Creative Media Production on Linux

[theraje]

Howdy folks,

I am curious as to how many members here use Linux for creative media production - Videos, artwork, music, etc.

I primarily am interested in game development (I've been doing it off and on for several years), but not just programming. My endeavors have led me to learn a few tricks on creating artwork (in 2D and 3D) and music production as well. I'm wanting to try the waters out, as it were, in doing this stuff from Linux.

So, how many of you guys and gals use Linux for creative purposes, and what do you like to create? :)

[NightwishFan]

I design scaleable logos in Inkscape (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inkscape). Some times software only ships with .png icons, so I make nice .SVG ones.

For creative images, simple edits, image format conversion, I use GIMP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIMP). It is the most fun piece of software I have ever used for raster graphics. It also has the ability to make animated gifs.

For audio work, there is Audacity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audacity) and Ardour (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardour_(software)). Audacity is the more easy to use of the two.

I do not use this much, but Blender (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blender_software) is a very professional piece of software for 3d work. This movie was made almost entirely in blender. http://www.bigbuckbunny.org/

For documents and etc, I have used Scribus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scribus) and OpenOffice.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenOffice.org) to good effect. OpenOffice has many parts that interoperate well. I usually use them to write articles

For video I have used Pitivi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitivi) and Kdenlive (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kdenlive) and I hear good things about Cinelerra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinelerra) as well. I usually use these tools for simple works such as putting video to my audio pieces I compose.

Hope this helps! I enjoy using this software a lot but it may not suit all of your needs. :)

[theraje]

Hey, Nightwish Fan :)

I've used a lot of that software - Inkscape, GIMP, Audacity, Blender, and OpenOffice.org. Funny thing is I used to hate Blender with a passion, because I never could figure out the interface. I finally wound up with a book that explained how to work it, and since then, I've fallen in love with Blender. :)

I've looked into Ardour a bit, and it seems like a pretty decent DAW. There are a few issues I have about some of the design decisions/quirks, but it still sounds like it's a good software. I currently use a program called EnergyXT, that runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It is sold on a USB flash drive, as well as a CD-ROM... and of course you can download the more current version for pretty cheap. :)

Mainly started this thread as light conversation, but since we're getting into helpful stuff... ;)

Does anyone know how well MIDI controllers work with Linux? I plan to get a simple, compact USB-MIDI keyboard. I'm probably going to go with something with just two octaves, as I already have bigger boards, and plan to use this one to "punch-in" MIDI data. Any advice/suggestions?

[NightwishFan]

I am not sure of what kind of hardware works, but here is a tutorial to allow one to be used in GIMP. http://www.gimp.org/unix/howtos/gimp-midi.html

[cchhrriiss121212]

I've looked into Ardour a bit, and it seems like a pretty decent DAW. There are a few issues I have about some of the design decisions/quirks, but it still sounds like it's a good software. I currently use a program called EnergyXT, that runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It is sold on a USB flash drive, as well as a CD-ROM... and of course you can download the more current version for pretty cheap. :)

Mainly started this thread as light conversation, but since we're getting into helpful stuff... ;)

Does anyone know how well MIDI controllers work with Linux? I plan to get a simple, compact USB-MIDI keyboard. I'm probably going to go with something with just two octaves, as I already have bigger boards, and plan to use this one to "punch-in" MIDI data. Any advice/suggestions?
You should find that most usb/midi keyboards will work out of the box if they do not require any drivers with windows. A good one to try is the m-audio keystation, I use a Novation remote49 which has full functionality.
I use Ubuntu primarily for music production, and it is very capable IMO. You should look into trying jack first which is the sound server that all the best music apps run with. Linux audio works in a modular system as opposed to having an all-in-one DAW, which gives the user more freedom, although it will seem more complex at first.
My favourites:
Ardour - DAW focused on live instrument recording
Qtractor - its as functional as ardour plus midi support
Hydrogen - one of the best drum sequencers I've seen
Phasex/zynsubfx/ams - synths
Guitarix/rakkarak - guitar amp modelling and fx
Audacity/JAMIN/rezound - editing and mastering

[transmogrifox]

Regarding MIDI controllers. If you have a MIDI controller that also has regular MIDI outputs, you can buy a USB-MIDI interface for cheap. I use one made by Alesis and it works with Linux out of the box.

That is simply another option if you happen to have MIDI equipment with regular MIDI outputs and no USB, or a USB interface that does not work with Linux.

[theraje]

Regarding MIDI controllers. If you have a MIDI controller that also has regular MIDI outputs, you can buy a USB-MIDI interface for cheap. I use one made by Alesis and it works with Linux out of the box.

That is simply another option if you happen to have MIDI equipment with regular MIDI outputs and no USB, or a USB interface that does not work with Linux.

Is the interface you have an Alesis LineLink? If so, I have one of those. :) I've used it to connect my old Korg Triton to my Windows boxen. :)

I found one nice MIDI keyboard with USB, a MIDI-Out, and a built-in audio interface (standard generic audio I/O) for pretty cheap ($125). Comes with a lot of goodies, too. I think I'll give it a go to see how it works OOTB, and use the LineLink if I have any problems (although that would mean sacrificing the audio interface capability).

[NightwishFan]

You have a Korg Triton??? (Makes jealous face). I lost my good ol' Yamaha in my recent fire. I may save up and get a Korg when I have the money (many many years). :)

[theraje]

You have a Korg Triton??? (Makes jealous face). I lost my good ol' Yamaha in my recent fire. I may save up and get a Korg when I have the money (many many years). :)

Heh, yeah, the Triton is a serious piece of aural armament. You can probably get a Triton from ebay for a reasonable price (they are OLD, after all). The Triton have been discontinued for years, replaced by the M3 and another cheaper knock-off series (the M50 series I think).

There is also the Korg X50. It's $600, but it is portable (the thing even has handles), and is loaded with classic Korg Triton sounds. Not cheap, but it sure beats paying $2500+ for an M3!

[NightwishFan]

True! Thank you for the advice.