[sdiy] Linux/no Gui/software SDIY (was: Another new hard to find part....)

[Linium]

On mercredi 7 Juillet 2004 21:54, Rainer Buchty wrote:
> > I wouldn't mind seeing a linux based soft synth that doesn't even use the
> > GUI.
>
> I second that. It would be great if the makers of VST plugins would not
> only hand out the Windows or Mac version, but also a standalone GUI-less
> version compiled for appropriate architectures, maybe StrongARM, or just
> x86, together with an interface description.
>
> That way one could easily build a standalone (soft) synth which doesn't
> require a long booting process, 100+ watts just for the CPU, plus the
> ordinary hassles of big and bloated operating systems.
>
> Rainer

Under Linux you can run the OS without the graphical server (in pure commande 
mode).

The Gui is basicly a quite optional "service", it is provided by a server 
layer called Xserver (wich Xfree is the free linux incarnation).
So, like under the DOS prompt, if you don't launch Xfree, your linux box will 
have a simple command prompt in SVGA mode where you log in and run the 
program you want (but they have to support this mode), and that's all. 

Csound can be runned like that without graphics at all. BTW, there is even a 
DOS (if i am correct) version of Csound.

Without all the graphical stuff, there are far less process running, it helps 
to keep jitter low in midi-audio i/o, also you get more of the power of your 
CPU, and i think it start to be really "available", perfect for a dedicated 
box.

PureData can be run with "-nogui" too, it won't try to open it graphic 
interface.  But, you will have manage to control your patchs with a midi 
interface (PD allows various devices to be used for interactions like 
joystick, keyboard, raw serial and // port, etc).  You won't even need a 
screen if you set a boot sequence that run immediatly PD or csound in this 
blind mode, and it should be faster to boot. Yep, you can forget the screen 
too, at least once all is well configured ;) . If you need occasionnally a 
screen to edit your patchs, simply add a cheap network card, then it is easy 
to remote-control the dedicated box from another PC.
 
------

Concerning the VST plugins, they can be runned without their fancy GUIs 
already in many VST hosts. It is possible to do so in PureData under windoz 
and even in PureData under linux via the ladspa wrapper with the same 
performance using Wine wich Is Not an Emulator (but behaving like so). You 
will just have to bind the vst port to some controllers or whatever you want.
Check this ! -> http://www.djcj.org/LAU/quicktoots/toots/vst-plugins/

On the other hand there is already a linux native plugin standart which 
doesn't require a GUI either. 
http://www.ladspa.org/  -> mostly effect but there some bandlimited vco too 
and some others generator. 

Linium