Workshop Linux Audio and Live Impro
18-19-20 July 2007
Arteleku, San Sebastian, Spain
Guests: Enrike Hurtado, Aymeric Mansoux and Marloes de Valk
Ixi software and GOTO10

three day course exploring free and open source software available for live improvisation purposes such as real-time audio effects, controlers, audio and midi processing, as well as the creative possibilities of Pure Data in a live setup

The workshop is an introduction to GNU/Linux and audio for instrumentalists. No previous knowledge of GNU/Linux is needed but a basic knowledge of computers is! We’ll cover an introduction to GNU/Linux and all the classic software required for live purposes. Topics will include: an introduction to Linux audio, ALSA and soundcard configuration, using JACK to share audio and midi, real-time audio effects with JACK Rack and LADSPA, Linux audio distributions, how to set up a good working live audio station, and more!

Program overview

Day 1 11.00 – 13.00 Introduction to the pure:dyne operating system, tour of the software included on the liveCD and its extra modules, introduction to some basic GNU/Linux skills
14.00 – 15.15 ALSA and sound card configuration, and an introduction to JACK, the low latency audio server, that will be used to share audio and MIDI between the covered software
15.45 – 17.00 Simple example of JACK use: live input from an instrument, applying real-time effects using JACK Rack/LADSPA and recording the results with the Audacity sound editor

Day 2 11.00 – 13.00 Which GNU/Linux distribution is best for me? Live CD’s and regular distributions such as pure:dyne, APODIO, Musix, Debian Multimedia, Ubuntu Studio, 64 Studio, Planet CCRMA#
14.00 – 15.30 Introduction to Pure Data, build a simple sampler and connect it to the effect rack built the day before.
15.45 – 17.00 Interface design. Learn how to build a GUI in Pure Data to control your new live system

Day 3 11.00 – 13.00 Real time visuals with pdp, a small introduction to learn how to link sound events to video for a live set.
14.00 – 15.30 Extend your live experience with controlers, connect MIDI controlers to your system and use modified USB joysticks.
15.45 – 17.00 Live performance! play with the others using the system you built during the 3 days.

Prerequisites: bring your laptop, instruments, microphones, soundcards, mixers, USB joysticks, MIDI controlers!