remixing to vocal extraction and mixing/mastering. By understanding and leveraging the strengths of each tool, you can create a powerful and flexible DAW environment tailored to your specific music production needs.